Widow Robbins II
March 2007
After hanging up their coats in the vestibule, Callie took Arizona's hand and proudly walked further into the church. As they walked down the aisle, Callie got all kinds of feels when she saw the decorations for the wedding. She wasn't going to lie to herself. After making the decision to live together, she couldn't help but picture Arizona in a white dress, waiting for her at the other end. They hadn't talked about it since her parents had visited, and she knew it was too soon to really talk about, but she hoped that was where their relationship was headed.
Arizona couldn't help but notice the broad smile on Callie's face. "What?"
"Nothing," Callie replied. "Just… you're awesome and I love you." She squeezed Arizona's hand and led her into a pew midway down the aisle and sat down behind Mark and Lexie. Huh, she wondered. Are they back on again? Then she noticed Arizona looking around the church. "Something wrong?"
"Does Derek's family not like or approve of Meredith?"
"What?" Callie asked, confusion on her face. "I think everything's okay on that front. Why?"
"I don't see any of them here. I thought at the very least his mom or Amelia would come to it."
"Why do you know so much about the Shepherd family?"
"I'm pretty sure I told you that I roomed with Amelia my first year of med school at Hopkins. Could have sworn I mentioned that." She looked around the room again. "I met their mom a few times, and one of the sisters. I think it was Nancy," she rambled on. "But I can't really be sure. There are a lot of girls in that family."
"Oh, that's right," Callie said. "I forgot you told me." She frowned. "It was when you told me about your wife. That's what I was focused on. That was more important than the Shepherd clan." Before she could continue, she was distracted by Derek walking down the aisle in a regular suit. "What's up with that?" she asked before leaning forward and tapping Mark on the shoulder. "Mark," she whispered. "Why is Derek sitting down in one of the pews?"
"I don't know," he said with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Isn't Derek marrying Meredith?" Arizona asked.
"I think so. I mean, that's what the invitations said. But if he's sitting in the pew, who's getting married?"
Their attention was quickly drawn to Alex Karev walking down the aisle by himself. He stepped up to the altar where he turned and watched Meredith and Cristina proceed down the aisle.
"Okay, now I'm really confused," Callie whispered. "What the heck is Karev doing up there? I'm pretty sure I saw Derek wearing that exact same suit when I walked by Izzie's room last week."
"Karev cleans up nicely," Arizona observed. "I'm surprised."
"And why isn't Meredith wearing a bridal gown? I thought she was the one getting married," Callie continued as she watched her and Cristina split up once they reached the altar, Meredith standing beside Alex.
"Ssh!" Lexie hissed as she turned around.
"Did you just shush me?" Callie bristled.
Lexie stood up and gestured with her head. Callie looked over her shoulder toward the back of the church. The rest of the guests in the church were now rising to their feet.
"Wait. what?" Callie said as she and Arizona both stood. "Oh, no." She groaned. "Really? Stevens? Izzie Stevens is marrying Karev?"
"I didn't think Karev and Stevens were that serious."
"They were barely dating when she got diagnosed."
"Is she worse than we're being told?" Arizona whispered.
Lexie shushed the pair again, earning a glare from Callie and a nod from Arizona.
Callie leaned forward so her mouth was next to Arizona's ear. "Deathbed wedding? Sounds about right for this place," she whispered softly. Arizona simply nodded as the processional played.
Izzie slowly began her walk down the aisle until she faltered. George immediately went to her and offered his arm. As they made their way to a waiting Karev, Callie felt oddly proud of George. He was a terrible husband, she thought, but at his core he's a fairly decent guy.
# # # # # # # # # #
Callie watched as Arizona replaced her empty champagne glass with a new full one. "How many glasses have you had?"
"I don't know. Two or three," Arizona answered, sipping from her glass.
"Hmmm." Callie doubted her answer, noting Arizona's flushed cheeks and slightly glassy eyes.
"It's good. It's like wine… with bubbles." She almost giggled.
Callie nodded as she grasped her elbow to guide them towards the buffet. "Okay, let's find some food."
"Oh, I'm not hungry," Arizona started to protest.
"Trust me. With the way you're tossing back the champagne, you'll thank me later."
Arizona surveyed the room for the happy couple. "I've been to my fair share of weddings over the years, but this reception is definitely something new for me. I've been to ones where the bride and groom left early, but never a no-show. I mean, I get it. Alex and Izzie went back to the hospital because they had to. But not even the original bride and groom showed up. The only one from the wedding party here is Cristina Yang," Arizona rambled as they stood in line at one of the buffet tables.
"And only because it's an open bar," Callie snarked as she watched Cristina order another drink.
"Ooh, look. Mini mac and cheese." Arizona quickly placed several on her plate.
"So I got us a room," Callie blurted.
"What?" Arizona turned to face her girlfriend, tongs paused in mid-air.
"A suite, actually. At the Archfield."
"For when?"
"Tonight, this weekend." Callie fidgeted for a moment. "Back when we celebrated your birthday we said we'd try to get away once a month." Arizona nodded. "Well, we've both been really busy and then I had no money."
"And that was okay, Calliope."
"Well, you've been so good to me since the whole 'my parents disowned' time that I wanted to spoil you."
Arizona furrowed her brow as she thought of what a weekend away would entail. "But what about tomorrow? I don't have any clothes…"
Callie interrupted her with a lecherous wink and grin. "Well you won't need any tonight."
Arizona almost dropped her plate.
"Also, I took it upon myself to pack you a bag for tomorrow and Sunday, including a swimsuit."
"A whole weekend?"
"Yes and your mom's bringing the girls by tomorrow for lunch and Cam and Vivvy are staying with us Saturday night. We talked about having them come with us for a weekend, kinda like a little mini-vacation for the four of us. They'll love the indoor pool and they've been really good with their swimming lessons." Callie shifted uncomfortably, wondering if she might have, possibly, taken too much for granted in setting up this surprise.
Arizona smiled widely and leaned forward to press a soft kiss to her lips. "What a wonderful idea! I love you."
Callie smiled back. "And I thought we could tell them I'm moving in."
"Sounds like an amazing plan." Arizona added a few of the mini mac and cheese cupcakes to her plate and Callie's. Callie was ready to protest until Arizona whispered in her ear, "You're going to want to eat something now for when I wear you out later."
"That's what room service is for," Callie shot back.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Arizona said,dumping the mac and cheese back into the serving dishes and setting their plates down. "Let's get out of here."
# # # # # # # # # #
Callie's head dropped back onto the pillow as she caught her breath. It didn't seem possible, but sex with Arizona just got better every time. "Wow."
Arizona kissed her way back up Callie's body. "Good, huh?" she asked with a cocky smile on her face as she hovered over Callie's.
"Always." Callie suddenly flipped Arizona onto her back. "Want to go again?"
Arizona tried not to be distracted by Callie's lips on her neck. "Do we, um, have time? I don't exactly know what the plan is for today."
For a brief moment, Callie glanced at the clock. "We have time, and we need to make the most of it." She returned to kissing Arizona's neck as she pressed her body down.
"Does that include enough time for a shower together after?" Arizona persisted, her hands gripping Callie's hips.
"Yes, if you stop talking." Callie silenced Arizona with a hard kiss.
Meanwhile, at Arizona's house, Barbara Robbins was trying to get the girls ready.
"Cam, Vivvy, time to pack your swim suits."
"Is Mommy and Callie meeting us at swimming?" Vivvy asked, pulling out her neon pink swimming suit. Cam tossed her neon green one on the bed.
"No. But you need to pack your pajamas and a change of clothes for tomorrow."
"Why?"
"You're going to stay with Mommy and Callie." While the grandmother knew the girls were curious, the constant questions were beginning to test her patience.
"Like a sleepover?"
"Yes."
"Why do we have to go to have a sleepover?" Cam grumbled as she rummaged around in her dresser for her pajamas. "Can't Callie just sleep over here like always?"
Vivvy's face lit up. "Are we having a sleepover at Callie's 'partment?"
Cam's demeanor shifted into excitement at this idea. "With Yang?"
"No, not at Callie's apartment. It's a special place." Barbara took out their backpacks. "Don't forget to pack your clothes for tomorrow, too."
"Can I bring Olive?" Vivvy asked, holding up her cherished pink otter from the aquarium. "I don't want her to be lonely."
"And I have to bring Sam and Sir Barksalot," Cam added, dropping her stuffed dog and shark into her backpack. "They have each other but they would miss me."
Barbara smiled at the twins as she checked their backpacks for their pajamas, a change of clothes and their toothbrushes. "All set," she said when done. "Time for us to get going."
"But where are we going?" Vivvy asked as they walked downstairs and to the car.
"It's a surprise."
"I like surprises," Vivvy said as Barbara buckled her into her booster seat.
"I don't," Cam pouted.
"You'll like this one." The elder Robbins bopped her on the nose as she checked her seat belt then closed the rear car door. She slid into the front seat and buckled her own belt. "Everyone ready?"
"Ready, sketti!" The girls chorused behind her.
On their way to the Archfield the girls spotted the hospital. "Are we going to daycare?"
"There's no pool to swim in at daycare, Vivvy," Cam pointed out.
"Just wait." their grandmother chided as she navigated the busy streets of Seattle.
As she parked the car, Barbara thought back to the one time she'd been to the Archfield. Daniel had taken her out for their anniversary a few years ago and they'd gone to the Archfield. It had easily been the most expensive meal she'd ever had; expensive, but really quite good. It had been one the most memorable anniversaries they'd spent together. Daniel had even inquired into getting a room for the night, but his eyes popped at the cost. No matter how much he loved his wife, he couldn't justify spending that kind of money for a hotel room. If the cost had been for a week, and not a night, he would've thought it reasonable. But a night? Babara had agreed with him. Reflecting back on that memory made her wonder just how well off Callie's family was.
The doorman in front of the main entrance straightened up even further when they approached him. Spotting his uniform with gold braid and buttons, Cam asked "Are you a soldier? Is this a army base?"
"No, Miss Robbins," he said with a smile. "This is the Archfield Hotel and I'm the doorman. Mrs. Robbins, our concierge is waiting inside for you," he added, holding the door open for the trio.
"Thank you," Barbara said politely, wondering how the doorman knew their names.
"Thanks, Mr. Doorman," the girls said with a wave as they followed their grandmother into the building.
"Grandmom, what's a hotel?" Vivvy asked.
"It's a place that people go to when they're on vacation. It's where they sleep. Some of them have pools and gyms while others have spas or restaurants."
"But why are mommy and Callie here?"
""Because Callie wanted to treat you all to a mini-vacation."
The girls stopped in their tracks once inside and looked around in awe at the grand foyer. "It's like a fairy tale," Vivvy said. "Look at the sparkly lights." She pointed at the chandeliers.
A smartly dressed woman immediately came over to them. "Mrs. Robbins? I'm Angela Caniglia. Dr. Torres asked me to escort you up to their suite."
"Oh, is that necessary?"
"Dr. Torres left explicit instructions."
"All right."
"And you must be Vivvy and Cam?" Angela asked the girls as she led them to a private elevator.
"I'm Cam!"
"And I'm Vivvy!"
Angela made some chit chat with the girls, asking them many questions while they rode up to the top floor of the hotel. They walked a short distance down the hall to a room with "AMB1" on the door. She knocked on the door and waited for a response. When none came, she raised her hand to knock again, but the door swung open to reveal Callie in a white robe and with wet hair.
"Callie!" The twins rushed forward to hug her causing her to stumble slightly.
Angela smiled at the group. "Have a pleasant weekend," she said as she slipped away.
"Did you have any trouble getting here?" Callie asked.
"We parked in a DUNGEON," Cam said excitedly.
Vivvy nodded alongside her. "It was dark and scary there, but then we came outside and there was a soldier at the door, but he said he's a doormat and it looked like fairies exploded down there."
Callie nodded along to the description and chuckled. "That's Stephen and he's a door-man, not a soldier, sweetie."
Cam felt a drop of water fall on her arm and noticed Callie's wet hair. "Did you go swimmin' without us? Grandmom, you said we was gonna go swimmin' with mommy and Callie."
Before Barbara or panicked Callie could answer, Arizona came breezing into the sitting area of the suite. "I thought I heard a couple munchkins." She knelt down to their level to give the kids big hugs. "Mmmmmm. I missed you, girls."
"We missed you, too, mommy." Vivvy saw her mother's hair was also damp and stuck out her lip. "But why'd you go swimmin' without us?"
Arizona tucked a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. "Honey, we didn't go swimming. I promise. We just got done with our showers because we slept late today." Callie's face reddened and Barbara gave them a smug, knowing look.
"Why did you sleep in so late?"
"Because we didn't wake them up!" Cam shouted.
Arizona chuckled and ruffled Cam's hair. "That's right, you weren't here to wake us up! We were out late last night for a wedding reception and were really tired this morning."
"What's a 'ception?"
"A big party after a wedding."
"What's a wedding?"
"It's when two people who love each other get married."
"Like a bride and groom?" Vivvy asked.
"Yes but it can also be two brides or two grooms. Last night there was a bride and groom."
"Are you and Callie gonna get married?" Vivvy asked innocently.
Callie blushed, Barbara beamed and Arizona weighed her response. She didn't want to be presumptuous, even though she knew in her heart she wanted to marry Callie. She also knew that she couldn't give the girls any false hope; really, any hope at all because they would never let it go. "Maybe someday. Who's hungry?" she deflected.
"Me, me! I am!"
"Me, too!"
"Are you going to cook something?" Barbara asked, eying the kitchen.
"Oh, no, we're gonna order room service."
"What's that?" asked Cam with a tilt of her head.
"The hotel will bring the food to our room."
Even though Cam and Vivvy were not picky eaters, Barbara couldn't imagine there would be anything on the menu that was for children. "Are you sure there's a children's menu?" she asked.
"Oh, they'll make whatever we want," Callie said nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal.
"Really?"
"Whatever we want?"
Callie nodded. "Whatever you want."
"I want a cheeseburger and fries," Cam declared.
"Me, too!" Vivvy echoed. "Can we, Mommy?"
"Well… "
"Please, Mommy?"
"Since it's a special occasion, you may."
The girls both clapped their hands. "But no pickles!"
"No pickles," Callie agreed. "I'll add a veggie platter, too. Arizona, Barbara? What would you like?"
Arizona looked at the room service menu. "I think I'd like the Caesar salad with salmon."
"That sounds tasty. I'll have the same," Barbara said.
"We'll make it three, with a basket of their rolls, which are to die for," Callie said. She considered mentioning that the hamburgers were made with Kobe beef, but since only the adults would be impressed, she decided to keep that tidbit to herself.
While they waited for their lunch to be delivered, they showed the girls the bedroom they'd be sleeping in. When they looked out the windows at the view, the girls marveled at how high up they were and how big the bed was that they would be sharing. It was one of those rare clear late winter days in Seattle and they could see Mt. Rainier. A perfect view for their mini-stay.
# # # # # # # # # #
After lunch, Callie took out a stack of DVDs that the hotel had provided. "Time for a movie before we swim."
"Where are we gonna watch?" Cam asked, looking around the room.
"There's no TV," Vivvy added.
"Just wait." Callie slyly palmed a remote control and stood in front of the sofa, facing the wall. "Open Sesame!" she commanded, waving her hands while pushing a button. A panel slowly slid open, revealing a large flat screen television.
"Wow! It's magic!"
"It's like bein' at the movies!"
"On that note, I need to get home," Barbara remarked, putting on her coat and picking up her purse.
"I'll take you down," Arizona offered.
"Oh, that won't be necessary. I can see myself out."
"Actually, no, you can't. You need a key for the elevator," Arizona explained.
As Arizona picked up the keycard on the coffee table, the girls began to bicker over which movie to watch.
"Nemo!"
"Stich!"
"Nemo!"
"Stich!"
They snuck out as they heard Callie suggest watching a movie they didn't have or hadn't already seen.
"Sure we should have left Callie alone with them?" Barbara chuckled.
"Callie's fine," Arizona answered with a wave of her hand. "She's been doing it for weeks. She's got them under her thumb."
"They are a bit more rambunctious than usual today with the excitement of being in a new place, though."
"Callie's got it, Mom." They stepped into the elevator and Arizona inserted the keycard.
"The hotel is amazing," Barbara commented. "The service is wonderful and the attention to detail the staff paid to us is quite something. They even knew Cam and Vivvy's names."
"That's what happens when they're catering to the owner's daughter and her guests," Arizona quipped with a smirk.
"What do you mean?" Barbara was confused.
"I thought you knew the Torres family owns the Archfield."
"And how exactly would I know that?" exclaimed an exasperated Barbara Robbins.
Arizona shrugged. "I thought you and Dad knew. I was sure it came up when her parents were here."
"Well, I certainly didn't know. All I knew was that Carlos is a businessman of some sort and Lucia is a lawyer," Barbara huffed. "It certainly explains how she can afford to treat you all. A suite? Room service? This place is expensive."
"Well, the room's comped and Callie gets a discount on everything else." Arizona's tone was casual and she shrugged her shoulders as if it were no big deal. Her actions did not match her thoughts, however. It was a big deal and Arizona still had trouble wrapping her head around Callie's wealth.
"I hope you aren't taking advantage of Callie's largesse."
"I would never!" Arizona protested. "This was not my idea at all!"
"I know. Callie told me she was doing it as she needed my help."
"Good."
The elevator stopped at the main floor. "We'll see the four of you sometime tomorrow?" Barbara asked when they exited.
"Yes. I'll call when we leave." She hugged Barbara. "Thanks for watching the girls last night and bringing them today."
"My pleasure."
Arizona watched her mother walk away before closing the elevator door and riding back up to the top floor. Callie and the girls were on the sofa watching the movie. Apparently Callie had been able to successfully negotiate a compromise movie.
"So what are we watching?" Arizona asked.
"Sssssh. Mommy!" Cam said then turned her attention back to the movie.
"Sorry." Arizona plopped down next to Callie. "Which one?" she whispered.
"Madagascar. I thought we'd watch part now, go for a swim and watch the rest after."
It was Vivvy's turn to chastise them. "Quiet!"
Halfway through the movie, Callie paused it. "Who wants to go swimming?"
"I do!" they both said at once.
"Go get your suits on."
The girls hopped down from the sofa and skipped off to their room.
"You brought a suit for me?" Arizona asked.
"I did," Callie said with a smirk. "I actually bought you a new suit."
"Callie…" Arizona shook her head. "You shouldn't be spending your money so freely on us."
"Oh, this is for me," she answered. She helped Arizona to her feet and gave her a quick kiss. "C'mon."
Hand in hand they went to their room. Callie rummaged through the bag she packed until she found the swim suit for tossed it to her.
Arizona held up the tiny bikini. "Callie, I can't wear this!"
"What's the problem? You'll look fantastic in it."
"Absolutely not. It doesn't look like it'd even fit one of the girls."
Callie sighed and pulled out a more modest one piece swimsuit. "It was worth a try."
"Thank you."
"Promise me you'll wear it for me some other time?"
"Maybe,"
"I'll take that maybe and hang onto it."
Arizona quickly changed into her suit. Even though it was a one piece and certainly not as revealing as the bikini, it still showed a bit more cleavage than she liked to show in public. Callie was already in her suit and had her robe on when Arizona exited the ensuite.
"Look what I got for the girls," Callie said, holding up small Archfield robes that were sure to fit the girls. "And no, I didn't buy them," she added, seeing the look on Arizona's face. "The hotel provided them for us."
"I'll have to get a picture of them wearing them."
"My mother would love that," Callie said.
# # # # # # # # # #
Arizona looked across the large king-sized bed at Callie. The twins were giggling as she poked at them and tickled them. The girls had come into their room a few minutes ago and jumped on the bed to wake them. Now they were just waiting for room service to bring their breakfast.
They were all certainly getting spoiled by Callie this weekend. Hotel Suite. Room Service. Swimming. She'd have to make sure Callie knew that this wasn't going to be a frequent occurrence. Once a year would be more than enough for them. She didn't care about the trappings of wealth. They loved Callie and spending time with her was all they needed.
"Can we go swimming before we go home?" Vivvy asked.
"I don't know if we'll have time," Arizona said. "What time is checkout?"
"Whenever. We could squeeze in a swim later this morning."
"Yay!"
The girls had had a great time in the pool the day before. The time had been far different from swimming lessons. Yesterday had been all about playing and they enjoyed it. They'd splashed around with them both, then spent time taking turns jumping off the edge of the pool into Callie's arms. Cam of course had gone first. After Cam had made a few jumps, Vivvy had decided that she didn't want to miss out on the fun and she'd jumped as well. Arizona was glad she'd taken a few pictures of both girls with Callie. She'd send them to their parents later.
"What are we having for breakfast?" Cam asked. "I'm hungry."
"Well, let me think," Callie said.
"Pancakes?" Vivvy asked hopefully.
"French Toast?" Cam didn't want her favorite to be left out.
"Yes to both. And waffles, and scrambled eggs, and sausage and bacon and fruit." Callie recalled the items she had ordered through room service.
"That's a lot of food."
"And coffee for Mommy and me, and cocoa for you two, and juice for us all." There was a knock at the door. "And there it is. Wait right here." Callie hopped out of bed and threw on her robe. "I'll be right back." Moments later Callie wheeled the large serving cart into the room. "I thought since it's a very special weekend, we could have breakfast in bed."
With promises from Cam and Vivvy to be careful while eating, Arizona plated the food and Callie set up the breakfast trays over their laps.
"My breakfast is soooo good," Cam said as she stuffed a large bite of French Toast into her mouth.
"Mine is yummy, too."
"I'm glad you like it," Callie said. "How's your waffle?" she asked Arizona.
"Very good. Real syrup, too."
"Nothing but the best for my girls," Callie said with a smile. The weekend had been perfect in her eyes, and having all them having breakfast bed just filled her heart. She couldn't wait to have these moments all the time.
As if reading Callie's mind, Arizona cleared her throat. "So, Cam, Vivvy, there's something Callie and I wanted to talk to you about."
"What?" Vivvy stopped nibbling on her slice of bacon.
"Well, Callie has agreed to move in with us."
"We'll all be together?"
"Like a family?"
"Yes, like a family."
"When?"
Arizona glanced over at Callie, who noticed her girlfriend's head tilt slightly. Callie cleared her throat slightly. "It'll probably be in a few weeks. I have a lot of stuff to pack. Plus, I need to ask people to help move boxes and such so it would depend on when everyone's schedules align." She knew she was babbling but couldn't seem to stop talking.
"So… soon, right?" Cam bounced excitedly, jostling some of the plates but not spilling anything.
The two adults shared a look of confirmation and both smiled. "Very soon." Callie agreed with a nod.
Vivvy scrambled across the bed to throw her arms around Callie's neck. "Yay!" Cam joined in doing the same. The sudden extra weight caused Callie to topple on her back, dragging the twins with her.
"Girls, it's not happening today." Arizona laughed. She started stacking the forgotten breakfast plates.
"Does that mean we still get to go swimmin'?" Cam questioned, not letting go of Callie's neck.
"We're still going to go to the pool today and I'm still moving in with you guys in a few weeks." Callie tweaked Cam's nose.
"Yay!" The girls exclaimed in unison.
"This is the best day ever!" Cam declared.
Callie and Arizona shared a smile. It truly was the best day.
# # # # # # # # # #
Callie exited the residents' locker room to find Mark leaning against the wall, waiting for her. "Hey, Cal," he greeted her.
"Mark."
"Where'd you disappear to? You left the reception early. Thought you'd stay for some dancing." He shoved his hands into the pockets of his lab coat.
"Oh, Arizona and I had a suite at the Archfield," she said as she began walking down the corridor.
"So where were you all weekend?" he asked, falling into step beside her.
"We spent the weekend there."
"Nice," he smirked. "Way to go, Torres." He held his hand up for a high five, but dropped it when she ignored it. "Did you even leave the room?"
"Yes, Mark," she said in a long-suffering tone, rolling her eyes. "We went swimming Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday."
"Skinny dipping?"
"Of course not! We had the girls, and even if we didn't, we still wouldn't have."
"The girls?"
"Yeah, the girls. You know? Arizona's kids? They joined us for a little mini-vacation. They were so excited. They'd never stayed in a hotel before. And we had so much fun. We watched movies, and ordered room service and they had a great time in the pool." She smiled to herself and took several more steps before she realized Mark had stopped walking. "What?"
"Who are you and what did you do with my badass best friend?"
Callie scowled. "What are you talking about?"
"You had a suite at one of the nicest hotels in Seattle for the weekend, and you spent it with kids?" He paused a beat before saying, "Bor-ing."
"Not the entire weekend," Callie smirked. "We had Friday night to ourselves."
"Ooooooh one whole night." he sang sarcastically. "You spend a lot of time with Robbins and her kids. Like, all of it," he commented as they continued down the hallway.
"Yeah, about that." Callie looked away from her best friend. She didn't know why it was so hard to tell him that she was moving in with Arizona and the twins.
"What? What did you do, Torres?" He stopped again and pinned her with a look.
"I'mmovinginwithArizona," she blurted in a rush of words.
"What? Speak English."
"I'm moving in with Arizona," she said a little more slowly.
He guffawed. "Be serious." She raised an eyebrow at him and he quickly sobered. "What? When?"
"Later this month."
"Cal…" Mark shifted uncomfortably.
"What?"
"Doesn't it seem kind of fast? She's got kids."
She rolled her eyes. "Duh. I know she's got kids, Mark."
"Is that what you really want - a ready made family?"
"Why are you so against Arizona and I being together? You were all for it when she and I first started dating. Now every time we talk, you're dissing my relationship with her."
"Because it was just dating. I didn't expect you to go all in and move in with her."
"Why does it matter that she's the one I decided to do that with?"
"Because you're supposed to be my wingman, Torres. How can you be my wingman if you're off playing mommy every day?"
"I love her, Mark," she said simply. "She makes me happy. The girls make me happy. Everything just fits with them, like we've always belonged, like we were supposed to be together." Seeing the somewhat disapproving look on his face, she shook her head. "I understand my parents first being against Arizona and I together. It was a shock to them. I don't get you, my best friend, being so opposed to it. If they can accept it, why can't you?" When he didn't respond right away, Callie scoffed. "I'll see you around, Mark."
"Callie, wait," he called out as he caught up to her by the elevator.
"What, Mark?"
"I'm sorry. I'm just looking out for you. With everything going on with Lexie…"
Callie sighed again and stopped in front of the elevator bay. "No, you're being the 'fake supportive friend'. Right now, you're Izzie Stevens."
"What? I don't have cancer."
"Not literally. Maybe a little." She shook her head to try to regain her train of thought. "When George and I were together, she was supportive but distrustful and was always in George's ear about her thoughts of me. Like you do to me about Arizona. Then not long after we got married, well…you know how that played out. My point is, you're being the friend who invents problems in my relationship by causing those problems." The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Callie stepped forward and pressed a button. "Figure out your shit with Little Grey but don't talk to me again until you can be onboard with me and Arizona."
# # # # # # # # # #
Callie sat on the sofa in her apartment, a stack of CDs on the coffee table and a box at her feet. She and Arizona hadn't talked about when exactly she was going to move in, but she wanted to get a headstart on some of the smaller things. The door swung open and her roommate entered the apartment. There was a slightly startled look on Cristina's face as she took in Callie's presence.
"You still live here?" Cristina Yang squeaked in surprise.
"Does it look like I don't still live here?" Callie waved her hands to point out all of her belongings in the room.
Cristina shrugged her shoulders. "I thought you left all that stuff for me."
"Hah," Callie scoffed. "Not likely."
"Whatever." She went to the kitchen and opened the cupboards in search of food. "There's nothing to eat," she complained.
"I ordered a pizza. It should be here soon. And there's beer in the refrigerator," She knew she needed to tell Cristina that she was indeed moving out. Better to do it over food and beer, she thought.
"I'm in for pizza." Cristina took out a bottle of beer and held it up. "You want one?" She grabbed another bottle and walked back to the sitting area. She handed Callie one of the beers and plopped down on the couch beside her. "I miss Roller Girl's leftovers," she sighed. "It's been too long."
"You had them last week."
"I'm used to getting them all the time." She put her feet up on the coffee table, crossing them at the ankle. "What's up with that, anyway? Why aren't you bringing them everyday?"
"I have the money to eat at the hospital. I'm not going to lean on Arizona for my meals when I don't have to."
"That's dumb. She wants to feed you and sometimes me, then let her. I mean, it's what you would do if you were living there."
Before Callie could respond, there was a knock on the door. She got up and crossed the room to open the door. While she was busy paying the pizza guy, Cristina surveyed the room and noticed several cardboard boxes. Callie closed the door and carried the pizza over to the coffee table, nudging Cristina's leg with the box as she did so.
Cristina dropped her legs and gestured to the boxes with her beer bottle. "What are you doing?"
"Packing up my CDs."
"Why? Are you selling them? You don't still need the money, do you? I thought you got your trust fund back."
"I did."
"Then why are you packing them?"
Callie grabbed a slice of pizza. "So, I'm moving out. I'm moving in with Arizona and the twins."
"Yes!" Her roommate threw her hands in the air victoriously. "Meredith owes me twenty bucks." Cristina cackled in joy at winning another bet with her best friend.
"That's all you have to say?" Callie huffed, a bit perturbed that the other woman didn't seem to care that she was leaving.
"I bet with her that you'd be moving in with her by May."
"You're not surprised?"
"Torres, I thought you'd already moved out."
"Right." Callie threw her pizza crust into the box of half eaten pizza. "You're okay with me leaving?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" She finished off her bottle of beer. "At least if you're not here, I don't have to worry about any surprise visits from the rugrats."
"I can still bring them by for a visit," Callie half-joked, half-threatened.
A look of horror crossed Cristina's face. "You wouldn't."
Callie shrugged nonchalantly. "I might. It depends."
"Depends on what?" Cristina was wary.
"Owen has a truck, right?"
"Yeeesss." She dragged out the confirmation.
"I need to borrow it to move."
Cristina sprang to her feet and walked into the kitchen to grab another beer. "Ask him yourself."
"Okay, fine. I will. I'll just stick the girls with you while we move my stuff," she said slyly.
"Noooooo!" Cristina nearly shouted. Callie pinned her with an intense stare and Cristina caved. "Ugh, fine. I'll talk to Owen."
"Thank you."
"Damn rich lady glares," she grumbled as she sat down again. "So are you taking everything with you?"
"I'm not sure. I need to talk with Arizona. You can have the dishes and pots and pans, not that you know how to use them," Callie laughed. "But I'm taking most of my kitchen stuff."
"Yeah, you can have them," Cristina said with a wave of her hand. "I don't even know what half of them are, anyway." She placed her hand on Callie's shoulder in an uncharacteristic friendly gesture. "I'm happy for you, Callie."
Callie felt her heart swell with emotion. "Thanks, Cristina."
"Just don't ask me to babysit."
Callie laughed. "Wouldn't dream of it."
# # # # # # # # # #
Callie stood in the doorway of the ensuite and quietly observed her girlfriend. Arizona had her laptop out and was frowning at something on the screen. "What's up?" she asked as she crossed the room and slid into bed. "A patient giving you trouble?"
"Yes, but not right at the moment. I'm trying to make reservations for all of us for Miami, and all the good flights are booked, and what I can find is really expensive. I knew I should've looked at flights when we first agreed to go to Miami for a visit." She shook her head in dismay "It's Easter break. I just didn't know if we could get the time off."
"Oh, don't worry about that. My dad's sending the company jet." Callie's tone was indifferent as she fluffed the blankets around her.
Her mother's words about taking advantage of Callie's wealth immediately came to mind. "Callie! We can't do that."
"Why not?" she asked innocently.
"It's too much, Callie. We're already staying at your family's palace."
"It's big but not a palace."
"All the things your parents and you have planned are really expensive. Things my parents and I could never fathom doing all at once is a Thursday afternoon for your family. And now the jet?! It's just all too much."
"It always comes down to the money," Callie said with a heavy sigh. "The family money that follows even when I try to get away from it." Callie looked down at her hands and missed seeing the guilty look cross Arizona's face. "My family doesn't know how to have tough conversations, so instead, they throw money at the issue. This trip is them feeling guilty about last fall and my birthday gives them the perfect excuse to throw money my way." She looked up and her eyes met Arizona's. "And including you and your family. It's their way of being accepting."
"I get that. I just don't like it." Arizona grumbled. "But when you put it like that, I don't know how to get around it."
"You can't."
"But promise me, Calliope. No more of these kinds of extravagances."
"I promise."
"I mean it, Callie."
"I promise, but Aruzona - "
"No 'buts', Callie." She picked up her laptop that she'd set aside. "I think we left out a step in this whole moving in process."
"What?" Callie asked nervously.
"Finances."
"Okay, and?"
Arizona opened her laptop, then opened a spreadsheet where she had her budget. "Now, I don't expect you to pay half of everything," she started.
"No. I will. I'm not just moving in with you, Arizona. I'm moving in with all of you."
"Callie."
"Look, Arizona. I have a lot, and I mean A LOT of money. It's mine to do with what I want. And if I choose to spend it on you, or the girls, I will."
"Callie, I don't expect you to, nor do I need you to."
"If you want me to be a part of this family -"
"I do, We do."
"Then let me. If they need new shoes, or school supplies, let me contribute. If that's not what you want me contributing towards, let's choose a few bills right now that we can put in my name. I insist."
Arizona mulled over Callie's declaration. She knew she was being overly sensitive about the money, but she didn't want her girls to grow up spoiled. But she also didn't know how to say that to Callie without offending her or accusing her. "Okay, but one condition."
"What?"
"Any big purchases, like plane rides or fancy gifts, we discuss first."
"We will. I promise." She leaned over and closed Arizona's laptop. "Maybe we could discuss other things like the actual moving in?"
Arizona smiled in relief. She'd expected more pushback from Callie. "That's a great idea. Do you know when you can?"
"Well, I can start moving the little things, like clothes, right away. We can bring a few boxes over every night."
"There's plenty of room in the closet. I barely use half of it."
"And there's some kitchen stuff I'd like to bring that you don't have, or that I prefer."
"Okay." Arizona thought for a minute. "Maybe we could go through your apartment and see what else you want to bring. I want to make sure you have everything you want."
"There isn't enough room for all of my things."
"Nonsense. You can have the basement. It's finished. Tim and Dad remodeled it a few years ago. It's even got a half-bath. You can set up your bat cave, I mean personal space" she teased. "You can put a sofa down there, a desk, even your TV for gaming."
"Arizona, I don't need all of that space."
"It's only fair that you have a place of your own. If you'd rather share my office…"
"No, no, that's too small for just you, much less both of us."
"Then the basement is yours and I'll keep my tiny office. It'll be a good place for you to study for your boards. You need a place to escape to when it all becomes too much. Believe me, you'll thank me later."
"You and the girls will never be too much for me." She leaned across the bed and placed a sweet kiss on Arizona's cheek. "I can't wait to move in with you and Cam and Vivvy."
"We can't wait, either. We've loved having you here as much as you've been the past few months, and having you all the time. Well, I can't think of anything better."
"Well, I bet I can think of a few right things that are better," she flirted as she pressed Arizona back against the mattress.
"Such a sweet talker."
"Only for you."
# # # # # # # # # #
Addison set her wineglass back down on the nightstand and resumed folding Callie's clothes that were piled on the bed. She was now beginning to question herself about volunteering to help her friend pack. "Are you sure you're going to have enough room for all your clothes?"
"I don't have as many as you, Addison," she countered.
"Valid point." She carefully placed the red top into the box on the floor. "Still, you do have a lot of clothes."
"The master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet and it's half-empty because, you know, um, Arizona's wife, um, late wife, no longer has any clothes there," she explained before taking a large sip from her own glass of wine. "Arizona said she got rid of her clothes years ago." She tossed a bra into a separate box. "There's plenty of room."
"Callie, are you absolutely sure about moving in with Arizona and her daughters?"
Callie gave her friend a sharp look. "Of course I am. Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Well, you do have a history of making impulsive decisions," Addison said delicately.
"Arizona is NOT George!"
Addison could almost imagine Callie's hackles rising. "No, she certainly isn't," she agreed, her voice calm. "But…"
"But what?"
"You've been dating for how long?"
"More than six months."
Addison dropped another folded top into the box. "I like Arizona, I do. And she's been good for you. But don't you think it's moving too quickly?"
"Does time really matter when you know it's right?" Callie emptied the rest of the drawer into a box. "Have you ever seen me happier, Addison?"
Addison smiled. "No, I haven't. You and Arizona, and the twins, all look so happy when you're together."
"That's because we are." Callie chewed her lip in thought. "It just seems like everyone except Yang thinks it's too soon."
"Do you?"
"No. I wish it had happened sooner. Besides, I'm basically moving into a place where I pretty much live now."
Addison nodded slowly. "That's true. But you realize that the dynamics are going to change once you're there full-time."
"And I can't wait. I know to everyone else it seems like we're skipping steps and rushing things, but to me, it feels like I'm jumping off a cliff only to discover I have wings and can fly."
"Are you going to change careers and become a poet now?" her friend teased throwing a pair of socks at her.
"Maybe I will. Just to annoy you." The pair burst into laughter.
Addison folded another top. "Do your parents know?"
"Know what?"
"That you're going to be living with Arizona?"
"No, not yet. I'll tell them when we visit next month." Callie gave Addison a half-smile. "Better to have people around so they don't get all religious on us again."
"Religious?"
"Yeah. Living in sin and all that."
Addison chuckled, glad she hadn't grown up with a family that was religious, other than attending maybe once a year. "Have you and Arizona talked about what to do with some of your bigger items?"
"We did a walk through a few days ago."
"So what are you taking besides clothes and other personal items? Any furniture?"
"Well, the sofa and my desk are going into the basement. Arizona suggested I set up a space of my own. She said it could be my bat cave." Callie scowled and Addison laughed again. "Can you believe that?"
"Seems appropriately named. You have to admit, this apartment is decorated on the dark side." Addison reached for another empty box. "Any other furniture?"
"We're going to put my bedroom set into the guest room. Arizona doesn't have anything in it." Callie frowned. "I never understood why she doesn't have anything in there. I guess she really doesn't need a guest room since her parents live down the street or maybe one of the twins was going to move into it." She shrugged her shoulders. "I'm leaving my TV for Yang. I'm going to buy a new, big flat screen one."
Addison knew how much Callie envied the TV in her apartment. That had been one of the things they'd enjoyed when she first moved into the building. Callie would bring a bottle of wine up and they would watch trashy rom coms. Those times had become less frequent the more time Callie spent with Arizona, though. "I hope we still get our movie nights from time to time," Addison commented.
"Absolutely. I still want those."
"Good to know you're not an old married lady yet," Addison teased as she got up from her spot on the bed. "I need a refill and a break."
"You know you don't have to help, Addison," Callie said, following her out to the kitchen.
"Nonsense. It's what friends do. You helped me unpack. It's only fair I help you pack." Addison lifted the bottle of wine to see if she wanted another glass. Callie nodded and Addison refilled their glasses. "Speaking of friends, any idea why Mark has made himself so scarce lately? I've barely seen him since the wedding. Did something happen there?"
"Other than Alex marrying Izzie instead of Derek and Meredith getting married? No, not there."
"Hmmm."
"Unless you call him meddling in my life again something."
"What did he do this time?" Addison asked with a sigh. Sometimes their friend just couldn't help himself.
"I got tired of his snide comments about Arizona and the girls and I called him on his crap. I if he couldn't be truly supportive then I didn't need him."
"Mark can be a great friend, but he does have problems with boundaries."
"No shit," Callie huffed.
"He's scared, and when he's scared he acts like a jerk."
"Scared? Why?"
"You're moving on with your life. You don't need him, and Mark so loves to be needed."
"Mark needs to grow up."
"He does."
Addison had made her own mistakes with Mark over the years. She was encouraged by Callie setting some boundaries with Mark so she wouldn't repeat her mistakes. She hoped it would work, and that they'd be able to maintain their friendship. Her own friendship with Mark had had some setbacks but it seemed they had finally found a balance. She could only hope Callie could do the same.
# # # # # # # # # #
"It's nice of Owen to help us move," Arizona said as she parked the car behind his truck.
"Yeah." Callie chuckled to herself.
"What?"
"Oh, I threatened Yang to ask him to lend his truck to us. I guess I put the fear of God into her and she had him volunteer to help,"
"Threaten her? With what? Scut?"
"Even worse." Callie's chuckle turned into a laugh. "Told her she'd have to babysit Cam and Vivvy if she didn't."
"Callie, you didn't, did you?"
"I sure did," she replied, getting out of the car. It was then that she noticed Mark sitting on the front steps of the apartment building. "What's he doing here?" she snapped.
Arizona put her hand on Callie's arm to stop her from marching over and confronting him. "Give me your keys, Calliope. I'll go up with Owen and my dad. You need to talk to him."
"Maybe I don't want to." She almost pouted but handed her keys to Arizona.
"Talk to him," Arizona repeated, then gave Callie a kiss on the cheek before leading Owen and Daniel into the building.
Callie warily approached Mark and he stood up. The jeans and the sweatshirt he was wearing were a far cry from his usual attire. "Mark."
"Hey, Cal."
"What are you doing?"
"I thought you could use some help."
"I've had enough of your help lately, Mark." She started up the steps,
"Cal, wait."
"What, Mark?" Her shoulders slumped. She really didn't have time for this.
"I've been thinking about what you said and understand that I haven't been the most supportive of all this." He awkwardly waved his hand.
"That's an understatement."
"But the past few weeks have really sucked without talking to you. So this is me getting on board. If you'll have me."
Callie considered his words before speaking. "No more trashing my relationship with Arizona? No more calling her 'Blondie' all the time?"
"No more. I promise."
"I mean it, Mark. One more crass comment and we're through for good."
"I mean it, too," he said sincerely. He held out his arms for a hug. Callie hesitated then went into his arms for a heartfelt hug. "I've missed you, Callie."
"I've missed you, too, Mark."
"We need to get upstairs and help with the furniture."
"We do." Callie hooked her arm through Mark's and led him into the building. "Just a warning," she said, pushing the button for the elevator.
"What?"
"Do whatever the colonel tells you."
"The what?" He was confused.
"Arizona's father. He's a retired Marine colonel."
"So?"
"He can be very scary."
"Pfft. He won't scare me."
"Don't say I didn't warn you." Callie pushed the slightly ajar door open and they entered her soon-to-be former apartment. Daniel and Owen had already taken the bed apart. The dressers were in the living room, waiting to be moved.
"So, you and I will load the last of the boxes into my car," Arizona explained. "Then we'll take the drawers down while the guys take the dressers and the couch down."
"Who's staying with the car and truck to keep an eye on the stuff?"
"That would be me," Cristina said, scrambling from the couch to her feet. "But it's gonna cost you, Robbins."
"I would think letting you have my TV is enough payment," Callie cut in.
"I could just assign you to peds," Arizona teased. Seeing the look of horror on Cristina's face she gave in. "One week of leftovers?"
"With dessert?" Arizona nodded. "Deal."
"Softie," Callie said to her girlfriend.
"It's fine. Mom's cooking up a storm today while we load the truck."
Callie and Arizona each picked up a box and walked out to the elevator, Cristina behind them. "You couldn't carry one measly box?" Callie asked Cristina when the three women stepped into the elevator.
"Can't." She held up her hands, a coffee in one hand and a bag of chips in the other.
"Right," Callie scoffed with a roll of her eyes.
Once those boxes were loaded into Arizona's SUV, the couple went back to the apartment, leaving Cristina sitting on the steps. She was still there when they returned with another load of boxes. "This is not how I wanted to spend my day off," Cristina grumbled as she popped another chip into her mouth. "I'd rather watch paint dry."
"Paint dry?"
"At least it'd be inside and WARM!"
"It won't be that much longer. The guys are bringing down the dressers now."
Cristina frowned at her empty coffee cup. "You're leaving the coffee maker, right?"
"Yes. Do you even know how to make coffee?" Callie's voice was heavy with sarcasm.
"Of course," Cristina rolled her eyes. "Coffee I can do."
Having the elevator made the moving process much easier. It was only a few steps to the elevator and then down a few stairs where Owen's truck was parked. After having made many, many moves in his life, Daniel had the loading of furniture into a science. Everything fit exactly where he wanted it.
"I'm really glad we're keeping your bed," Arizona said as they watched the bed frame slide into the truck beside the mattress and box springs. It was the last piece to be loaded.
"Yeah?"
"I'm rather fond of it." She brushed her palm over her head to smooth some flyaway strands of hair.
"Why?" Callie's eyebrows knit together as she tried to solve her girlfriend's puzzling love for her bed.
"It's really comfortable."
"It is."
"And it's where we first.." Arizona smiled with a dreamy eyed look on her face. "Yeah, I have really good memories of that bed."
Behind them Cristina Yang made a gagging sound and gesture.
Mark dusted his hands off and approached his friend and her girlfriend. He'd worked hard and had kept his mouth shut. Callie was sure it was the intimidating countenance of the colonel that had kept him in line. "You gonna need help unloading, too?" he asked.
"Yes, but we don't have room in the car or truck for you." Arizona commented in a clipped tone.
"I can drive. Just give me your address."
"Yang, are you coming with us?" she questioned.
"No."
"My mom's made a big pot of spaghetti."
Cristina considered her options. "Garlic bread, too?"
"Of course. And dessert," Arizona added.
"Ok, I'm in. But I'm not carrying anything." Cristina jumped to her feet as Callie glared at her. "Anything heavy," she amended quickly.
"Great! The sooner we're unloaded, the sooner we can eat."
"Yang, are you gonna ride with me?" Mark asked.
"No. I thought I'd ride with Owen."
"Why don't we do it this way?" Arizona suggested to the group. "Cristina can ride with Owen, Dad can ride with me, and Callie, you can ride with Mark. That way you can give him directions."
"That works."
Rides sorted out, the groups split up and went to the respective cars.
"So that's the Yang Cam and Vivvy talk about," Daniel said when they were underway.
"Yes."
"I don't get it."
Arizona laughed. "No one does. She doesn't even like kids."
He shook his head and chuckled. "It'll be interesting to see her interact with the girls when we get to the house."
Arizona laughed. "If it weren't for the food, she wouldn't even come with us."
He was quiet for a minute or two. "That Mark fellow…"
"Mark is Callie's best friend," she stated quickly.
"You don't like him," he pressed.
"He's an excellent surgeon."
"But you don't like him."
"I don't dislike him. I just find him… annoying at times." She chose her words carefully.
"Hmmm."
Arizona absolutely did NOT want to get into Callie and Mark's history with her father. She didn't care what her father thought of Mark, but she didn't want her father's opinion of Callie to change. They had a good relationship and if he knew about it, he'd go all protective Papa Bear on both Callie and Mark. No, she wasn't going to tell him or her mother about that aspect of the pair's relationship. It was not her place to divulge that information.
The rest of their ride was silent. Arizona pulled into the garage and Owen backed his truck into the driveway, Mark parking next to it. The front door swung open and Cam and Vivvy dashed out.
"Yang!" they shouted happily.
Cristina froze. In her thoughts of having a good meal, she'd forgotten about the twins. "Shit," she muttered under her breath as the two girls ran up to her.
"Are you here to play with us?"
"Can you play a game with us?"
Panicked, Cristina grabbed a box from Callie's hands. "I can't. I have to help move these boxes."
"I'm sure we can handle moving a box of blankets, Yang," Callie said, taking the box back from her.
"Torres," Cristina hissed.
"Yay!"
"We can play Operation!"
"It's our favorite game!"
The girls each took a hand, and dragged Cristina into the house, much to the amusement of everyone in the driveway. All thoughts of trying to figure out a way to get out of playing with the twins fled Cristina as soon as the aromas emanating from the kitchen reached her.
"What's all this?" Barbara asked the three of them.
"We're gonna play Operation with Yang!" Vivvy explained excitedly.
"Well, not down here. Take her to your playroom."
"Okay."
"Maybe we can play Barbies after the game," Vivvy suggested.
Barbara laughed at the look of terror on the resident's face.
"Shoot me now," Cristina muttered.
"Oh, you wanna play Chutes and Ladders? We have that game, too," Cam said with glee as they disappeared up the staircase.
Unloading took more time as there were loads going upstairs and down into the basement. While the guys moved the furniture, Arizona went right to work assembling the bed with Callie's help. Barbara stopped in with freshly laundered sheets and blankets once they were done.
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Would you tell the others?"
"Sure thing, Mom."
"I'll let the girls know," Callie said with a grin. She couldn't wait to see how Cristina was faring with the girls. She peeked her head into the playroom. Cristina was sitting on the floor, her head bent and her focus completely on the game.
"It's time for dinner," she announced.
"No, not yet. I haven't got the breadbasket yet," Cristina said.
"You've tried THREE times," Vivvy said with a whine.
"Your turn is 'sposed to end when the buzzer buzzes." Cam added with a similar whine.
"And I almost had it except Torres startled me." Cristina's whine was close to matching the twins's whines.
"But it's 'sketti night."
"And we're hungry."
"We've been smelling it ALL day."
"Game's over, Yang," Callie said.
"But - "
"Just schedule a rematch." Cristina scowled and grumbled under her breath, much to Callie's amusement. "Girls, what happens if you pout?" Callie asked.
"No dessert."
"No dessert, Yang. Is that what you want?"
"No." Cristina dropped the tweezers.
"Good. Go wash your hands and come down."
"You can wash your hands in our bathroom, Yang. We have sparkly soap."
"Oh, goody," Cristina said with a grimace.
The girls quickly washed their hands, then darted down the stairs for dinner, leaving Cristina scrubbing away at the glitter in the soap that now covered her hands. Cam and Vivvy stopped in their tracks when they saw two strangers standing by the table.
"Who are you?" Cam asked.
"Girls, this is Owen and Mark. They both work with Callie and I."
Owen gave them a polite yet friendly smile and the girls returned it. Mark grinned and Vivvy stepped behind Arizona, Her actions surprised the Robbins family. Vivvy wasn't normally the suspicious one. Cam was apt to be more wary.
"You're tall," Cam said, tilting her head back to look up at him. "Do you play basketball?"
"Not often, I'm a surgeon," he answered.
"Do you fix bones and kids like Mommy and Callie?"
"I'm a plastic surgeon. I fix -"
"Be careful what you say, Sloan," Arizona warned.
"I fix cuts and burns," he said blandly.
"Where's Cristina?" Arizona asked, looking around the room. Her father was already seated at one end of the table, her mother to his left. Vivvy sat between Barbara and Callie, and Cam was seated on the other side of Callie. Owen and Mark were sitting on the opposite side of the table from Callie and the twins. Mark was making faces at Cam and she was giggling.
"Right here. Don't start without me," Cristina said as she rushed into the room. She was still trying to rub the glitter off her hands when she sat down between Owen and Mark.
"New scrub soap, Yang?" Mark teased.
"It's sparkly soap," Vivvy explained, cutting off Cristina's retort.
"Everything okay?" Owen asked Cristina.
"I'm fine."
"Are you Yang's boyfriend?" the ever observant Vivvy asked Owen.
Owen blushed, opened his mouth to speak, then closed it.
"Yes," Cristina said matter-of-factly, then grabbed two slices of garlic bread.
"It's not every day I get to sit at a table with so many beautiful women," Mark commented as Arizona passed the bowl of spaghetti to him.
Barbara noticed her daughter cringe at his remark and wondered what that was all about. Now wasn't the time to ask her, but she was sure to file it away for another time.
"So, before we eat," Arizona said with a pointed look at Cristina who'd stuffed a piece of gals bread into her mouth. "I'd like to thank everyone for their help today. It's true what they say, many hands make light work."
"Anytime, Blon - Robbins." Mark corrected himself when he saw the glare from Callie.
"Can we eat now?" Cam asked.
"Yes, you may."
"Finally," Cam said with a sigh.
# # # # # # # # # #
Arizona closed the front door after bidding her parents goodnight. Mark had been the first to leave, followed by Cristina and Owen. Barbara had plied Cristina with enough leftovers for a week, including an entire pie.
"Well, I'm glad that's done. It went well, don't you think?" Arizona asked Callie.
"It did." Callie put her arm around Arizona's waist. "Mark was a big help today and he kept his mouth shut for the most part."
"You mean he acted like an adult?"
Callie stepped back from Arizona. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing. Forget I said it." Arizona walked further into the house.
"Your mom was kinda weird with him."
"Weird how?"
"Like she didn't like him. She doesn't even know him."
"I hadn't noticed."
"Yeah, she was polite and everything with him, but you know how your mom is warm and inviting to everyone?" Arizona nodded. Her mother was always warm and friendly with everyone she met. "She was kinda cool to him. Very curt, almost abrasive."
"Maybe she was just tired from cooking and helping with the move."
"Maybe. I noticed Vivvy wasn't too keen on him, either."
"Well, Mark is loud," Arizona dismissed. "Maybe she was just a little frightened?"
Callie shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe. It's just, Vivvy is like your mom. She likes everybody. I was surprised, that's all."
"There was a lot going on today. That's all. I wouldn't worry about it. It's not like Mark is going to be around the girls all that much."
"True."
"Speaking of the girls, I have an idea."
"What?"
"Just wait." Arizona called out to the twins and they came running down the stairs. "Girls, I have a surprise for you."
"What?"
"What do you say we have a pajama party to celebrate Callie moving in. We can all watch a movie together in our pajamas in - " She looked at Callie. "In our room."
"Jama Party! Yay!"
"Go get your pajamas on and we'll get ours on," Arizona instructed the girls. Once Cam and Vivvy were up in their room, Arizona turned to Callie. "I hope you don't mind. I should've asked you first."
"It's fine. It's a good idea."
"When they fall asleep and we put them to bed - in their own beds - I have another idea for us that doesn't involve wearing any pajamas."
"Tell me more," Callie grinned sultrily as she pulled Arizona into a tight hug..
"I thought we could re-christen our bed since it's now, you know, ours."
"I think that's an excellent idea," Callie agreed before kissing Arizona.
Before the kiss could deepen, the girls shouted down the stairs for them to hurry up.
"Still happy about moving in?" Arizona asked.
"I couldn't be happier."
Hand in hand, the two women headed up the stairs ready to attack whatever came their way. Together and as a family.