Overnight, the panic of the flight set in. She didn't even need to close her eyes to reimagine the plane crash, her body in full panic mode simply by packing her case. The phantom pain in her residual limb returning with full force, tears streaming down her face as she forced her body to recognise the limb that had been lost. Her skin still crawling with the memories of bugs eating at her exposed flesh flooded her mind while flushing hot and cold between the freezing temperature that surrounded them and the infection setting her body on fire from the inside out. No part of Arizona could escape the feeling of being back in the woods, no part of her could shut off the feelings of the trauma she suffered in those four long days.

By morning, Arizona hadn't a minutes sleep, she was exhausted, petrified and didn't know how she was going to make it through the day.

She paced the length of the house wondering how she was going to do it. She considered sleeping tablets, popping them jusy before boarding but her anxiety and the lack of control quickly discarded that idea. What if she woke in the woods again? She could have a few drinks to settle her nerves but would turning up drunk really be ideal? She definitely couldn't have dealt with the crash the way she did if she had been drunk. She had already downloaded a few podcasts and music which would be her lifeline but she wasn't sure it would be enough.

As the morning went on, Arizona quickly realised that she couldn't do it.

Arizona- I can't do it. I thought I could but I can't. I can't get on a plane. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry

Callie had been expecting the message, she was more than aware of Arizona's fear due to her previous experience and that's why she was currently sat at JKF Airport waiting to board a flight to Seattle to bring Arizona back to New York with her. She wasn't planning on telling her that but she had a feeling it would be needed.

Callie- you can. I know you can. One step at a time. Can you just make it to the airport?

Arizona- yeah, I just can't, I can't get on the plane Callie

Callie- it's all going to be ok. I'm just going into surgery so I won't be able to talk until about an hour before you fly. Please just go to the airport, check in and I'll call as soon as I'm out. I promise

Arizona- ok, I'll try

Of course Callie wasn't going into surgery but it was believable to Arizona. She spent the next hours pacing before finally calling an Uber to take her to the airport. Her breathing was irregular but like Callie said, one step at a time. She needed to get to the airport at least, she needed to push herself to breaking point. She had to do everything in her power to get to Sofia without backing out.

While Arizona was in the Uber, Callie's flight was preparing to land. She couldn't wait to hit the ground to know if Arizona had made it or if she was going to have a mad dash to get her and make it back to the airport in time for their flight. Callie had called the airline, explaining she was booking separately from Arizona but asked if they could be seated together and upgrading their seats to make Arizona as comfortable as possible, the company gladly agreeing. Being on the same flight wouldn't be enough, Arizona would need her right next to her.

As soon as her cell signal kicked in Callie called "I did it, I'm at the airport. I checked in and I'm at gate 108" Arizona answered without any form of greeting. "I'm so proud of you. You can do this, I'm going to be with you every step of the way Arizona" that's all she could wish for, Callie next to her on her first flight since the crash "I wish you were, but can you just talk to me for as long as possible? About anything at all" Callie of course agreed. She had disembarked from her flight, re checked in and was heading towards gate 108 remaining on the phone as promised.

"I really wish you were here Cal, I don't know if I can do this" Arizona's words almost timed to perfection as Callie stood behind her. She placed a hand on the blondes shoulder "I wouldn't ever let you do it alone" Arizona turned her head at the familiar voice behind her, she honestly believed her eyes were tricking her, why was Callie stood at the airport in Seattle "your... what" Arizona unable to form a sentence.

Sitting next to Arizona and taking her hand in her own "I knew you would need me, so I booked a flight here to fly you to our baby girl" tears left Arizonas eyes as she squeezed her loves hand harder "I believe in you, of course but this isn't something you do alone. So as you wished, I'm here. I'm sorry I lied about being in surgery but I needed a reason why my cell couldn't be on during the flight" Callie's story cut short as she felt two arms wrap around her neck, a mixture of fear and relief evident in other women's actions "it's going to be ok sweetheart" Callie comforted taking her ex wife back into her arms for the first time in a number of months. Slowly brushing through her hair and rubbing circles on her back allowing Arizona to ease into her.

Arizonas mind was in overdrive. She couldn't come to terms with what Callie had done, Callie has essentially flown to Seattle to fly back to New York just so she wouldn't be alone. Arizonas entire body warmed at the gesture, knowing a part of Callie still had to love her to even consider doing this. She always believed she could do anything with Callie by her side, and she wasn't going to allow this to be an exception. Callie knew her, how to calm her, compose her. How to distract her and what to talk about, she also didn't appear too off put by the physical contact Arizonas imitated when they came face to face for the first time.

If truth be told, Callie enjoyed the physical contact. She had told herself she didn't miss Arizona but she did. Callie had always been hotheaded by nature and this time, leaving her wife, she really burned herself badly but had too much pride to admit it. Now she lived thousands of miles from the woman she loved and her daughter had been put through the distress of separation.

But right now, none of that mattered, all that mattered was supporting Arizona onto the plane so she could see Sofia. Of course she could have just brought Sofia too Seattle with her but she wanted to give Arizona a sense of confidence and achievement, not to think that Callie thought she'd fail at the first hurdle.

As the time counted down for them to board, Arizona's panic gradually increased, Callie could feel her palms sweating between their still entwined fingers and her breathing was shallow. Lifting Arizona's chin in an attempt to gain her eye contact "I've got you, whatever you need, whatever you want, you tell me" she comforted, physical contact was what Arizona needed, leaning her head onto Callie's shoulder and enjoying the feeling of Callie's protective arm around her shoulder. Arizonas love language was physical touch, Callie knew this and knew it would be what was needed.

Callie had prepared as much as she could in the 24 hours notice she had, she had Arizona's favourite snacks tucked away in her purse, she had preordered them food and drinks for during the flight as a distraction. She had a deck of cards, a handful of photos and one of Sofia's art books which she hoped would offer a few minutes of conversation too.

The announcement was made that the flight was beginning to board, fear across Arizona's face increased as she stood looking at the plane through the window. The air stewards aware of the fear, the story had made headlines across the country and everyone knew about the doctors who had endured the tragedy.

Opting to board last, Callie held Arizona's one hand in her own, guiding her towards the gate exit with her other arm wrapped around her body. "I can't" Arizona froze at the exit, but Callie kept walking "you can sweetheart, we can together, just think of Sofia, she's going to be waiting for you in New York and she really wants to see her mommy" those words kept Arizona's feet stepping one in front of the other. Sofia was all that was on her mind, that and her wife's arms around her. While she knew Callie was now her ex wife, the divorce hadn't been finalised and many details were unsettled so for now, at least, they were still married.

The business class area was quiet, both Callie and Arizona thankful that they didn't have much of an audience. Arizona settled herself in the oversized seat closest to the aisle, opting to sit away from the window allowing Callie to take the empty seat beside her. "I am so proud of you" Callie whispered, Arizona's eyes remained tightly closed as she squeezed Callie's hand. "You have two options for the first part of the flight" Callie told Arizona, softening her facial features as she relaxed into Callie's voice "what are my options" she asked welcoming the distractions, she didn't want to hear them preparing to take flight. She didn't want to know the doors were being locked or watch the safety feature showing the use of life jackets.

It was pre agreed that Arizona and Callie sat in row 1 and the safety display would take place behind them. "Would you like a glass of wine or a donut while we enjoy our first episode of friends?" The offer of two of her favourite things caused Arizona's one eye to open looking if Callie was joking. She wasn't. In her hand was a box of 6 fresh rainbow sprinkled donuts which made Arizona's mouth water slightly. Callie knew these were her favourite donuts "Can I only pick one?" She asked causing Callie to laugh "this once you can pick both" she agreed. So with a glass of wine in one hand and a donut in the other, Callie placed the headphones in Arizona's ears just in time as the plane began it's journey to the runway and the air stewards began their safety briefing.

As the movement began, Arizona's wine was placed in the holder needing Callie's hand in her own. While she was distracted by the donut and her favourite episode of friends, she was brutally aware of the mechanical beast that was now moving but grateful she couldn't see or hear the safety feature. With Callie's fingers entwined in her own, Arizona tried to relax into her favourite episode playing in front of her. Taking in the smell and taste of her favourite donut and the feeling of safety that only Callie could provide.

The movement stopped, but only for a moment. Despite the episode blaring in her ears, the familiar rumble of the engines preparing for takeoff were unmissable. The donut now dropped next to the wine, Arizona crawled as close to Callie as the seat belt would allow, Callie instantly mirroring her actions. The small distance between them allowed the blonde to bury her face into Callie's chest, the feeling of her lovers heartbeat keeping her grounded despite currently ascending thousands of feet into the air.

The familiar voices of six characters talking in her ears was comforting, although she already knew this particular episode line for line. The most comfort came from Callie's touch, she could feel fingers running through her hair, gently grazing her scalp while the fingers on her other hand remained entwined with Arizona's. She had Callie's 100% attention, for the first time in a long time and she felt tears form in her eyes at the longing feeling she had craved.

This was the attention Arizona craved just months prior, the day following Arizonas return Callie had been amazing but she was quickly unclear between her role as wife and orthopaedic surgeon. Of course Arizona only trusted her wife to treat her leg, despite it being forbidden to treat family. No one in the hospital had the heart to say no after what they had been through but there was a fine line that became blurred, Callie loved her wife but she was a very difficult patient, Arizona also adored her wife but didn't always agree with her decisions as a doctor.

Arizona begged Callie to make promises she knew she couldn't keep, and Callie made them just wanting to make her wife feel better in anyway she could. Unfortunately, the promise she made was broken when it came down to Arizona's life being at risk. She almost died and it came down to breaking a promise or saving her life. Of course, Callie saved her life and Arizona knows that was the right thing to do but she was devastated by the broken promise her wife had made. A promise a doctor should have ever made and a decision, no doctor should have to make about their own wife.

Of course, it broke them in different ways. Both trying to make the other understand their hurt and anger, but the other too hurt and angry to understand. Looking back, they wished their friends had stepped in and cut the doctor/ patient relationship knowing it would have hurt them in the short term, but may have saved their marriage.

From that moment, a trust had been broken. Callie viewed Arizona as a patient as much as a wife, and Arizona viewed Callie as the doctor who made the decision to amputate her leg. They both however felt guilt, for Arizona she hated that her wife had been forced to make that decision, and for Callie, she would forever feel the guilt of not only taking her wife's leg but also breaking a promise, something she vowed never to do.

"Your doing so well, I'm right here" Callie's comforting words continued as the plane levelled out, Arizonas heart still felt like it was beating out of her chest and her fear hadn't subsided at all. "Callie I need to get off" the fear so evident in her voice. "You can't sweetie, but I'm right here and just remember it's all going to be worth it when you get off, we get home and your baby girl runs into your arms" Arizona knew she was right, this was all for Sofia but her mind couldn't focus on that.

Removing her hand from her hair, Callie picked up the already bitten donut bringing it back to Arizona's lips. "You know you want too, they're your favourite. I bought them especially" she teased knowing her ex wife would never refuse a donut and it was always the perfect peace offering after a disagreement or missed date night due to work.

Sitting back slightly Arizona couldn't fight to urge to take another bite of the delicious treat in front of her. Laughing at Arizona's cuteness, a smile spreads across Callie's face "you will never know how proud of you I am right now" Arizona didn't feel proud, she felt like a failure. Had it of not been for Callie, she was certain she would still be in Seattle right now but a kiss on her forehead banished all thoughts from her mind and instead she leaned forward to take another bite of the donut.

Noticing Arizona had begun to calm, she reached into her bag and pulled out the handful of photos she had popped in there as she left the house this morning. "I found these when I was unpacking, look how tiny Sofia was" she said spreading out the photos on the table in front of them. A brief smile spread across Arizona's lips before the plane dropped ever so slightly in turbulence. The calmness disappeared within a second and tears run down her face. "I've got you" Callie whispered in her ear as she quickly pulled Arizona back into her arms "you're safe, I'm here" she whispered again feeling her body physically shaking against her.

It took a good 10 minutes but Arizona did calm again, and they turned their attention back to the photographs "this will always be my favourite" Arizona said picking up the photo of herself with Mark, Callie and Sofia the day they brought her home from the hospital. "Mine too, and Sofia loves it" Callie agreed. "Oh and this one" Arizona cooed at the sight of a toddler looking up at her with big brown eyes "she's always looked at you like that. She knew her big brown eyes were her secret weapon" Callie's words caused a laughter to erupt from Arizonas throat but she nodded in agreement "both you and her have those same brown eyes, I could never refuse anything you asked for with them" Callie wanted to comment, she wanted to say that it was Arizona who had the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. She knew Arizona would believe it, because it was something everyone knew. Callie first fell for Arizona's piercing blue eyes and dimples and always hoped one day Arizona would carry a baby that would genetically inherited those baby blues she adored. But Callie had a girlfriend now, and she couldn't be seen to be complimenting her ex wife. Sure she loved her, more than she would admit but she only ever allowed actions that could be explained to benefit Sofia despite Callie only really doing them to benefit Arizona herself.

Callie quickly skipped to the next picture, one she had not put in the pile. There was a moment of silence before Callie spoke "sorry that's not one I put in there, it must have been attached to another" but without response Arizona picked the picture up and traced her fingertips along the familiar image. Mixed in with a pile of Sofia's baby photos was a picture from the pregnancy they lost. The two of them and Sofia holding Arizona's positive pregnancy stick looking so happy. "Our second baby" Arizona commented, Callie didn't know what to say, she knew she kept several photos like this one but it had effected her more than she cared to admit seeing it right now. "Can you even imagine all of this if we had two of them, like would we have had one each and then swapped or kept them together?" Callie really didn't want to talk about it but it was serving as a distraction so she entertained the conversation anyway "I don't know love. But I think they would have been best friends and stuck together, a brunette always needs her blonde" Callie voice became a whisper as she finished her sentence, a sentence she had said a million times before but now she didn't have her blonde. Arizona picked up on it too but brushed over it "we really would have had a mini you and a mini me" she smiled "we would have, but it wasn't meant to be that time" Callie reminded her, Arizona had blamed herself for the miscarriage and held that guilt for almost a year before allowing herself to see it was just a twisted fate. "I know, I just wonder what if you know" Callie nodded unable to say anything further and this time it was Arizona reaching for Callie's hand to comfort her. "I know you always wanted your big family and you have another chance at that now, your already an amazing mom and you will continue to be" Arizona's words were meant for comfort, but brought the harsh reality to Callie that Penny wasn't even wanting to be a step parent to Sofia let alone be a parent to one of her own. Today was a rare occasion where she agreed to have Sofia for Callie to fly, usually Sofia had a nanny for when Callie wasn't around even if Penny was home.

Callie wanted a family with Arizona, it was mini Arizona's she imagined in her life, not mini Penny's but this time her hot headed temper had caused her marriage to break down and her to fall into a new relationship so what Callie wanted, no longer mattered. She ruined her own life along with those that she loved so who was she to want for anything anymore?

Arizona noticed the sadness around the topic "there is still a chance Callie, they didn't say no" she reminded her of the conversation with the fertility specialist when Callie hadn't gotten pregnant again. Due to her injuries from the car crash and Sofia's delivery she had a lower chance at successfully conceiving and carrying to term which is why Arizona opted to carry their baby. "I know it's just Penny and I, we have different views so it's probably just Sofia for me" her gaze kept away from Arizona, she knew she could read her well but as expected Arizona's finger made Callie meet her gaze "so do it alone, I mean I've considered it recently. After my fellowship I'm going to try again and creating a little family" that broke Callie's heart further, to know Arizona wanted a baby that badly she was going to do it alone. It also hurt that she wouldn't be that baby's other parent but it wasn't about what she wanted anymore.

Callie was relieved when the air steward showed up with the two preordered meals she had arranged for them and the current conversation took a back seat "what's this" Arizona questioned at the plates infront of them "I ordered us lunch, I took a guess that you would have been too nervous for breakfast so probably hadn't eaten and thought it may offer a slight distraction. Plus you love pasta so it just seemed like a good option" once again Arizona melted at Callie's words "Thankyou" she gave a genuine smile, one that made those familiar dimples pop out as she placed a kiss on Callie's cheek.

In Arizonas mind, she wondered why Callie had done all this. The flights were only booked yesterday yet she had planned and prepared so much to make this as easy as it could be for her, as if flying out to her wasn't enough she had picked up donuts, brought photos, ordered food and drinks and made accommodations for where they sat.

"Would you like a top up?" The lady offered noticing the almost empty glasses of wine. "Please" Arizona asked, knowing a second glass wouldn't hurt and may actually help keep her going. They were only into their second hour of the flight and still had 3 more to go, that thought feared her but she quickly pushed it away as she began the pasta offered in front of her.

There was a comfortable silence while they ate, the plane was steady and Arizona's focus was on the meal and the new episode of friends that Callie had put on. Arizona picked around the pasta carbonara in front of her, it was nice but Callie could make better. It was part of the reason she hadn't been eating too well, nothing tasted nice anymore. Callie was always the cook, her meals were incredible and always had so much flavour, now everything Arizona buys just tastes plain.

But she was grateful for the distraction, and the two episodes of friends that did make her laugh intermittently between bites. "Over halfway now love" Callie informed her and she released a deep breath. "You've done it, you are honestly the bravest person I have ever met and I couldn't be prouder of you", Arizona let her head fall to the side taking it's place on Callie's left shoulder. "I couldn't have done it without you, I know I'd still be stood in Seattle hating myself for letting my daughter down had you have not been there, I honestly can't believe you did this for me" Arizona's gaze remained on the programme in front of her but she knew Callie was smiling, she could just sense it.

Arizona spent another hour happily laid on Callie's shoulder watching reruns of her favourite episodes thankful that the plane was reasonably smooth and she'd managed to block out the noise of the engines.

Callie's head was rested again the blondes, while friends was not her favourite programme, it had always been Arizona's and she had definitely watched every episode more than once. She felt a comfort sat here, skin to skin with the woman she married and spent 8 years with. Her mind drifted to that night of the kiss and her reaction, it was something she had thought about a lot recently and how she could have handled it so much better. Why did she have to let her temper throw away the best things that had ever happened to her? Of course she was in love with Arizona but she signed a year contact in New York, she had a new girlfriend, she moved her daughter, she couldn't just leave and come home. She was sure that Arizona hated her anyway, after everything she did. Sure they were sat here cuddled now but that was because Arizona needed someone, it wouldn't matter if it was Callie or anyone else.

Another episode finished and Arizona's mind wandered back to the photographs, pausing the tablet and picking up the photos Callie sat up to look with her and as Arizona had hoped, other photos of their journey to baby number 2 were hidden within them. There was a photo of Sofia kissing Arizona's belly and one of Callie making a love heart with her hands across her stomach. Following those two there were plenty more of baby/ toddler Sofia and the pair enjoyed reminiscing on the memories they shared together as a family before Callie showed Arizona the art book she had previously sent pictures of.

"She's going to be so excited to see you" Callie said looking down at one photo of Arizona and Sofia "I can't wait, I knew I'd miss her but there aren't words to describe how it actually feels, I just want to hold her and never let go" Arizonas eyes closed and a smile spread across her face imagining her baby girl running towards her in just a few hours time, she had no plans of letting her go at all for the next 5 days. "Do you think it would be ok if she stayed at the hotel with me?" She asked turning to look at Callie, who simply returned with a smile "of course, but I had prepared the spare room incase you wanted to stay with us" this surprised Arizona, to a point where she really didn't know what to say.

She considered it for a moment, but it didn't seem like the best idea. When Sofia went to bed, she would be left with two options, hang out with her ex wife and new girlfriend or lay alone in bed either way she knew she would be alone in bed anyway at a hotel. Would it be nice to spend time with Callie? Of course but she didn't want to be a third wheel in a relationship that was no longer hers.

"Oh there's no need for that, I don't think Penny would appreciate your ex wife around" Arizona tried to joke "she won't be, not really. She's working tonight, then away at a research conference until Monday night and then working Tuesday and Wednesday" knowing Penny was away did change things. It would be nice to have time just the three of them again, and it would be easier for Sofia if she had her own bedroom, plus Callie's cooking was something Arizona wouldn't get at a hotel. "Is she ok with me staying?" Arizona checked not wanting to impose but tempted to say yes "she is, your Sofia's mom, your family", "ok well I'll cancel the hotel then if you're sure but only if you cook for me" she joked "I'll cook anything you want" Callie offered.

Callie was secretly happy, she had enjoyed Arizonas company these past few hours and with only half an hour left on the plane, she wasn't ready to say goodbye just yet. "I definitely wouldn't say no to that chicken pasta or to your fajitas, oooh or the enchiladas, you can basically cook anything and I'll eat it" Arizona laughed and Callie did too. She was pleased to see Arizona's excitement at her cooking, she had heard from friends that Arizona hadn't been eating too well recently so she was determined to make every meal count these next five days.

Suddenly the captain announced that they would now be preparing to hand, Arizona had gotten so excited at the thought of food she had completely forgotten about being on a plane "can I have a donut for the way down" she asked feeling much better but still a little anxious about the landing itself. "Of course" Callie said offering the box, she didn't care this was the third she had eaten, or the fact she had half opened packets of sweets scattered in her purse because they were for Arizona, and Callie would do anything in the world for the woman she married.

"Are you ready?" Callie asked taking hold of the hand Arizona placed on top of her own "I am, I'm ready to see my baby girl" she smiled "and I get to see her because of you, Thankyou Callie, so much" Callie's smile mirrored that of Arizonas and she leaned over placing a kiss on her cheek "I'll always be here, for whatever you need. Just say the word" Arizona wished that was true, but for now this was enough because in a matter of minutes now, rather than hours, she could hold her baby girl.