"M- Mercy Arizona, I-I can't-"

Blonde hair raised from between quivering thighs. "Tapping out at five orgasms, Dr Torres?"

"I won't be able… to stand tomorrow… and I have surgery… Bailey has finally… completely… signed… me off." She was panting, trying to catch her breath. The last few of hours had been so pleasurable, so earth shatteringly amazing that she was sure they'd committed a sin or six. She was also sure their daughter could sleep through a herd of elephants running through six tornados', simultaneously letting off hundreds of fireworks whilst NASA launched 20 rockets into space. From three feet away. A teenage Sofia was going to be a nightmare to wake up.

Arizona sat up and pulled the discarded bedsheet over herself, neglecting to cover Callie. She had good motives - 1. I mean who covers up that body? 2. She needed hydrating and 3. She too hadn't exactly been able to stifle her subsequent climaxes, so wondered how the hell they hadn't managed to wake up Little Miss Torres. "Hmm… okay, I'll let you rest…" she leant down and kissed an inviting breast "…after you've gone to get us some cold water and checked in on our child, make sure you've not emotionally traumatised her."

Callie was incredulous, she snapped her head to the left where Arizona was now perched. "Me?!"

"Okay, me too."

"Pfft, you're lucky you're cute."

She batted her eyelashes. "And that you love me?"

"Mmm, that too."

"Say it."

Feigning ignorance. "Say what?"

"I love you."

"Aww thanks honey, that means a lot." She swivelled her legs off the bed, noting she would most definitely feel those hours of extracurricular activities come morning. Worth it.

"Calliope!"

She quickly turned back and placed a loving kiss against pouting lips. "I love you too, doofus."

"Charming!" She smacked a very alluring backside as it raised from the bed. "Now get, but hurry up, we're resting, not finishing, chop chop Torres, I'm not done with you."

Callie took a moment to think of a retort, but she didn't have one, demanding Arizona was hot. She just shook her head whilst adorning the goofiest of grins, sending Arizona's heart racing. "Idiot." At that parting term of endearment, she grabbed a pair of shorts and a tank top (covering up her body led to a frustrated ' booooo' from her bed mate) and started to make her way to the kitchen, quietly checking in on Sofia en route. She was in her usual starfish position, limbs everywhere, left leg hanging off the side with her unruly curls covering every inch of the pillow. Her daughter admittedly had straighter hair than her own, that part coming from her father's DNA, but as she grew her physical attributes - hair, muscles and long legs, in addition to her current facial features, were pure Torres. Arizona was not happy at the thought of buying all the bricks she'd need to keep away suitors. Letting off a slight chuckle, she made her way in, tucked a small, albeit long leg back under the covers and smoothed out the sheet as it rested on top.

Whilst her person was carrying out her strict orders, Arizona laid back contently, not entirely sure how to process her thoughts. She had this strange feeling inside, something she couldn't shake, couldn't quite put her finger on, something she hadn't felt in forever, or maybe even ever? It was strange, almost foreign, maybe a distant memory. She sighed, remembering Callie's smile as she left the room and how it made those butterflies soar- wait.

It hit her.

That feeling, those thoughts, it was… happiness. She shot up, shocked at just how much being with Callie again, being a family again, made her feel. Had their time apart impacted her that much? That this level of joy was such a foreign concept? She shouldn't be surprised to be honest; she knew she was only ever happy when they were together. In the blink of an eye, she had gone from existing to… living.

Shortly after, Callie returned with two large glasses of water. "…so Sof hasn't been traumatised, that kid hasn't got a care in the world-" She heard the telltale signs of teary whimpers and hurriedly rushed to Arizona's side. She settled the drinks down, pulled her in close and gently caressed tussled hair. "Hey, are you okay?" She placed a soft kiss against Arizona's temple, thumb slowly circling on her bare shoulder, waiting for her breathing to even out. She managed to reposition, they were now both on their sides, facing each other, the brunette's hold firm. She pulled her in tightly, the blonde trying to manoeuvre herself in as close as she could be.

Her voice was quiet, almost timid, she withdrew her head ever so slightly. But she didn't look up, remaining focused on Callie's pendant instead, placing a small kiss on it as her thoughts escaped. "I- I just didn't think we'd ever get back to this place you know? I know we- we got back to some normality after… you know… but this time just feels… different, right, final." She attempted to snuggle her body in deeper, but they were already as close as physically possible. "I know we're still early on, and we said no to rushing things, but what you said about marriage…" her voice trailed off, like she was scared to speak louder. "…I don't know, that requires 100% trust and I guess I never thought you would trust me again, not completely."

Now she understood. "I trust you Arizona, I really do. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here, I wouldn't put any of us through it again, not you, me or especially Sofia." She was resolute in her assertions. "I don't want to dwell on it anymore…." a silence hung, not quite uncomfortable, but it needed to be filled. She knew the next words were a risk, there were so many things Arizona's admission could relate to, but she suspected it involved a… third party. The blonde had beaten herself up about it enough, so Callie decided a different tact other than ' I forgive you' or ' it's okay', "…but I can't promise if there was another appearance at the hospital that I wouldn't do some not so nice things."

Arizona could sense Callie was trying to ease the tension, to reassure her by other means. She was in awe, how the woman she loved was trying to make her feel better whilst referring to the act that hurt her the most. It resulted in her quivering lips to break. Relief? Probably.

"Shh shh shh, it's okay, I've got you."

She wanted to acknowledge those comments, but Arizona knew Callie wouldn't want another apology, not in response to that anyway. She snorted. "You may have to take a number and get in line, all of our friends wanted to have ' five minutes alone' after."

There was a bit of hesitation. "You erm, you wouldn't?"

She vehemently shook her head. "If I ever caught wind there would be another…" she couldn't say the name. "…appearance or I happen to see… the consult, then I'd run and probably have a panic attack somewhere." She didn't want to pull away, but she wanted to look Callie in the eye, she reluctantly shifted back slightly. "I have PTSD from the plane crash, I know that, but over the months, years, I've noticed I struggle to function when I know a storm's coming or during one." The next revelation slipped out without shame. "I've called Teddy a few times, she'd come over and lay with me, hold me as I cried and struggled to breathe." This was completely new information to Callie, she had absolutely no idea how deep the repercussions of that night went. "That night is erm, the worst of my life, mountain side, Tim's death, the night of our last therapy session all still haunt me but that… was the worst. It's the night I threw my life away. To this day, my reaction to storms isn't any better, I don't think it will ever be, maybe I deserve it."

It was the worst night of Callie's life too, but she didn't say that, or even acknowledge what she'd just heard. It would have taken a lot for Arizona to open up about it, and she suspected getting it off her chest was cathartic. It wasn't meant as a conversation starter or an excuse, but rather an acknowledgement. Callie didn't like this particular subject, but more so than that, she didn't like the self-deprecation. Arizona did not ' deserve' nightmares or panic attacks, no one deserves to have their mental health impacted by an event, a memory or… well, anything. After her confession, Arizona sunk back into Callie's embrace, it's the place she felt safest.

"Baby, you don't deserve that, you hear me? I'm so sorry for what you've been through, but please, you must believe me, you do not deserve it. Trust me, I'm a doctor." This got the little chuckle she was hoping for, pale shoulders slightly bobbing from beneath her. "Thank you for telling me. You're a good person Arizona, never, ever forget that." Another silence fell, but at least the blonde's breathing was more controlled. Like last time, Callie took it upon herself to ease the tension. "I may have to have words with Teddy though, let her know she's no longer welcome in our bed…"

Arizona's eyes shot open.

Our bed?

"…I'm here now, cuddles are restricted to me & Sof, we give the best cuddles."

She smiled, repeated the words and continued to attempt to move in closer. "Only you and Sof." Most people would have realised by now they couldn't physically get in any closer, but Arizona missed the memo. She exhaled a thankful breath, feeling lighter than she had in years, she was happy, content, safe. After some delightful snuggling, the words she heard earlier came flooding back to memory. She had to ask and, although she was nervous, she was confident she'd receive the answer she wanted. "So, erm, marriage, what you said… does that mean at some point we'll…"

"Make an appointment at City Hall?" Arizona bit her lip and nodded against Callie's chest, which she suddenly realised was covered up. "I think so, maybe not yet, but it'll happen."

"Maybe in a year?"

"Maybe, maybe less."

"I- I'll say yes, in case you were wondering."

"Oh, so I'm the one who has to propose?" Callie received the first stiffening of the evening. Of course she had to be the one to propose, she was the one who left! She couldn't expect Arizona to be the one, she internally chastised herself. "It's a deal my love, I will propose before the new year is up." She kissed the soft blonde hair snuggled up into her side.

"You're not going to make me wait till New Year's Eve are you?"

"No, that would be mean."

"When do you think you'll pick out an engagement ring?"

"You're full of questions aren't you, Dr Robbins?"

Her body had softened by this point, she giggled. "I don't want to wait."

"I won't make you, promise."

"Will you be on bended knee?"

"Of course."

"Will you ask my Dad for permission first?"

"I will, and your Mum."

"Will you use a flash mob?"

"God no."

"Good."

She smirked. "… although the thought of seeing our friends carry out some synchronised moves does make that option more appealing…" She received a gentle elbow in response.

"Do you want a big wedding again?"

"Honestly? I don't think so, our wedding was perfect, but I just want it to be official, legal. It's not the most romantic I know but-"

Grip tightened; she was at risk of cutting off Callie's circulation. "Sounds perfect to me Calliope." Her satisfaction quickly changed; she had a gripe to pick. "Can you do me a favour?"

"I just did you one, where's my favour?"

"That's just because you're so generous and awesome." Her tone turned to one of authority. "Lose the top and shorts, Dr Torres."

"Dr Robbins, are you trying to seduce me?"

"Is it working?"

"What does five orgasms indicate?"

"That we're lagging behind?"

"Absolutely." Despite that, neither made an attempt to move, perfectly content in just enjoying each other's touch, being intimate without being sexual. They had cuddled and held each other throughout their relationship, from first sleepover to well… day 29, it wasn't a new concept. They were both close to drifting off when it was Callie's turn to bring up a previous conversation. "You erm, you also mentioned that you still wanted another child…"

No hesitation. "I would love for Sof to have a brother or sister, for us to extend our family. I'll always be 100% happy with us three, but the thought of sharing our love and joy with another mini-Calliope-"

"What if I want a mini-Arizona?"

"Then I'll pull rank."

"What rank is that exactly?"

"I'm most awesome?"

"Mmm… nice try."

"Fine, I'm older."

"No fair, that's how I used to lose all arguments to Aria!"

"Sucks for you Dr Torres." Like Callie had been the one to end the marriage, Arizona's decision to take the fellowship was the final nail in their coffin, subsequently ending any chance to extend their family. It was for that reason; she knew she had to be the one to open up first. "Seriously Calliope, I know it seemed like I put my career first, and in a lot of ways, I did, but I did still want another child with you." She took a long exhale. "But, as much as it pains me to say, in hindsight, maybe it was for the best. Were we at a place where bringing another life into this world would have actually been a good thing for us?"

It was fair argument, and something Callie also appreciated after the event. "Probably not, I just wanted to have a child close to Sof's age, so they could play together, learn together, support each other and just have someone always in their corner you know. And, selfishly, I thought maybe they'd go off to college or university or whatever within a few years of each other and we'd still be young enough to find new hobbies and spend time together, as empty nesters." Her next comments broke both of their hearts, they were in such a good place now, but the level of pain they felt at the time was hard to forget. "We were drifting so far apart that I think I was holding onto the idea that we'd grow close again if we had another child, spend more time with each other. That we'd remember why we fell in love you know?" Arizona nod was feint, but Callie could feel the movement, hear the sniffing and sense her skin becoming damp with blue eyed tears. They wouldn't have been the first to have a child in an attempt to save a marriage, and whilst this wasn't the outward intention, maybe subconsciously it was. Callie was on a roll with lightening the atmosphere, she felt Arizona was more vulnerable at this stage, and so she needed to take the lead in steering conversations. "Wanna hear what I had planned?"

She wiggled her body, excited. "Oooh, yes, I'm listening."

"Regular couple's massages and spa days."

"Mmm. Yes to both."

"Taking city breaks, not lots of walking but still, maybe leisurely strolls, taking in some local culture. See a bit of Europe, travel to all the different places you grew up."

She let out a contented sigh. "Sounds good."

"Volunteer, maybe at a women's refuge or homeless shelter."

"We can do that."

"Have lots of sexy time. In every room, multiple times."

"Yes. That's my favourite, let's do that."

They were cute thoughts, but it didn't actually address the fairly big issue of having another child together. They both wanted it, but was it too soon? Or was life too short? "I think, maybe, if we continue to work on us, continue to talk, communicate and put our family first, it's something I'd like to revisit." She felt the smile on Arizona's face against her skin. Before another word could be spoken, she was met with pink lips, a flurry of peppered kisses being placed over her forehead, cheeks, ears, nose, mouth, chin, neck, temple and anywhere else in reach. Both women were giggling, Callie didn't need verbal confirmation, she knew exactly what Arizona's feelings were. "I'll make an honest woman of you first though."

They had covered the two most serious of topics that night regarding future plans, and to know they were both on the same page was liberating. "So erm, seeing as you're staying, do you still want to stay in the guest room? I mean you called it our bed and erm, I like the sound of that."

"I think maybe for now, purely for Sof. I think we're both confident in us, where we're headed and not wanting to confuse her. Once we've had the opportunity to talk to her, and sooner rather than later, then yes, I intend to take up the right side of the bed."

"Pffft, you mean the entire bed."

"Err, you're the starfish Dr Robbins, something I've noticed your daughter mirrors."

"She snores too, clearly that's passed down in the form of DNA."

"I do not snore."

Oh they were having this discussion again. "…Calliope."

"Humpf, I don't, they're little noises I make when I breath, I can't help it. At least I don't kick you out of bed." Oh yes, flashbacks of their conversation in the hospital.

"You fell."

"Because you pushed me with your ridiculously strong girl arms."

"Well you were snoring!" They finished their banter and Arizona accepted it was probably for the best, certainly for a week or so. "Okay fine, until we tell Sof, you won't officially move back to the bedroom." She flashed her eyebrows. "The occasional sleepover is okay though right?"

"Oh I insist on it, Dr Robbins." At that thought, Arizona rolled on top and started to kiss down a tanned, soft, delicious neck, something she'd done several times that evening and was more than happy to repeat. Callie knew she would be powerless if she let it continue, and they had work tomorrow. "So we've got… three hours before we have to be up… and I ache all over. Bailey's gonna think I've not recovered if she sees me walking funny… can we spend the rest of the night holding each other?"

Arizona sulked and just flopped herself fully on Callie, taking no care, resulting in an ' oof'. "Fine. No more sexy time until… tonight." She vibrated as Callie laughed beneath her. She turned her head and inhaled her person's scent off her clavicle, she smelt like sex. "Our friends are gonna ask if we've had sex aren't they?"

She sighed. "100%"

"Do we, do we tell them? Or tell them to mind their own business?"

"Do you really think that second option is feasible? Especially with Yang & Grey?"

"Well they're your problem" She received a gentle pat to her backside. "I'll just have Teddy to contend with. Besides, judging from her messages, she has been having sex, so I can turn the tables with evidence."

"So… what are we telling people?"

"We could always have a little fun? Tease them, make them guess, be cryptic. They're clearly up to something and I want to know what. They're acting like a little gossipy village." That illicited another bouncy laugh, and Arizona placed a gentle kiss onto the addictive red lips in front of her.

But Callie decided she didn't want gentle. "Okay, I take it back, one more round."

They both squealed as Arizona raised her body to create space for fingers, tongues and wiggled her delightful hips, Callie's earlier plea for mercy long since forgotten.