A/N - Hi guys, I have little knowledge on American sports, except for some Googling, so exercising some creative licencing and semi-basing the scenario on English sports. Hopefully I'm not too far off.

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Callie let out a nervous chuckle and took a seat, her usual board meeting one was taken so she sat in Arizona's for comfort.

Catherine Avery does not have time for niceties. "Dr Torres, I want to put Grey Sloan's conditions on the table." Yep, let's dive right in. "The idea is that you spend three days a week continuing your work here - scheduled surgeries, emergency surgeries, cartilage research, the Veteran's Project and being a department head. The other two days will be spent with each sports team. What we'll lose in your service is essentially teaching, maybe some consults, so we'll be bringing in another orthopaedic surgeon to take over the day-to-day reins. The talk is Jo Wilson would eventually become your fellow, so we will look to invest and focus on her final year of residency. Your scheduled surgeries will therefore be reduced, but not withdrawn. You'll remain on-call for the days you're with the hospital but not when you're with the Seahawks or Mariners." Callie's attention was flittering between each occupant as she spoke. "I understand there may be weeks of the football and baseball season where your presence may be required more, but finer details are yet to be discussed, we felt it irrelevant until there was some agreement in principle in place." Catherine's matter-of-fact tone eased somewhat; it was replaced by… slight desperation? "Let me be clear Dr Torres, we all want to work together and find a solution, Grey Sloan does not want to lose you. Of course you are free to counter-propose, but from our earlier discussions, you insisted you wanted to continue employment here. I trust that is still the case."

Screaming, crying, throwing up. "Erm, yeah, whatever happens I'll be staying at the hospital. I don't intend to leave, regardless of the offer." This reply led to some uncomfortable shifting from everyone. Callie didn't want to stop the teaching aspect of her job, that just sucked, but sacrifices would obviously need to be made.

The representative of the Seahawks was first to speak. "Thank you for seeing us today, Dr Torres. Whilst the Seahawks and Mariners obviously compete in different leagues, invariably resulting in different injuries, different recovery times and different priorities, the fundamental link is the same - we are both major sports teams. We handle athletes at the top of their game, on multi-million dollar contracts, who bring in an income for the team and local area. Parts of Seattle rely on top players coming in to bring in the crowds, perform to the best of their ability and secure championships. When we spoke previously, we told you we were not looking for you to work with our in-house medical team, but act in more of a consult role if you will, for want of a better word, hence the reason we're more than happy for you to continue your job at Grey Sloan. The only caveat is that both teams expect exclusivity, for you to essentially be on-call and of course, complete confidentiality." He turned his attention to the other representative. "I know Gary will agree with me when we say we need the best of the best, this is why we're here."

It's times like this I miss my hospital basement bedroom.

"Err yea, makes sense."

Good Torres, words are good, maybe try using more of them though?

He continued. "Essentially, players need to be fully fit to perform their trade, like any individual. Our proposal is to fund a new build close by, or an extension to this hospital, offer a generous and competitive package and salary, arrange all travel and provide a substantial training packet for teaching. Free game tickets for your family, of course." Callie wondered if that add on was supposed to seal the deal. "In return, The Seahawks would like to request your services for two days a week, travel to all home and away games at the weekend and for you to become certified in sports medicine. We appreciate there may be some crossover with the Mariners, but we can discuss on a case-by-case basis, certainly whilst you're training a team of surgeons to work alongside."

Deal breaker. "Erm, Todd, thank you for you offer and opportunity, but travelling for days, weeks or whatever doesn't suit my circumstances. I have a young family; I don't want to spend time away from them and if either role requires that, then I'm going to have to politely decline your proposal." She purposefully avoided eye contact with Dr Avery, she'd retain all of Callie's services, but lose the money both teams were willing to invest. She suspected the millions of dollars was more important than her service.

"I completely understand Dr Torres, these are just first rounds of negotiations. We're also really keen for you to head up the training and development of physios, internal doctors and coaches. Explain to owners and sponsors why you have opted for a certain recovery route instead of another one with a quicker recovery time. It's all about education Dr Torres. We would obviously compensate you and the hospital generously."

She could swear Catherine had dollar signs for eyes at that moment.

Gary stepped in. "The Mariners are in the same understanding here - we'd like to retain your services twice a week and travelling will likely be a requirement. The financial compensation, extending the hospital and implementing a training program is also mirrored. We appreciate if we're taking time away from Grey Sloan, the financial incentives must be appropriate."

So… one day at Grey Sloan, a total of four with the sports team and constant travel?

They were not unexpected terms and although she had completely forgotten about the meeting today, when her and Arizona decided to reconcile, plans for the future changed. She wanted this, but it wasn't the be-all-and-end-all, family meant more. She had prepared her terms previously, what her conditions would be etc… she just wished she had practised it and had her frickin' cards.

And Arizona's hand in hers.

"Thank you everyone, it's all a bit overwhelming, but I appreciate the time and consideration you put into your proposals." Deep breath. "Regular travel is completely non-negotiable I'm afraid, especially out of state and every weekend, so if that is an essential requirement, then again I must politely decline." This was instantly met with side glances, but this stipulation wasn't a surprise, especially to Catherine. "I'm happy to work the occasional Saturdays, specifically at the beginning of the season, peak season or if there are injury trends we need to address, but not all three. And it would not be a permanent arrangement or stipulated in a contract. I simply cannot be at all home games for both teams, I would lose my weekends and thus time with my family." She had quashed some of their requirements right off the bat, why beat about the bush? "My counter proposal would be that I take a brief leave of absence from Grey Sloan, maybe two to three months, so I can assemble a team, plan training courses, seminars and scholarships. This would only happen once the building and everything else, such as administrative staff, supplies and budgets, have been finalised. I would also need to meet the in-house doctors and review case studies of common NFL and MBL injuries. Once I'm happy everyone is up to competency, my services can be retained for two days a week, local to Seattle. I have no objections with both teams working together and deciding how those two days are spent, again, as long as they are local." She was on a roll. "I'd also like for it to be taken into consideration that if there is a mass incident on a day when I'm with either team, that I be released and allowed to work at Grey Sloan, performing emergency surgeries when absolutely necessary. I know we'll be bringing in an orthopaedic surgeon but sometimes, it really is all hands on deck. I would like an additional premises either close to, or in, this hospital so I have dedicated space nearby for these athletes, doctors and I'm sure, agents." They all let off a knowing laugh. "It would also give me quick access in case of an emergency." Oh yeah, business bitch Torres was a force. "If this is acceptable, then I will talk it over with my family. I appreciate you are giving me this opportunity to start this role before I become certified in sports medicine, something I know you are generously allowing due to my staller reputation." That earnt her a few chuckles. "A fellowship, as explained previously, is not something I would have considered, however if I'm able to continue my research and not lose a substantial amount of time with my family, then I will review my previous stipulations."

And breathe. Callie had laid out her conditions, she could hear her heart thump as silence and contemplation filled the room. It was Catherine who snapped everyone out of it. "Thank you, Dr Torres, we'll discuss your terms and get back to you. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

I'm gonna be sick?

"No, all good from me. Thank you for your time, I'm sure I'll speak to you all soon." She hurriedly left before she threw up, having absolutely no idea how it went, just thankful it was over. She wasn't entirely sure why she was being cut out of the negotiations but suspected it was because they were discussing financial matters, and she couldn't give a flying fuck about those. Once outside, and the door firmly closed, she stood there, bent over, hands on her thighs for support, trying to steady her beathing.

She needed Arizona.

Realising the room may empty shortly, she straightened herself out and made her way down the hall, no destination in mind. She decided to hold off texting Arizona, remembering that time the blonde sent her a particular explicit message and it got read out in the OR. Thankfully it was in her residency days and it was just Mark in there with her and-

Ping.

Arizona: Hey, just out of surgery, wanna meet up for lunch at 12? Or maybe you could page for a peds consult now? Alex will be on post-ops. Just go to the pit and find a random child xx

Callie smirked, she waited.

Ping.

Arizona: No that came out wrong, I mean find a child who's a patient xx

The smirk turned into a grin, idiot.

Callie: Hey, was just thinking about you! Actually I want to talk about something, just had a meeting with Catherine and the sports guys xx

Arizona: Should I be worried? xx

It kinda killed Callie knowing that Arizona still doubted her. Not because she didn't feel trusted, but she knew she still struggled with personal insecurities.

Callie: Not at all, it's good news! But I want to share it with you face-to-face as…

Should she?

…my girlfriend xx

I mean come on, they were surely girlfriends right? So why did she feel like a 15 year old? For god's sake last night she promised she'll near enough be her wife by the end of the year-

Ping.

Arizona: Ooh, yes your girlfriend definitely wants to hear good news in person xx

Callie: Great! So, 12 in the canteen if not before? xx

Arizona: It's a date, my love xx

Callie: I can't wait to see you! xx

Pocketing her phone at the other end of the hospital, Arizona could confidently say that smiling every time she received a text from Callie would never be considered a catastrophe.

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"Oh wow Calliope, that sounds awesome! You totally Torres Method your way through that, kinda wish I was there to see it. You acting all confident, arrogant, strict, forceful, dominating… actually I think you should show me exactly how you were tonight…" Arizona took a sip of her drink as her minded wondered. They were in the canteen and Callie had just relayed the entire meeting, barely coming up for breath.

She instinctively reached out and placed her hand on top of Arizona's, she could sense some apprehension, despite clearly becoming distracted by sexy thoughts. "I mean it, I told them I won't do it unless my terms are met, and I gave them a lot. The model you followed for the Robbins-Herman Center is what I want, to train up my own staff and be retained for consults, training and complex cases. I get travel may be required on an ad-hoc basis, it is for every surgeon, but only after discussing it with you." Arizona's smile was forced, was Callie giving up an amazing opportunity just for her? "I won't be moving away or constantly travelling, I'm not gonna do anything that takes out a substantial amount of time of us being family and what we've… planned. Whatever happens, we decide together, right?" Callie made sure her eyes didn't deviate, not even once, she wasn't even sure she remembered to blink.

Arizona knows it was different, and she knows Callie knows it was different, but still. "It just seems like you're giving up your Africa-"

"Arizona, I'm not-"

Let her speak! Do you not remember your conversations?!

"-sorry, go ahead."

Her tone was low, frustrated with the circumstances. "And I know it's different, where we are in our relationship, what we have, what the programs are but… it is the same as my fellowship with Nicole, it's something I wanted and I put ahead of everything. It was the final nail in our coffin and…" her voice was weak "…how can I expect you to give this opportunity up when I didn't?"

Callie's grip tightened and her voice softened. "Hindsight is wonderful Arizona, the fellowship may essentially have ended our marriage and plans, but it wasn't the sole reason. I shouldn't have simply expected you to end your career progression, we needed to have a genuine sit-down conversation but we just got frustrated with each other. We're in a better place now with our communication, understanding what the other one wants and for the first time in years, we're on the same page with our future." She then addressed a key point in the whole fellowship situation that hadn't really been appreciated back then. "Plus, you had very short timeframe in which to learn everything Herman had to teach, if that deadline wasn't there… then who knows. But again, remember what we said? If we had a baby…"

"…it wouldn't have solved anything and probably made things worse." Her smile changed from forced to reluctantly acceptive, Callie's was simply sad as she nodded, it was as gutting as it was true. But they'd covered that, rehashing wasn't going to help anyone, they were here to discuss their future. "See what they have to say about your proposals and yeah, if they don't agree and stick to their guns then… hopefully I'm enough to stay here?"

Ouch, the vulnerability in that voice. "You are not enough Arizona, you are everything." Finally, a genuine, dimpled smile came across the blonde's face, complete with some tears too.

They sat there for a moment, Callie's hand still firmly placed on Arizona's, gently stroking the reverse, but nothing that screamed RELATIONSHIP. It was only at a table, (not so) far, far away… that eyes were focused on their exchange. They were deciding what counted as 'public intimacy'.

April squinted, as if that would help. "No, they're barely even touching, a gentle rub doesn't count."

"Tell that to Jesus."

Side eye. "Shut up Yang."

"You must nearly be done now surely?" Amelia tried to grab the list but was thwarted by Cristina's ninja-like reactions.

"Couple more, we can only do number three when it's finished, so until they do number eight, which this doesn't count as, Kepner, then we're still waiting, the pots still up for grabs."

"I still think this is kinda immoral you know-"

Meredith ignored the objection. "If touching doesn't count, what about a hug?"

Alex shook his head. "Mmm nah, people hug all the time."

"Kiss?"

They all agreed. "Yes, 100%, that's the threshold."

Teddy decided to throw a few more scenarios into the mix. "What about brushing hair away from each other's face? Or a little inside joke that results in naughty giggle that you know-"

"-a kiss at the very least, what part of threshold do you not-" at that moment, Cristina realised who she was talking to, do not give attitude to your frickin' idol. "-I err, I mean, I think a kiss is a good target, unless you think otherwise? Happy to go with your decisions here, Dr Altman."

Karev scoffed. "Suck up."

"Bite me, evil spawn."