A/N: Hi! Here's another chapter, a pretty long one too. Apologies for the cliffhanger on the last one, hopefully the wait wasn't too long! As always - I am ever so grateful for the support you've giving me. It's a learning curve, writing my first fanfic, and it's been an amazing experience so far. Let me know if you notice any mistakes or issues, I've read over this a couple of times to check but it is currently past 2am in the UK so sorry if it's rough!

Thank you all 3

You're a lesson learned

And I'm one that you get to work through

Oh, how dare you say this ain't easy for you

You get to fall asleep in a bed with a girl who chose you

Ain't that the kicker?

The Kicker

By Xana

As Callie left the room, she felt exhausted. Completely emotionally drained.

How have I managed to screw everything up? Again!

She walked down the corridor, heading for the elevator. She tried to focus on being Dr Torres, ticking off her list of things she needed to do before she could finally go home. Callie wanted to wallow in self-pity for the evening, maybe drink a few glasses of wine – or a bottle. It would hopefully help her forget ruining her friendship with Arizona, and potentially her relationship with Penny.

Everything else could wait until tomorrow. She'd apologize to Penny, she'd apologize to Arizona, and then everything would be fine.

Fuck. I'm so full of shit.

Callie had managed to treat them both like crap, off-loading her issues and being so damn selfish. They didn't deserve that. She knew in herself that they weren't the problem, she was. She was angry at herself.

Angry that she couldn't be emotionally available to Penny.

Angry that she felt jealous, so incredibly jealous.

For a moment, she wished she could stop feeling entirely. She wanted to be numb to it all. Maybe then, she wouldn't feel so tired. Tired of pretending or hiding or disguising how she felt.

She was still stewing on her stupidity when she finished the last of her paperwork. Her patients were stable, and she was officially off duty, and luckily – not on call.

Callie headed to the attendings lounge to grab her bag. As she pushed open the door, Cristina Yang was stood, munching on some kind of granola bar and staring into the fridge.

"Yang." She greeted, trying to sound pleasant despite her sullen mood.

Cristina turned, finishing chewing, "Torres! You look like crap."

"Great. Thanks." Callie deadpanned, glaring at the woman.

Cristina's eyebrows raised, "Ugh, and you're crabby too. Boring."

Callie huffed, though a small smile formed, "With you being so complimentary, I feel better already."

Cristina smiled, pleased with herself, "Honesty is part of my brilliance."

Callie slung her bag over her shoulder as Cristina flopped onto the couch, putting her feet up and laying her head on the armrest. "You know, Torres, you've totally ruined my plans for the night."

She paused, looking at the cardio surgeon, "What do you mean?"

"Well, I planned on getting absolutely wasted after my successful mitral valve implantation with Karev today, but your daughter is in the care of my best friend so she can't come to Joe's with me."

Callie quirked a brow, "Firstly, Arizona is the one that arranged that, and secondly, Meredith already has kids. So, she'd probably be busy regardless."

Cristina pursed her lips in thought, "That may be true, but I still say you owe me."

She let out a laugh, "What do you want, Cristina?"

"Come to Joe's with me! I'm going back to Switzerland in a few days, and you surely don't want to miss out on spending time with your long-distance friend that you have completely neglected to contact."

Callie sighed, shaking her head, "While I'd love to, I'm exhausted Cristina. I promise I'll go out with you before you go. There's a lot going on and-"

Cristina raised her pointer finger as if to pause her speech, "I'm buying."

She took a moment to mentally calculate her decision. Would she actually have time to see Cristina before she left? No. Probably not. And her friend wasn't wrong, Callie hadn't managed to even so much as text Cristina in over a year.

"Huh… Fine," Callie shrugged. She was planning on drinking anyway, and Cristina was a good, impartial person to talk to. Or not talk to. She was also good at just drinking and pretending that their problems didn't exist.

A pang of unease crept into Callie's chest. Arizona would be at Joe's – with her date. She had been doing her best to ignore the ache that thought stirred in her. Seeing Arizona happy with someone else would only rub salt into the wound.

"Oh. That was surprisingly easy. You're weak willed, you know that, Torres?"

Callie smirked, covering her hesitation, "Are you planning on insulting me all night?"

"I'd love to say I won't, but I care too much about you to lie." Cristina said, mockingly placing a hand to her heart.

She laughed at Cristina's antics, "Let me get changed and we'll get out of here."

As the pair entered the foyer on their way out of Grey Sloan, Callie saw Penny seated near the doors.

The redhead stood as she caught Callie approaching, walking towards her, "Calliope, hi."

She turned to Cristina, "I'll meet you there?"

Cristina, not bothering to greet Penny, waved a dismissive hand. "Sure. Don't keep me waiting too long or I'll find someone else to insult."

Once Cristina was gone, Callie turned her attention to her girlfriend, releasing a heavy breath, "Hi."

Penny crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a thin line, "You forgot about our plans."

She cringed, knowing she had no excuse.

"Ah, yeah. It may have slipped my mind. But Cristina has invited me to Joe's if you fancy coming along?" Her offer was genuine, but Penny didn't look the least bit enthused.

The redhead raised an eyebrow, "That's not an apology. And no, I'm not in the mood to tag along like a third wheel."

Callie bit her lip, "It's not like that, she leaves in a few days, and-"

She watched as Penny looked up to the ceiling in irritation before returning her stone-like stare to Callie, "I don't know why I even bother."

She reached for Penny's hand, but the woman stepped away, "Penny, I'm sorry, okay? Let's reschedule. Or… come to Joe's. We'll figure this out over a drink."

Penny shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "You don't get it, do you? It's like you don't even want to be in this relationship. You're so hot and cold, Callie, and I'm tired of trying to figure out where I stand."

Callie opened her mouth to respond but hesitated. Penny took the pause as an opening to keep going.

"You act like we're together when it's convenient for you, but the rest of the time, I'm just… there. Waiting. Do you have any idea how that feels?"

Callie glanced around, noticing the few people lingering nearby, their gazes darting toward the commotion. She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Penny, can we not do this here?"

"Why not?" Penny shot back, her frustration bubbling over. "Because it's embarrassing for you? God, it's always about you, isn't it? I thought maybe things would get better when you started spending time with Arizona. I was happy for you—because you said she meant so much to you. I get that. She was a big part of your life. But now, I'm stuck with your crap and your renewed friendship with your ex-wife. And I'm still standing here, waiting for you to actually care about me."

Callie reached for Penny's hand, desperate to calm her down, but Penny stepped away, shaking her head.

"You're right," Callie gently spoke, "I've been… I've not been myself. I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry. You deserve better than this."

Penny's eyes softened briefly, but her voice remained firm. "I know I do. But I don't know if you're capable of being better, Callie. I need more than this—more than you're giving me."

"I can be better. I care about you, okay? You matter to me." Even to her own ears, her words fell flat, lifeless.

Penny stared at her, weighing her options. She bit her lip, hesitating, before finally speaking. "I don't know, Calliope."

The name was the final straw. It hit Callie like a slap, and before she could stop herself, the words spilled out. "It's Callie," she muttered quietly.

Penny frowned, confused. "What?"

Callie stepped back, the frustration boiling over. "It's Callie! Just… Callie. Please stop calling me that."

"Are you serious right now?" Penny snapped, her voice incredulous. "That's what you're worried about?"

"I didn't mean to shout," Callie said weakly, but the damage was done.

Penny adjusted the strap of her bag, "You know what? I can't do this. I need… space. Time to think. You need help, Callie. Real help. I can't keep doing this."

Callie stood frozen, unable to muster a response. Penny took a shaky breath, her eyes glassy as she gestured toward Callie. "Whatever this is… it's too much for me to handle." Her voice softened, "You need to figure out what you really want. For us. For yourself."

Callie looked down at the floor, her hands resting on her hips as she tried to process. The sound of Penny's heels echoed against the tile as she walked away, each click a reminder of yet another thing Callie had managed to ruin.

She sighed, lifting a hand to pinch the bridge of her nose, exhaling slowly.

I need a drink.

The bar was already bustling as Callie arrived. The hum of music and conversation filled the space, with laughter emanating from the crowd around the darts board. The air was warm, almost stifling with the tang of spilled drinks and cheap whiskey invading her senses. Joe stood behind the bar, drying off glasses and taking orders. The floor felt sticky as she approached, sliding onto a stool by Cristina Yang at the far end of the bar.

"You're late," her friend said in mock judgement. "I started without you." The woman raised her beer and took a swig.

She dropped her bag by her feet, "Well, I just had a fight with Penny in the middle of the foyer, so…"

Callie raised two fingers at Joe, gaining his attention.

"Torres! It's been a while, what can I get ya?" His familiar grin was comforting as always.

"Hey Joe," Callie said, mustering a weak smile, "Tequila, keep them coming, please."

Joe raised a knowing brow and slid a shot glass towards her, filling it with practiced ease. Callie grabbed it and downed it in one swift motion, setting it back on the counter with a sharp clink.

The woman next to her snorted, "Not bad, Torres. Same for me, Joe."

Joe set another shot glass onto the counter, filling both, "Enjoy, ladies."

They raised their glasses in unison towards Joe before slamming them back.

"Ah! That'll do!" Cristina said, turning towards Callie. "You gonna tell me what's been going on with you or are we drinking to forget?"

Callie released a self-deprecating laugh, unsure of where to begin. She let the sting of the alcohol wash over her, easing her troubled mind, but the relief was only fleeting as she spotted Arizona at the other end of the bar.

Callie froze.

Arizona was there, just as she knew she would be, sitting next to her date. The other woman leaned in, saying something that made Arizona laugh – the dimples in her cheeks deepening.

She gripped her empty glass, knuckles whitening as her stomach churned, watching the exchange.

"Subtle."

Callie averted her gaze, switching her attention to Cristina, "What?"

"You got a problem with Arizona having a date?"

She shook her head, trying to shove her jealousy down, "No."

"Liar. You look like you wanna throw your glass at Katie," Cristina retorted, smirking.

"And if you plan on spiralling, I need to pace myself. I'm not gonna be able to carry you out of here if we keep shotting tequila like this."

Callie let out a brief laugh, "I'm fine, I just need another drink."

"If it helps, you're not the only one that looks like they wanna crawl into a hole."

Callie's eyes flicked back to Arizona, meeting the blonde's gaze. For a moment, hurt flashed across her ex-wife's features, before her expression changed into something more charged, exasperated. She watched as Arizona looked away, moving off her stool, grabbing Katie's hand and her drink as they walked away from the bar to seat themselves at an empty table.

She let a hand rub across her face, of course Arizona was annoyed. Callie just so happened to turn up at Joe's when she was fully aware Arizona would be on a date.

Not wanting to think about that any further, she was relieved when Joe refilled their glasses.

Addressing her friend, "You said something about drinking to forget?"

Cristina grinned, "Let's do it!" They clinked glasses, knocking back another shot.

"So, how's owning a hospital?" Callie asked as they set the glasses back down.

Cristina smiled, "Oh! Amazing. I'm thriving, obviously. And honestly, it's way less stressful than being a member of the board here."

They continued to discuss Cristina's life in Zurich and Callie updated the cardio surgeon on all the gossip of Grey Sloan that didn't involve herself, regularly taking shots until they were both buzzed.

"Enough talk, get up." Cristina pulled on her arm as she haphazardly hopped off her seat.

Callie stumbled, sliding off her stool, "What are you doing?"

Cristina raised her arms in the air, "We, are going to dance it out."

"Seriously?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. She picked up their bags from the floor, passing them to Joe to keep behind the bar.

The woman started to move her hips to the music, backing into a more open space, "Seriously. It's like, healing."

She smiled at her friend, swaying as she followed Cristina's movements, "Oh trust me, I know. I dance in my underwear."

Cristina paused, pointing a finger towards Callie, "Do not take your clothes off. It won't do anything for me."

She threw her head back in laughter, "I'm not adding a charge for public indecency to my list of problems."

Cristina grinned, throwing herself into the rhythm with more enthusiasm, The two of them swayed and spun in the open space, dancing like no one was watching – though they were definitely drawing attention.

The beat of "Pon de Replay" by Rihanna thumped through the speakers, vibrating through the bar as Callie and Cristina found their groove. The attention they'd garnered enhanced further as Cristina pulled herself onto the bar, dragging Callie with her, balancing themselves on the slippery surface as they continued to dance.

Joe, who had been occupied dealing with customers, looked up, his eyes widening as he took in the sight, "Hey!" he called out, shaking his head with a smile tugging at his mouth, "You can't be on the bar!"

Cristina responded, wiggling her shoulders in time with the music as bent down to shout, "Don't be a buzzkill!"

Callie laughed at her antics, raising her hands in the air and bopping to the beat.

"You've got until the end of the song – and then you're wiping the bar down yourselves!"

Cristina cackled, bumping her hips with Callie's and almost slipping. They shimmied forwards and backwards, leaning towards each other as the song drew to a close.

They knelt down to hop off the bar, Callie throwing a thumbs-up at Joe and grinning.

"That was such a rush!" Callie shouted at Cristina, who was still laughing.

"I know, I'm always right."

The pair returned to their seats, out of breath.

"You ready to talk about it now?" Cristina asked, tone becoming more serious.

Callie looked towards her friend, sighing, "I'm a terrible person."

She did her best to fill Cristina in on the recent events in her intoxicated state, explaining her friendship with Arizona and troubled relationship with Penny.

"So, if I've got this right, you've got a nice, if not boring girlfriend who you're treating like shit, and your ex-wife, who is a fantastic mother, is trying to build bridges with you and also treating her like shit?"

Callie nodded shamefully, "Yep."

Cristina squinted at her, "Why?"

Callie shook her head, flexing her hands on the counter, "Didn't I already tell you? I'm a terrible person."

The woman next to her released an exasperated sigh, "God, stop with the moping! You are not a terrible person. You're just… stupid!"

She sighed, rolling her eyes, "Sure, because that's better."

Cristina raised her eyebrows, waiting for Callie to continue.

"How do I fix it, Cristina?" She asked, defeated.

The woman shoved her arm lightly, "Maybe you should be honest with yourself for once."

She grumbled, "Meaning?"

Cristina was quick to respond, "You know, actually acknowledge the fact that you're still in love with Arizona."

Callie's mouth dropped open, staring incredulously at her friend as she fumbled, "I–I am… not! Wha–"

"Oh, Callie. You are exhausting me!"

She placed her hand in her heads, letting her eyes close for a moment before refocusing, "Look. I know I… feel something. Still. For Arizona. But it didn't work! We didn't work! We're divorced. I've been trying not to feel that way, any way, about her since I left. We can't just… forget everything that happened and go play happy families. That's even if she still wants me anymore, which I'm positive she doesn't."

Cristina shook her heads slightly, "But you want to be friends with her?"

"Yes, yes. Absolutely. Despite me… being me, it's been good. Really good. It's been great for Sofia, and I feel–felt better, somehow, about everything." She paused, taking back another shot, "and then I fucked it up."

Cristina huffed, "You know you can at least try to fix it right? Apologise? Communicate your feelings. Just, do it in a way that doesn't involve making her feel like shit."

She bit her lip, contemplating, "You think it's that easy?"

The woman scoffed, "It's easier that fixing your doomed relationship with Penny. Hell, usually after a break-up, you go either catatonic or manic and let me cut you hair," Cristina gave a knowing look, "But you're not here moping over Penny, you're wallowing over Arizona. So what does that tell you?"

Callie took a deep inhale before huffing out a breath, "That I don't want to be with Penny?"

Cristina pursed her lips, slurring slightly, "Not exactly what I was going for, but that's a good start."

Before she could ask Cristina what she was meaning, Her gaze caught onto Arizona, walking past her and heading into the bathroom.

Callie jumped, a little unsteadily, to her feet, "I'm going to apologize."

Cristina's eyes widened, swivelling on her stool, "I didn't mean now! Callie!"

She ignored her friend's calls, swinging the door of the bathroom open.

Arizona was enjoying her evening, relaxing at the bar with the rather pleasant nurse. Despite her soured mood after Callie's exit, she felt good. Talking with Katie was refreshing, it was nice to get to know her, and it boosted Arizona's ego a decent amount every time the woman blushed.

She was cute, a little… dull, but charming nonetheless. She actually wanted to be around Arizona, she wasn't avoidant or making assumptions about her feelings or bringing up past problems. She was just… learning about Arizona. Sure, it was superficial. Arizona was slipping on a mask – an easy smile, a flirtatious comment here or there, a graze to her hand.

Arizona sipped on her first glass of wine, the bitter yet fruity liquid easing the discomfort that niggled at the back of her mind. Katie was talking about the surgery she assisted on earlier in the day, excitedly recounting her experience working with Cristina Yang.

"She's just incredible, really commands the OR, you know? Like, wow!"

Arizona smiled towards the bubbly woman, "I agree, I worked with her for years. I've known her since she was a resident."

Katie beamed further, "Really? That's amazing. What was she like back then?" The brunette paused, blushing, "Shit, sorry, I'm just rambling on about Dr. Yang when we are meant to be on a date!"

Arizona rested her hand over the woman's, giving a gentle squeeze, "Hey, it's fine – I don't mind. Cristina was just as commanding back then, a gifted set of hands, competitive. With talent as impressive as hers, it's understandable."

Katie leaned in closer, speaking softly into her ear, "I'm sure your hands are even more impressive."

Arizona laughed lightly, reaching to take another sip as she responded, "That's presumptive, but I won't say you're wrong."

Katie's response faded into the background as she heard the sound of a laugh she knew too well. Her stomach lurched. She looked toward the other end of the bar, her eyes locking onto Callie.

It hit like a punch to her gut.

What the hell is she doing here?

The feeling of Callie's gaze stung after how she'd spoken to her earlier – those ridiculous excuses, her unjustified jealousy. Arizona would be lying if she said she hadn't enjoyed her ex-wife's jealousy initially, watching how she reacted to Katie's interest in her.

Inciting that emotion from Callie wasn't her aim when agreeing to go on a date with Katie, she thought the woman was nice, pretty. Her enjoyment didn't last when Callie stated that doing so was easy for Arizona. Why was it okay for Callie to move on, but not for her?

Arizona's jaw clenched; she felt enraged. It was as if Callie was happy for Arizona to be alone, like she wanted her to suffer.

Callie had acted so damn righteous about her choice to leave Arizona, to divorce. Acting as though she was the victim, as if it was the only option and that she did so for Arizona's benefit – rather than her own.

It made her feel foolish for wanting to reignite their relationship in the first place, for even trying to be friends with her ex-wife. Yes, she loved her. That was a given, she'd never stopped loving Callie. She didn't think it was even possible for her to stop. However, it was becoming clearer to her that Callie, whether she still felt that way for Arizona or not, wouldn't act, wouldn't change. Not for Arizona, and not for herself.

Arizona felt like she was fighting a losing battle, and she wasn't sure she wanted to win anymore.

She let out a shaky breath, shifting off her stool and choosing to avoid Callie entirely. She rolled her shoulders back, picking up her wine glass. Arizona was intent on enjoying her date. She deserved to be happy regardless of how Callie felt about it.

"Let's go find a table, stools aren't the most supportive with my leg and all." Arizona smiled towards her date, holding her hand as they moved towards a table towards the back of the bar.

As the night wore on, avoiding Callie became nearly impossible. She'd somehow managed to maintain light conversation with Katie until she saw Joe turning up the volume on the stereo that controlled the speakers, music blasting louder in the busy bar. Her eyes involuntarily travelled across the room to where Callie and Cristina were dancing.

Is she trying to make a point?

She couldn't help but roll her eyes as Callie's audacity but was unable to shift her focus back to her date.

Yeah, go be free, Calliope.

She heard Katie speak, leaning in to shout so that Arizona could hear her over the music, "Wow! I didn't know Dr. Yang could let loose!"

Her stare was fixed to Callie. The woman was clearly inebriated, but the quality of her dancing wasn't affected. Watching Callie dance and laugh so effortlessly was aggravating.

That aggravation was enhanced further by her own want, the ever present need for her ex-wife. She hated that she felt this way. Arizona swallowed firmly. It was like Callie had everything she wanted, she had a girlfriend that loved her and Arizona, once again, under her thumb.

She continued to observe as Callie and Cristina climbed onto the bar, other patrons cheering as they did so. They looked so youthful, unburdened, whereas Arizona felt the opposite.

Arizona managed to turn away from the scene, giving her attention to Katie to find that the brunette was enamoured by their antics, framing her mouth with her hands as she shouted, "Woo!"

Callie was officially ruining her date. She sipped on her wine, focusing on the movement of her fingers as she fiddled with the stem of her glass.

"Do you want to dance?" Katie asked, a hopeful grin on her face.

She shook her head with a weak smile, "No, no. I'm good, thanks."

"Oh. Sorry! Is it because of your leg?"

Arizona winced inwardly, grazing her bottom lip with her teeth. It wasn't, but she agreed anyway.

"Yeah," she muttered, "Um… I'm just going to pop to the ladies' room."

She wanted to get away from the noise, away from Callie, away from her giddy date. Just for a moment.

Arizona picked up her purse and made her way across the bar, briefly clocking that Callie was seated at the bar again as she passed.

She placed her purse on the back of the sink, pulling her lip gloss out of her bag. Looking into the mirror, Arizona tried to recentre herself, stabilize, relax. She unscrewed the cap on the item, moving the small applicator across her lips.

The door creaked open, and Arizona's heart skipped a beat when she saw Callie in the reflection.

Of course.

She didn't turn around, and Callie didn't speak. Her ex-wife just stood there, awkwardly, in front of the exit.

"If you're here to make more assumptions about the way I feel, I don't want to hear it." Her bitterness was out in full force and she wasn't going to be trapped in the bathroom while Callie ranted at her.

Callie cleared her throat, stepping closer, "I want to apologize."

Her brow furrowed, "Oh, so now you want to talk?"

Callie's eyes softened as she tilted her head, "Please, Arizona. I'm sorry for the way I left things. I'm sorry for how I've acted recently."

Arizona gripped the edge of the sink, trying to stay composed. "I'm not interested in your apology."

"I need you to know that I didn't mean to hurt you," Callie uttered, her voice breaking slightly, "I'm sorry that I walked out like that."

"Ha!" She scoffed, shaking her head "Which time?"

Arizona could see her ex-wife's pleading eyes, finally turning around to face Callie. She crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the sink.

Callie's gaze shifted downward before meeting Arizona's eyes again. "I deserve that. You're right to be mad at me."

"Damn right, I am," she huffed, "Why are you here?"

Callie shifted uncomfortably, "Cristina invited me. I'm not–I'm not here because of your date."

She released a sigh, her temper cooling slightly, "I can't… I can't keep doing this, Callie."

Her ex-wife took another step forward, "Just… let it out. Tell me what you're feeling."

Part of Arizona was shocked that Callie was actually asking, giving her space to be angry.

"I'm tired," Arizona started, her words almost coming out in a rush, "I'm tired of you putting words in my mouth. I'm annoyed that you've interrupted my date, I'm annoyed that you have such a problem with me dating. I'm questioning why we are even trying to be friends. I feel like an idiot for thinking we could be friends, for thinking that you might have changed at all, or that you're even capable of change."

Callie stood silent for a moment, allowing Arizona to finish. "You said you wanted to be friends for Sofia?"

"I do!" Arizona's voice raised slightly, but then she took a deep breath to steady herself, "I do, and I'm trying, but I don't think you are. I tell you I have a date, and you get possessive. You say it's easy for me, when you're the one who jumped straight into another relationship after the divorce. But if anyone so much as looks in my direction, there you are!"

Callie's gaze flicked back to the floor, clearly embarrassed. "I know, I know. It's… hard. For me. We've never been friends before. I'm learning, though. I can learn." Her voice was soft, almost pleading.

Arizona's arms crossed tighter over her chest. She wasn't sure what she wasn't to hear from Callie anymore. There was so much hurt between them, past and present, that it was impossible to pretend otherwise.

And yet, something in Callie's voice, in the way she looked at her, made her pause. She wanted to trust her, to believe Callie could change, that they could be friends, then maybe one day they could be more than that. But it didn't feel possible right now.

"I want you–I want you in my life, Arizona. I can be better, for you."

She tried to resist the flutter in her chest at those words. The way the hairs on the back of her neck prickled hearing Callie say that she wanted her. It was hard to ignore the flicker of hope that reignited. She wanted to believe it, she really did. But how could she? It felt like she was proven wrong every time.

Callie's gaze was intense, vulnerable in a way that made Arizona's breath hitch. But before she could respond, the door swung open, causing them both to jump.

Katie bounced in, completely unaware of the tension in the room, "Arizona!"

Her date's eyes flicked between the two women, a brief confused look crossing her face. Arizona was relieved that they hadn't been stood closer together.

"I've been called back to the hospital, there's an emergency surgery and one of the nurses rang in sick."

Arizona was quick to respond, trying to reassure her, "Oh! That's okay, duty calls!"

Katie smiled softly, apologetic, "Raincheck?"

"Sure," Arizona nodded, managing a faint smile as the woman hurriedly backed out of the door with a wave.

Once the door closed behind her, Callie turned her head back to Arizona, cringing slightly, "Sorry."

"It's okay," she said, her voice quieter now, as though the weight of everything had finally caught up to her, "I was planning on going home soon anyway." She turned briefly to pick up her purse, intent on leaving. She needed a space, needed to step away from this. But Callie's presence was so overwhelming that Arizona's resolve faltered.

Callie was quiet for a moment, her eyes tracing Arizona's every move. It seemed like she was trying to find the right words, and Arizona braced herself for whatever they might be. Another apology? Another excuse? Or maybe Callie would turn and leave on her own accord, which wouldn't surprise Arizona in the slightest.

"I want us to figure this out, I don't want to keep hurting you, Arizona."

Arizona lowered her gaze, staring at the floor, waiting for the next empty apology.

"Can I take you out to dinner?"

Arizona's head snapped upwards, eyes wide with surprise, "What?"

The brunette raised her hands, palms open, her voice steady, "A peace offering, an opportunity to talk through things – calmly. A friend-date."

She tilted her head, pursing her lips, "A friend-date?"

"Yes! Let me wine and dine you with my friendship."

The unexpected humor caught Arizona off guard, and she couldn't restrain the giggle that slipped out. Shaking her head in disbelief, she muttered, "You are drunk, Calliope Torres."

"I'm tipsy! And I'm trying," Callie replied, a half-hearted defence, but her eyes held sincerity, "I can communicate like a normal person."

She smirked, testing the waters with a playful jab, "Well, I suppose I should be glad you're using your words this time, rather than pushing me against a wall."

There was a flash of something raw in Callie's eyes, the way her gaze flicked to Arizona's lips. Her breathing becoming ever so slightly laboured, her tongue briefly swiping across her bottom lip.

Callie's cheeks reddened as she cleared her throat, snapping out of her brief daze and straightening her posture, "You–You're not funny."

"I totally am," she teased, her smile widening.

Callie expression brightened, though she hesitated in her request, "Can I–Can I hug you?"

Her response was easy, a decision she made without effort, "Yes, Calliope."

The taller woman took a tentative step closer, slow in her movements as if she was afraid that Arizona would pull away. When Callie's arms wrapped around her, her body tensed at first, her defences instinctively rising before she melted into the warmth of Callie's embrace. She let her arms hesitantly wrap around Callie's waist, resting her head on her ex-wife's shoulder, allowing herself to enjoy the familiar scent of Callie's perfume.

Arizona could feel the steady rise and fall of Callie's chest against her own, the slight tremor in her ex-wife's hands as they rested on her back. She closed her eyes, letting the sensation wash over her.

"I missed this," Callie whispered, the words almost lost against the curve of Arizona's shoulder.

Arizona's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding. She didn't reply, unsure of what she could say without unravelling completely. Instead, she tightened her hold, allowing herself a moment of vulnerability she hadn't planned on giving.

When Callie finally pulled back, meeting Arizona's gaze, her dark eyes were soft, searching. She dragged herself back into reality as Callie spoke, "So, dinner? When you're free?"

Arizona raised an eyebrow, "I'm still not sure about this 'friend-date' thing."

Callie shrugged, "Would you rather I call it a 'hangout', or more accurately 'deep talk between ex-wives in a public setting'?

"Maybe you're right, we'll stick to friend-date."

Callie gave a lop-sided smile, "So, that's a yes then."

She playfully rolled her eyes, "Fine. I'll text you with my availability."