A/N: I'm back! Sorry for the longer wait. I've been working on this since last week and the next chapter is already written. It was originally one big chapter but felt right to split it. So, question is - would you like the next chapters as soon as they are ready or a more consistent upload schedule? Let me know!
Hope you're enjoying the ride, because I'm loving writing it :)
Any and all feedback, positive and constructive is welcome!
Maybe I'm romanticizing
Little over analyzing
Taking my realities and twist 'em into fantasies about you and me
It's all about you and me
My Therapist Told Me
By Xana
After ending the call, Callie took a moment calm herself. It felt so strange speaking to Arizona like that. For the first time in ages, she hadn't called out of necessity or to speak to Sofia.
No, she called because she wanted to. She called because Sofia was excited, and Callie wanted to share that joy with her ex-wife. That was the main reason. Her stomach fluttered, teetering between butterflies and nausea. The guilt that had been gnawing at her for the last week crept back, and her thoughts drifting to Penny.
Penny. My lovely girlfriend.
They'd seen each other earlier that day, before Callie picked Sofia up from daycare. Penny had come to her lab, checking in with her and asking if she wanted her to come over after work.
Callie had politely declined, claiming that she was too tired and that she'd had a long, stressful day – thought that wasn't entirely the truth. Her mind was still reeling, in overdrive considering everything Arizona had said. She didn't have the capacity to deal with Penny tonight, nor did she want to tell her about Arizona's offer of friendship, or their plans for Saturday.
It wouldn't look good after their argument on Cristina's birthday. Penny would take it the wrong way and they'd have another freakin' argument.
Arizona had said that Callie needed to take some time to figure things out, and she fully intended to do that. Penny didn't need to be involved. She wasn't part of her family.
So, she placated Penny by arranging to see her on Friday night. She could drop Sofia off with Arizona, and then they could have a stay-at-home date night. She knew Penny was working on Saturday, which hopefully meant that her girlfriend wouldn't be harassing her when she was spending time with her family.
She likes to check up on me. It's… nice?
Things with Penny had been weird since the argument, more on Callie's side than her girlfriend's. The recent events had thrown her off balance. She needed to find her footing, hoping a date night would ease the awkwardness.
By Friday, Callie thought she might have figured out how bring up her weekend plans with Penny without a shouting match.
It was Friday evening, soon she'd be dropping Sofia off at Arizona's house. Usually, she dreaded the process of leaving their daughter with Arizona. It was always an uncomfortable interaction, and she hated being without Sofia. Not this time though, this time would be different.
The week had flown by, or it certainly felt like it had to Callie. Work had been non-stop, it felt good to keep busy and her excitement for Saturday had risen each day.
The nerves were there too. Callie and Arizona had managed to be friendly in their brief interactions throughout the week, but a full day together was a lot for a divorced couple.
What if we get into some stupid argument and I do what I always do and throw some issue from the past in Arizona's face again?
It was a pattern she knew too well, and Callie didn't want to repeat her previous mistakes. She didn't want to ruin the progress they'd made. It felt good to be civil with Arizona, an unexpected outcome after what happened at the party. Callie had truly believed that she'd put the last nail in the coffin that night – feeling that Arizona would hate her more than she already did, and that Penny would ultimately break up with her.
It shocked Callie that both of her assumptions had so far, been proven wrong. She certainly didn't want to mess it up now.
Managing to screw herself over one way or another was a bad habit that she'd struggled to shake throughout her life.
Thirtieth times a charm, right?
In an effort to feel mentally prepared for tomorrow, she'd decided to prepare herself physically – which involved choosing an outfit. That way, she wouldn't be as stressed on the day. There'd be less for her to do before she set off to pick them up, she wouldn't have to rush about and could maybe sleep in a little. It should have been an easy task.
It was not.
Callie stood in her bedroom, wardrobe doors wide open and clothes scattered across the floor and every surface. The orthopaedic surgeon had already spent an unhealthy amount of time trying to decide what to wear for tomorrow.
A dress?
No, it's a family day out, not a date. All my dresses are work-y or date-y.
She scanned her eyes across the floor-drobe, that top's too booby, that one's too sparkly, and… that one hasn't fit since before Sofia. Great!
If she spent any longer on this, she'd end up being late dropping off Sofia, who was currently in the lounge picking out which toys to take to Arizona's.
Would it be weird to text Arizona and ask what she's wearing tomorrow?
Deciding that her ex-wife would rather receive a text than her tardiness, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and found Arizona's contact.
Me: What are you wearing?
Callie looked up from her phone, scowling at the mess of garments surrounding her.
Jeans and a nice top maybe? What level of nice is too nice?
A skirt and blouse? No. Too formal.
Her phone buzzed in her hand; grateful that Arizona was speedy in her response and never the type to leave anyone on read. Callie tapped on the notification.
Arizona: What…?
She scrunched her eyes at the message, wondering if there was a typo in her text. Her eyes flicked back to what she'd just sent.
Oh god.
I just asked my ex-wife what she's wearing.
Her cheeks reddened. She typed a quick corrective addition, but before she could hit send, another text came through.
Arizona: I mean, if you really want to know, I've just showered so…
She sent the message, and an added clarification, as soon as she read Arizona's second text.
Me: TOMORROW
Me: WHAT ARE YOU WEARING TOMORROW
A heavy breath escaped her as she rested her head in her hands, her face was hot with embarrassment.
Does that mean Arizona's in a towel, or that she's…
Not important. Do not think about that.
She threw her phone on the bed out of fear of sending another stupid text. Callie internally promised herself that from now on if she needed to talk to Arizona, she would call her whenever possible, because clearly she couldn't text without making a fool of herself.
The specific ringtone she'd set for Arizona started playing, her phone now buzzing on the bed. Callie reached to grab it, pressing the green button and placing the phone to her ear.
"You're a bit forward don't you think, Dr Torres?" Her ex-wife's tone was playful, furthering Callie's embarrassment.
She cleared her throat, "I really need to be more specific."
"Hmm… I'd advise double checking before you send anything in the future," Arizona laughed down the phone.
She rolled her eyes, releasing a dramatized huff, "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Robbins."
"You should be glad it was me you texted, and not someone like Bailey. That really would have been mortifying."
"Are you done making fun of me?"
"Absolutely not, but I'll stop for now."
"Thank you. Now, I'll try again," Callie paused while she mentally prepared her question, ensuring that it wasn't suggestive, "What are you planning on wearing tomorrow?"
Arizona took a second to respond, "Well, it depends on how warm it is tonight."
"What? Why would that change anything?" Callie replied, confused.
"Well if it's cold, I'll be sleeping in pajama's so that's what I'll be wearing tomorrow morning, but if it's warm-"
The brunette was blushing again, "Arizona! You said you'd stop!"
Arizona burst into laughter, ringing into Callie's ear, "Sorry, I couldn't help it,"
Her laughter died down, "Okay, I mean, it's the park and pizza so I was thinking like, blue jeans and a flannel, maybe? Does that help?"
"Yes, that helps. Thank you. I'm gonna get Sofia ready now, so I'll see you soon?"
"See you soon, Callie."
She hung up the call and quickly dug out her favourite black jeans and a t-shirt.
Cute and casual.
Arizona was lying on her bed with a towel wrapped around her, giggling to herself as she heard the beep of the call ending. She felt a little bit mean. She'd known exactly what Callie was referring to when she'd received the text, but it was too easy to tease her.
Knowing that it wouldn't be long before Callie and Sofia arrived, she moved to the edge of the bed and grabbed her prosthetic from its place next to her bedside table.
It didn't seem logical to get fully dressed as it was already evening, and she had no intention of leaving the house. Arizona put on her sweatpants and a vest from the dresser. Short on time, she skipped drying her hair and settled for a loose braid.
The doorbell rang just as she'd stepped into the lounge, sending her heart racing.
They're here!
Arizona took a calming breath, reminding herself to keep it together, before slowly walking towards the front door.
It's just your ex-wife that you're in love with, and your daughter. Be cool, Robbins.
She twisted the handle, pulling the door open to see the pair waiting on the door step. Sofia immediately ran towards her, wrapping her arms around Arizona's leg and beaming up at her, eyes bright.
"Mommy!"
Arizona smiled, running a hand through her daughter's hair, "Hi baby girl, I missed you."
She bent down to pick Sofia up, stepping into the doorway to keep it open while she propped her on her hip. She pressed a kiss to her head before turning to greet her ex-wife.
"Hey, Callie."
Callie's smile was warm, a teasing glint in her eyes. Her hands tucked in her jacket pockets with Sofia's backpack hung on her shoulder.
"Hey yourself, it's good to see that you're dressed." Callie jested, gaze dropping briefly, flicking to Arizona's chest.
Very 'Mark Sloan' of you, Calliope.
"Ah, well," Arizona squinted, tilting her head as she retorted, "I was about to text you, keep you updated."
Callie huffed, shaking her head, "So funny!"
"I know, I'm good like that." She bit her lip, amused by herself.
A small hand pulled on her braid, "Mommy, chocolate?"
Arizona's attention turned to their daughter, stroking a hand across her little cheek, "Oh yes, I didn't forget baby girl, we are definitely making hot chocolates tonight." She looked back to Callie while Sofia played with her hair.
"I should probably leave you guys to it, here's her bag," Callie slipped the strap off her shoulder and passed it to Arizona, their hands softly grazing in the process. Her eyes locked with Callie's as she pulled back, warmth tingling across her skin.
"Y-You could stay. For a bit. You could have a hot chocolate before you go. Wouldn't want to leave you out."
The little girl in her arms perked up, "Yes! Mama stay!"
Callie shifted her footing on the step, pursing her lips, "Uh… No, that's okay," her eyes flickered between Sofia and Arizona.
"I have to get home anyway," she said, a small sigh escaping her lips, "Penny will be waiting for me."
Arizona smile softened, "Maybe another time then?"
"Yeah, another time," Callie leaned into the doorway, "and I will see you tomorrow, princess." Arizona held a breath as Callie pressed a kiss to Sofia's forehead.
"Bye, Mama," Sofia grumbled, her disappointment noticeable.
"I love you baby, be good for Mommy, okay?" Callie grinned, the smile not meeting her eyes.
Arizona stepped back, placing the bag behind her and gripping the door handle, "Wave bye-bye to Mama, Sof." Following her instruction, Sofia waved her hand erratically.
Callie returned the gesture, "See you in the morning, ladies."
She watched as Callie walked away, heavy in her step, "Goodbye, Callie."
Arizona pushed the door closed and placed Sofia back down, "So… what does Dr Sofia want on her hot chocolate?"
Her daughter started running to the kitchen, giggling, "Mellows, sprinkles, an' cream!"
She watched as Sofia bounded across the room. Arizona had missed her. The house almost felt like home, filling the walls with joy.
Almost.
