"I think Arizona's cheating on me."

Amelia hung her mouth open, unable to form a proper and valid response.

It was like she was knocked sideways and was too incapacitated to recuperate.

If she were being honest - it was totally unexpected, how Mich would blatantly drop the words and let Amelia be the one to take them all in. As if she was more affected by it than Mich herself. How she felt her chest tightened and how she tried to conceal the pain that was threatening to flash in her eyes because she'd never thought Arizona could even -

She stopped in her tracks.

And she thought she was losing her own damn mind - that despite everything, she'd choose to give Arizona the benefit of the doubt. "May I ask why you would think of that?" She softly asked, trying not to sound too defensive on Arizona's behalf - because she shouldn't.

It wasn't even her place to ask and yet she did.

Mich laughed bitterly, pulling her head back up to face Amelia. "You must think I'm crazy."

"Mich, no. I would never." And it was the truth.

Amelia was on Mich's side above anyone else. But why - just why the hell did she still have the guts to be worried for Arizona?

"Maybe I'm just overthinking things. It- it's just that Arizona looks at me differently now. I can't explain, how or why I'd think of her this way - and she… she was supposed to be here last night, and she never came and -"

Amelia momentarily closed her eyes, as she tried to mask the feeling of guilt lurching forward - words almost threatening to spill out, that Arizona did just that last night but left in a hurry because of what happened between them. She nodded silently, figuring to keep things left unsaid as she let Mich finish.

"And I-I just don't know, I mean. I used to tell you this that Arizona's so damn easy to read, like I could literally know what she's thinking at every given moment by just looking at her. But these days, she'd been distant and suddenly it became difficult to get a read on her, and I just thought maybe she's with someone else, and I hate that thought - Amelia…" Mich faltered for a moment as tears threatened to form in her eyes. She wiped them off before Amelia could reach out to her, running her hand in her hair uncomfortably. "You know how Arizona's different."

There was nothing Amelia could do but nod.

Because that was just simply one of the things that Amelia loved about Arizona.

Time and time again, she'd proven to Mich how different she was.

It felt too shameful to admit, though, how it was Amelia who fell harder.

"I know that." Amelia replied. At that very moment, feeling too frail to even think about being jealous. Knew it all had to stop now before she could give Mich another reason to be worried about.

"I love her, Amelia. And I plan on keeping her for a very long time."

And Amelia agreed, acknowledging Mich's declaration with her whole heart. The very first time she heard her say the words about Arizona. And it was fine, more than okay - it was exactly what Amelia needed to hear.

To have those words spelled out for her in case she was still unsure of what needed to be done.

-x-

Arizona looked at her with so much regard, and Amelia couldn't help but feel conscious about it - how she seemed fascinated with her when Amelia was barely doing the minimum.

With her chin propped on her palm, Arizona watched as Amelia poured coffee into her cup. She could feel the weight of her eyes implored her every move, and Amelia found herself rolling her eyes. "What?"

"Nothing. Just reminded me of old times." Arizona replied, she took a long sip and Amelia had to laugh at that. Wanted to ask how she would even think that, when Arizona uninhibitedly pulled her hand to hold. She looked at them inquisitively, running her fingers gently along the lines of her palm.

She tried not to lean too much in her touch. "Good to know your burnt hand didn't leave any scarring."

Arizona perked her head up, as she averted her gaze from her hand to her face.

"Arizona, it wasn't as if I had set my hand on fire, you know." She snickered. Pulling her hand back, Arizona was quick enough to tug it back in for her to hold onto.

"You were literally begging me not to let go of your hand." She raised her eyebrows playfully. Amelia tried her hardest not to shudder at Arizona's need to get a hold of her. Surely it wasn't her intention, but she was already getting worked up.

Maybe it was because of the fact that they barely had anything going on since they had reunited, and now she was getting everything out of her - from shared glances, and simple touches and even longer conversations that weren't work-related for the very first time since she moved to Seattle.

"Because I was in so much pain." She lied. Maybe she just wanted to be held longer by Arizona.

Arizona placed a palm on her forehead, as if she remembered something. Squeezed her eyes shut and with pursed lips, Amelia found it adorable, everything about her was just too difficult to take no notice of.

"Did you know that Michelle and I fought that day when she found out about your hand?" She asked.

Mich.

Amelia sometimes had forgotten how she was the sole reason they knew each other.

"Why? I mean it wasn't that big of a deal —" She shrugged and Amelia noticed how Arizona squinted her eyes in return to her. As if she was bound to share something that she wasn't supposed to know.

She cleared her throat, creasing her eyebrows - with her shoulders raised. "I honestly don't remember now. But you know how she was always protective of you. Maybe it's that." Arizona pointed out as she tore her gaze away from Amelia and switched back to drinking the remnants from her cup of coffee.

And Amelia knew something felt off, she just had no idea what exactly at that very moment.

-x-

Amelia had been woken up by a pair of raised voices that echoed through the hallway of their apartment.

Even worse, because they were practically yelling at this point.

Amelia could hear everything from her bedroom.

And she knew that things were heated, the constant back and forth of frustration and outrage laced in their voices.

It was the first time for Amelia to witness Mich and Arizona being involved in a vehement argument.

She sat up from her bed, as she covered her hand in her mouth with the best effort to not make any sound, feeling out of place. Knew damn well that they both needed the apartment to themselves, but found herself stuck in her room unable to move because it would have been even more uncomfortable for her to walk all the way to where they were so she could simply head out.

It was not an option to even leave at this point.

And they were still arguing, non-stop and as much as she knew best not to eavesdrop - there was no other way she could get past this and not overhear every word they were saying against each other.

It was bound to happen either way.

The fight - Mich, and Arizona. She knew it was meant to happen one way or another because it had been more than three weeks since Mich opened up to Amelia, and shared about the possibility of Arizona cheating on her. Three weeks since the incident she had with Arizona. Three weeks since she last saw her.

And she knew something was up.

Regardless if she was not even in the right place to question her, she just knew that Arizona became increasingly distant. How she went from regular late-night visits to their apartment to be with Mich to nothing. How she would notice Arizona veering herself away in a different direction whenever Amelia would catch her at the hospital. How it felt as though it burned Arizona to take a look, let alone acknowledge her whenever they would meet at the cafeteria or in any OR room they both had to be in. Not only to her but to Mich - how for some reason, something just struck in her and woke up one day and decided not to talk nor even share a look with either of them.

Whenever Mich would, Arizona would just simply tell her that she had been busy doing some tedious work as Chief Resident and scrubbing in with all of Norman Michaela's surgeries and basically told her there was nothing to be worried about and that she would eventually make up for the lost time spent.

But that day never really arrived. Surely, the sudden distance and Arizona's unavailability didn't help at all given the fact that Mich still believed that Arizona was involved with someone else

And as much as Amelia knew better and to trust Arizona, each day felt like an attestation that all these allegations may be true. And she still was unsure how to come to terms with that, because she admired Arizona ever since the beginning of her relationship with Mich and had so much respect beyond all the clandestine attraction she felt for her.

"For the last time, I said I was busy —" She heard Arizona's voice, loud and clear - making sure she was able to emphasize each word. But it was obvious from Mich's tone that she wasn't buying any of it as she cut her off mid-sentence.

Despite having no visibility, Amelia heard the way Mich scoffed with Arizona's remark. "Too busy to make time for me? Arizona, it's been more than three weeks. And even before then, you've been distant -" She stammered.

"I… just have so much on my plate right now. I've been literally juggling my responsibilities as chief resident and getting as many hours in the OR as much as possible for Norman -"

"Don't bullshit me, Arizona!" Mich let out a sharp, uncontrollable cry.

Amelia flinched, with her legs almost begging her to intervene. Personally, she wanted to put an end to what they were both doing to each other, but she was on Mich's side - and wanted to protect her. She had every right to feel angry, to know the truth - but her thoughts lingered more to how Arizona was feeling as she noticed how Mich's indignation resulted to Arizona's silence.

As if Mich had been right all along.

That Arizona was just making excuses because she was hiding something from her.

It drove Amelia to the edge, with the strong desire to know Arizona's reaction because she would have simply known just by taking one look at her.

But the room was pitch black, and she could tell that Mich and Arizona were just right outside her door because she could even hear the way Mich heaved, or how Arizona ruffled through her hair and through her clothes as she tried placing her frustration somewhere else.

Then Arizona spoke, caving in.

"I'm sorry, Mich. I'm really sorry." That was all she had managed to say.

And just when Amelia thought her apology would suffice and that they'd eventually make up, Mich let out a sigh and responded. "I don't need you to be sorry. I need you to be honest with me." She heard Mich take a step, assumed to get closer to Arizona. "Do you even love me?"

Amelia felt as if she was drowning. She fell back on the bed, almost willing herself not to throw up because she had been afraid that it would come up at some point, and when it did - she felt unprepared, wrecked - because it was hurting her.

Amelia just wished she could see the both of them at that very moment - dying to know how Arizona looked or what she was thinking. But at the same, scared witless of how Arizona would respond because deep down she had always known -

"You know, I do." Arizona softly answered.

"Show me."

Mich replied with so much credence.

And Amelia knew where this was all going, and she just wished she had passed out and had slept through all of this because she was not strong enough to endure what was about to happen.

"What are you -" She was silenced by Mich. Amelia could easily tell, Mich may have held her differently as she heard Arizona's breath hitch before she could even let herself finish.

"Take me to bed."

-x-

There was an uncomfortable silence that dawdled between them as they made their way back to Arizona's place.

They had to go to work but Arizona needed a change of clothes, and Amelia needed a ride so they both agreed they'd stop at Arizona's place first to take a quick shower before heading to the hospital.

Amelia didn't know why she was feeling anxious for the nth time that day, knuckles almost turning white as she tightened her grip on Arizona's wheel, with her other free hand being used to bite a nail from her finger in distress.

"What is it with my car that's always keeping you silent for no reason?" Arizona was quick enough to notice Amelia's sudden demeanor, the way Arizona had always been observant for every step she took made her flinch.

-x-

"Take me to bed."

Amelia could feel the parts of her wanting to crack at that very moment. She stayed completely still, as if in fear that one simple move would prevent her from hearing the next words Arizona was about to say.

Arizona sneered, earning a curt smile from Amelia. Glad to know that she was not the only one thinking how absolutely ridiculous Mich's blatant offer was.

"What?"

"You heard me." Mich responded indignantly.

Amelia barely had any idea how everything was taking place from the other side, but she could tell that Arizona was not taking things lightly, not anymore. "You know what? I'm not doing this with you."

She could hear someone's footsteps making their way back to the door, believed to be Arizona's but yet she also heard Mich not so far behind. "We've done this plenty of times before, what's stopping you now, Arizona?" She bit back harshly.

Amelia clenched the sheets uncomfortably as she let the covers of her bed get the best of her.

"You can't be serious." Arizona replied scornfully, evident from her tone that wrath was about to take place yet again.

"Are you seeing someone else?" Mich asked with so much impatience and accusation laced in her voice.

"Excuse me?" To which, Arizona responded unsettlingly, sounding less resentful but even more offended now.

"It's a simple question and you can't even look at me."

"Because there is no one else!" Arizona retaliated at the top of her voice. Amelia winced, feeling for Arizona and what she was going through. To have someone she loved accuse her, and to put her in a position that could have been dealt with better. She heard Arizona emit a sigh, and it was a sound Amelia had grown accustomed to. It was a sigh that desperately wanted out, someone who was definitely still filled with disappointment yet fueled with temper.

"Arizona -"

Amelia knew better, even without looking that Mich had been silenced with a kiss.

Arizona must have pulled her back with so much force as she heard Mich groan when their lips clashed fervidly. She heard the sound of footsteps hastily getting closer to Mich's room right next to Amelia's. How she heard a body being pushed into a wall resulting in a loud thud, how she assumed both of their lips were still fighting for dominance as she still could hear the sharp intakes of breath from Arizona, and how Mich whimpered in anticipation. How she heard pieces of clothing being discarded to the floor, along the hallway of their apartment, "Is this what you want?" She heard Arizona ask in a muffled voice, believed to still have her mouth pressed on to Mich's.

She heard the same question being repeatedly asked, this time more loudly - more aggressive, Amelia wanted to die right there and then, "Is this what you want?" Arizona's tone carried with so much authority that Amelia could feel her own knees enervated. It was a tone she had never heard from her before, and was filled with so much dominance and it was already doing things in her.

But the situation begged her to feel anything but that, as Mich only responded with a moan. She heard the door to Mich's room close shut, with a pair of bodies clashed desperately into bed and Amelia wanted out. Not interested to know what else would happen after.

Wanted nothing but to leave the room so she wouldn't be able to hear it, hear them, but failed. She heard how Arizona worked her way to give Mich the pleasure and assurance that she needed. Heard Mich's constant uncontrolled moans in between open-mouthed kisses, and how she had gasped when Arizona would hit a spot. The endless curses under her breath, followed by the sound of a pair of palms being placed firmly behind the headboard for support because God knows what Arizona was capable of doing or how she had cried for Arizona's name when she came undone, more than once.

Amelia lived through all of that.

She could feel the throbbing ache in her chest, as she buried herself under the sheets, under her pillows - in a desperate attempt to block everything that she had to forcefully hear from the room across hers. How she wanted to let out a scream, because she should have left the minute they both arrived just so she wouldn't have the memory burned in her head. She firmly closed her eyes, as if that could be of any help - using her free hand to cover her mouth once again, because God she felt like crying, and she couldn't do just that because she never had the right to begin with -

She should have been happy for Mich, for getting the resolve that she needed.

All Amelia should have ever wanted for her, for them - because she was a friend. And what Arizona was to her didn't really matter. That alone should have been enough.

But she couldn't help but feel begrudged, to feel mad as if they were in the wrong. She despised herself for even entertaining the smallest thought - how it should have been her instead. Had her feelings for Arizona grown even more than a simple admiration to the point that she would out of nowhere feel downright jealous?

It would have made so much of a difference if she didn't let that damn mouth of hers in three weeks ago. It was so much easier admiring who Arizona was from afar, and ever since they had that unexpected contact, Amelia had been uncontrollably having other more feelings that should never have been existent.

All thanks to that incident, Amelia was given a glimpse of how Arizona was, how she knew her ways when she ran her mouth across her neck, how the kisses had been nothing but brief yet filled with so much charge. How she possessively gripped her neck down to her chest, and how she kneeled in front of her, and held her thighs. It gave Amelia the type of pleasure and comfort that she didn't know she needed.

And she blamed Arizona for allowing her to be swept over the feeling.

Now she knew what it was like to be Mich.

It was everything and nothing, because that was the last of it. It was a mistake. And Mich was happy, and Arizona was her girlfriend - and Amelia was, she was exactly where she should be and that should be enough.

Amelia knew right then and there what needed to be done, as if she needed more convincing - but this was the last of it. She knew she had to move on. To find someone who would want her back, and would love her the way she wanted to be loved.

Amelia believed there was no one but Arizona, but she should at least try.

There was complete silence.

Amelia hugged her pillow tighter to her chest to find solace, relieved that they were done.

She thought wrong, when again she heard them speak once again. Only this time, much softer and forbearing.

Amelia had heard them have sex in Mich's room a couple of times before, but this one hits different. This one stung. Seemingly raw, and vulnerable.

It was the very first time they made love.

"Arizona, I'm sorry if I —"

"Don't be. You should have never been given any reason to doubt us, and it was on me. I'm sorry. I love you."

Amelia didn't question why she cried herself to sleep that night.

-x-

The next morning, Amelia was greeted by the smell of breakfast being cooked in the kitchen. And while Amelia was still unprepared to physically and mentally get herself out there, her stomach knew better but to cave in as she realized she hadn't had dinner the night before and was beyond starving, wanting nothing but to grab a plate.

Making her way to the kitchen, she saw Arizona at the front of the stove with her hair tied up in a bun, wearing Mich's robe. Amelia cleared her throat to alarm her presence, in which a startled Arizona whipped her head around to greet her with a cheerful smile.

Amelia wanted to roll her eyes.

No one should be allowed to look this good at 6AM in the morning.

"Good morning!" Arizona poured coffee into Amelia's mug, carefully pushing the cup to make its way to Amelia across the other side of the counter. "I hope you like bacon and eggs."

Amelia took the coffee in her own hands, taking a sip - and letting the warm liquid provide her with the energy to simply respond. "Of course."

"Perfect!" Arizona gleamed as she turned her attention back to the stove. "I hope you're willing to wait though, I'm not yet done."

"Always. Do you need any help?" Amelia asked, taking one last sip from her coffee, padding her way closer to Arizona.

Arizona eyed the sudden proximity, and averted her gaze quickly back to the pan. "Hmm." She pursed her lips, putting a finger to her lips - deep in thought. "Do you mind taking over while I prepare the fruit bowl?" She asked.

Amelia tried to mask the sudden panic that coursed in her system because she can't cook for shit.

Then again, this was basic. It was just bacon and eggs. And without a beat, she said yes.

Arizona nodded with enthusiasm, "Okay then. Here you go." She gave the spatula for Amelia's taking, and went on her toes to reach the bowl that was sitting atop the cupboard.

And well, Amelia - tried not to look.

But it was just damn noticeable.

How the sudden movement resulted in the knot on her robe loosening a bit, which allowed Amelia access into seeing a smooth expanse of porcelain skin just above the swell of Arizona's breast. A huge hickey that was just sitting there - with Mich definitely taking its claim over it, last night.

That Arizona was hers.

When Arizona was able to successfully retrieve the bowl, she gave Amelia one last smile before she proceeded in preparing a wide selection of fruits back at the kitchen island.

Amelia cleared her throat, unconsciously found herself licking her lips before averting her gaze someplace else - steadying the beat of her chest in its rightful place.

'Move on, and let it go.' A mantra that Amelia repeated to herself, momentarily closing her eyes.

It was clear as day that Arizona had moved on from whatever happened between them a few weeks ago, and was adamant to make things right with Mich. This was the very last time she would allow herself to feel for Arizona.

-x-

"Fuck." She hissed in pain, stumbling backward as she pulled away from the heated pan. Too much of an embarrassment to admit that her cooking skills never really evolved.

Maybe it was that, or how her head was still occupied trying to move on from Arizona. Yet failed.

Fuck, Arizona and here inability for boundaries.

Amelia knew better not to blame her, not when it wasn't actually Arizona's fault that their kitchen was actually small - which meant having no choice but to work together in close proximity with each other. That every now and then, it was only normal that Arizona's skin would graze over her own when she'd reach something from where Amelia stood and how Arizona's body heat overtook her senses whenever Arizona would check to see how Amelia was doing with their food.

"Oh God, Amelia." Arizona was quick enough to drop the kitchen knife from the chopping board to make her way to Amelia. "What happened?" She furrowed, looking as if she was gearing herself into trauma mode and Amelia was her patient. She wanted to poke fun at that, but there was also no denying that she was in pain.

"I accidentally burned my hand. You know, clumsy me." She stifled a laugh, which eventually turned to a yelp. "Ow, shit Arizona - what are you doing -"

Arizona grabbed a hold of her wrists, clasping them together with one hand, and used the other hand to turn the faucet on. Placing Amelia's burnt hand under the sink, and to the running water.

"Arizona, seriously it's fine." She insisted. Pulling her hand out, only to be tugged gently back by Arizona.

"Amelia, you're a surgeon. A damn good one. Just have to make sure there won't be any swelling, okay?" She looked at her with so much intent, not leaving her gaze until Amelia understood. When she nodded in defeat, keeping herself from the impending grimace she wanted out, she could feel Arizona's hand tightened around her, protectively. "Does it still hurt?"

Amelia could only whimper in response because it did hurt a lot. They stood together in silence at the front of the sink, Amelia averted her eyes from her and focused her attention back on her burnt hand instead. It didn't really help at all that it was Arizona who aided her, and was being sweet and was holding her hand delicately as if it was the only thing that mattered to her, and was looking like wanting to beat herself up because Amelia got burnt in the process.

"I should never have let you cook." Arizona softly said, looking genuinely pissed at herself as she moved her fingers lightly to touch Amelia's hand.

"No. I wanted to help." Amelia assured her as she lifted her head up to give Arizona the affirmation that she was fine but Arizona's eyes were still fixated on her hand. "In fact, I should be the one apologizing." She added.

That piqued Arizona's curiosity, peering her head up and Amelia found herself smiling for the first time since last night. "For what?"

It brought Amelia profound comfort when she finally met eyes with her. "I burnt the last of our bacon."

Arizona laughed, turning the faucet off as she reached out to use a clean towel to dry Amelia's hand. "Then we'll have Cheerios." She shrugged.

The idea that she wasted a perfectly cooked bacon because of her clumsiness still didn't sit right with her, shaking her head in disapproval - "Arizona -"

"Bacons are replaceable. While you, Amelia Shepherd - are not." Arizona said these words in a nonchalant manner, and Amelia was taken aback. Not the answer she had in mind, but she'd take anything Arizona would give her. "Like I said, you're a surgeon. Gotta be careful with those hands."

It sucked that Amelia couldn't see the look on her own face at that very moment when Arizona spoke, but surely it must have given away something, as Arizona found herself looking at Amelia longer than usual. This time with more veneration and regard. She could feel Arizona slowly loosening her grip, but Amelia couldn't seem to let go.

Amelia found herself caving in as she was the one to pull Arizona's hand this time around, her heart knew better and her head kept telling herself, no, and yet she found herself interlacing her fingers around Arizona's hand.

It would be the last time. Amelia thought.

She waited for Arizona to pull her hand back, the slightest flinch and Amelia would easily know if it was not okay for her to be held more than necessary. But Arizona just stood there, for a brief moment took a look at their hands and back up to lock eyes with Amelia.

And her lips had parted slightly, looking slightly confused and charming - and the impulse to kiss her was just there but she knew best not to act on it. Grateful that she could still get a hold of herself, and how her self -estraint was still intact.

But Amelia found herself leaning forward, merely just inches from invading Arizona's personal space. She could feel Arizona's knee bumped into her thigh, with her scent overwhelming her senses - Amelia could already feel her legs giving in. Couldn't seem to get her mind to shake the memory she shared with Arizona in Mich's room. And thought that she wanted more of that, of her.

She inhaled her scent, fleetingly closing her eyes - "It feels so weird to hear the word bacon and my name in one sentence, but I'd take it."

I'd take you.

They laughed until they no longer could, until Amelia felt her lungs burning and her cheeks hurting because she had been laughing too hard with Arizona.

When it dwindled down, Amelia noticed how Arizona's gaze briefly dropped from her eyes to her lips. And there was that tiny hope that sparked in Amelia. But she didn't allow herself to dwell on them because she didn't want to be that person who would push to think there was something, no - not after what happened the night before.

Last night was a testament that this was the furthest she could get.

"Don't ruin the moment, Shepherd." To which Arizona added, referring to the fond idea of bacon and Amelia being caught in one sentence. Her response caused her to flash the dimples that Amelia loved. And she was still holding Arizona's hand, and had unconsciously been drawing circles on her knuckle.

Amelia was still in her personal space but it was very clear that neither didn't mind.

"Ruin what moment?"

Mich's voice all of a sudden came out of nowhere, as she and Arizona turned their heads around to where Mich stood at the end of the hallway, looking seemingly out of place as she crossed her arms on her chest.

"Oh hey." Amelia tried not to be bothered by how Arizona gently freed herself from Amelia's grasp as she made her way to Mich. "It's actually a funny story cause Amelia here —" Arizona was rambling, and it was pretty clear that Mich wanted none of it.

She quickly pulled Arizona to seal her mouth in for a kiss. Amelia creased her brow, as she noticed that Arizona was obviously stunned, and could feel her need to pull away but Mich was quick enough to place her hand on the side of Arizona's jaw, locking her in place.

When they were done, Mich gently pulled away from Arizona who seemed still caught up in a daze. She turned her head around to look at Amelia. "Just let Arizona cook next time, okay?" Mich flippantly asked with a tight-lipped smile, as she squeezed Arizona's hand, switching her attention back to her. "Just got a page so I'm gonna go. I'll see you later?"

"Of course. I'll walk you out." Arizona assured her, as she held Mich's hand to hers, making their way back to their hallway and to the door.

Mich met eyes with Amelia, giving her one last smile, and left with Arizona leading the way.

And she remembered the way Mich looked at her, at Amelia.

She had seen that look before. It was the same look that she had when Mich caught Amelia looking at Arizona when they were watching Arizona operate from the gallery. Or that time Mich took notice of how Amelia was quick to revert her eyes away when Arizona would pull Mich in for a quick kiss to bid goodbye.

Amelia didn't pay much attention or added any meaning to it because it meant nothing then. But it seemed as if Mich pretty had the idea all along.

-x-

When they finally pulled a stop at Arizona's place, they walked together at the front of her steps and as Arizona was occupied fishing out the keys from her bag, Amelia finally had the courage to jump right in to ask. "You said something earlier about what happened between you and Mich when she saw us that day at the front of the sink – you know, when I burned my hand…" She trailed off, letting her memories get the best of her, trying to remember whatever happened between them that day, but to no avail.

Arizona looked at her carefully, blue orbs diminishing every reason for Amelia to think clearly. She honestly didn't know where she was going with her question, but she had this crazy gut feeling gnawing at her that she just had to know what took place. Maybe she felt relentless because it had something to do with Mich, and she knew Mich better than anyone else - she was an open book, they were each other's persons. She'd always be the first and only person whom she trusted to share for whatever that came to her mind.

Mich had been open about Arizona, how she felt about her, and had been protective of the relationship with her above anything else. Surely, she would have said something about that day when they fought, because that was how they always were - but this was news to Amelia.

She had been a direct and indirect witness to every fight they had, it had always been a fair share of trivial and momentous exchange of arguments - but not this one, Amelia had absolutely no idea what this was about - and was even appalled that it came to a point where they even fought about it.

She was dying to know - because Amelia was in the picture.

"Well, it was nothing really - " Arizona replied. She led them both to her living room as she dumped her belongings on the couch, and quickly padded to the kitchen to offer Amelia with a drink of her choice.

When they both agreed she'd be good with water, Arizona pulled out the glass under the countertop and made herself busy, doing the needful. "I mean - like I said, she had always been protective of you."

"From what?" Amelia tried to downplay any implication from her tone that she wanted Arizona to just get on with whatever it was that was holding her back.

Arizona smiled, but it was different - because this time, it didn't really reach her eyes. "From me."

Amelia felt her features turn into a frown from that thought alone, almost taken aback because it didn't make any sense. Nothing about what Arizona said was making any sense and she just wanted her to do nothing but to explain further, "I don't see how -"

Arizona heaved a sigh as she ran her hand across her hair in exasperation, Amelia could also see from where she was standing that Arizona had been wringing her wrist from across the kitchen island "You know, it really isn't that much of a big deal. Like you said-"

"Arizona." She cuts her off, practically begging at this point.

"She thought I was cheating on her with you."

-x-