AN:/ We are still in Florida and it's not over! I hope you'll like that chapter. Let me know what you think, what you hope, what you want to see happenning ^^. Thank for your support and reviews!
Jax is, of course, the most amazing beta reader and helper for this chapter, one more time. See you soon! And don't worry, the other stories will be updated soon!
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Stupid... So stupid...
Who was stupid now?
If the title was given to anyone, it would be her.
She was in the bathroom, trying to hide her already but barely noticeable bump by wearing a corset. She was more worried about her breasts, they had grown more than she thought they had.
She was in front of the mirror, grumbling because she was not satisfied with her silhouette in the mirror.
She sighed one more time, trying to readjust her corset, she turned to the side again, trying to be totally sure her bump or her breasts wouldn't be too noticeable.
And because of what? She just had to tell Callie her parents were right, she was pregnant.
It was not any of her or their concern. It was her life, just hers.
There were thousands of separated couples who had children after their divorce, alone or with other people right?
But even if she was trying to convince herself about all those things, she knew that Callie would be affected when she heard the news.
They were supposed to have this child together, for months they had tried. But it had been a losing battle.
And with Callie being unable to carry a baby anymore, Arizona was sure she would resent her.
Even if they had been over for years, even if Arizona had the right to have another child without Callie Torres, even if it was none of her business, at all…. It would still hurt.
Or maybe she wouldn't even care and maybe she would even be happy for her ex-wife... Who knew?
And why was it bothering her so much right now. It was after that ex-wife of hers had kissed her unexpectedly, something that was not supposed to happen, Arizona had only agreed to a kiss on the cheek not a full blown make out!
Arizona took a step back and leaned against the cold white wall. She raised her gaze and closed her eyes, realising that the thing bothering her was not the kiss itself, but the incredible feeling of the sweetness of her ex-wife lips.
Damn hormones. Was it really the hormones? Well of course it was.
She was so horny that a simple kiss was having that effect on her.
But anyway, it was time for her to get ready.
She looked for the last time in the mirror and decided that it would have to do, because time was of the essence, she had to get out of the bathroom in less than 10 minutes if she didn't want to be late to the family party.
She put on large beige pants and a black blouse, she let her curled hair fall on her shoulders freely and put on light makeup.
She was not ready to meet the entire Torres family, but she had agreed with Callie to attend the party for one hour, so she would be there.
She opened the door and met anxious brown eyes staring at her.
She gulped when she discovered Callie dressed in the amazing purple dress her parents had picked out for her. It was made for her, totally highlighting her body. She was amazingly beautiful, and Arizona felt her mouth go dry.
« Well, I feel totally underdressed next to you. » She said with a raspy voice. « You look very pretty Callie. »
The compliment made Callie blush, like a teenager at prom.
« Thank you. » She replied with a sweet smile. « You're not too bad yourself. »
« It's kind of you to say that, but we both know that's not true, but it doesn't matter. » Arizona said.
« Why are you so hard on yourself? You are a beautiful woman Arizona, don't ever think otherwise. » Callie said. « And there's something about you that makes you even more... I don't know how to explain it, or what it is, but you look fantastic. »
Arizona just nodded and bit her lip as the brunette turned to grab her purse. After months without sex, and being pregnant, Arizona couldn't help but stare at her ex's body, especially her ass.
And when Callie turned back round she caught her staring.
She smirked and tried to play it cool.
« Are we going? » Arizona asked nervously, knowing she had been caught.
« Yes, we are. They are waiting for us in the reception room. » Callie précised.
« There's a reception room in your family house ? » Arizona opened big eyes.
« There is...3 actually » Callie replied. « Can we... Can we hold hands as soon as we get out of this room? »
« Sure... » the blonde replied as they walked to the door.
Both knew tonight would be tricky, so they took a deep breath and Callie opened the door.
She walked out first and grabbed Arizona's hand as she followed her.
Overwhelmed by all the situation, Arizona intertwined her fingers tightly with Callie's, who again felt the weird sensation in the pit of her stomach.
« Let's go... »
They walked down the stairs, knowing there would be people looking at them from every corner of the room.
Sofia joined them, dressed in a lovely yellow dress. She smiled at them and grabbed Callie's other hand.
The family walked and the music started to play. Carlos had hired a real band.
The Torres Patriarch had done everything in order to make this a celebration befitting of his daughter and her families homecoming.
When they were in front of the giant door, Carlos joined them. He was really moved to see his family reunited.
He kissed the three of them on the cheek and spoke: « I'm really grateful you're here. The evening is yours. Please have fun and I hope you remember this party for a long time! »
He opened the door, the family were greeted by all the Torres friends and family, applauding and cheering.
« Ladies and gentlemen, please Welcome Calliope, her wife Arizona and their daughter Sofia! » A voice welcomed them as they entered the room where the party was about to begin.
« So, let's get this party started by a dance. Ladies, if you would do us the honour... »
Carlos grabbed Sofia's hand and walked a little further with her, both ex-wife's stood frozen in the middle of the crowd who was waiting for the fake couple to open the ball.
…...
Arizona clenched her teeth. Dozens of eyes were on her and on Callie. She was sure as soon as Callie pulled her closer to dance and their bodies touched her secret would be discovered.
On her part Callie was freaking out. Holding her ex's hand was one thing. Being the centre of attention of her entire family and dancing intimately with her was another thing.
« I keep it casual... » Casually said through her teeth, forcing a crazed smile as Arizona mimicked her.
« We have no other choice « Calliope » the blonde snapped as the music began.
Callie put one hand on Arizona's hip and the blonde put one of hers on Callie's shoulder as they raised their holding hand and began to sway lightly with the rhythm of the band, keeping a reasonable distance between their bodies.
Both women were so tense it was almost hard to watch. That's when Callie eventually slid her hand down to the lower part of blonde's back and pulled her closer, their bodies connecting.
The surprised contact made Arizona stiffen. She became suddenly paler, scared Callie would notice something, but the brunette seemed only worried by the almost shocked state Arizona was in. She was frustrated to see how her ex's body was reacting.
They had been married for years, shared a daughter. They used to know each other's bodies like no other, they used to…. to touch and be touched.
But right now, Callie was reading Arizona's tense body language as some kind of disgust.
She leaned in and whispered: « Are you so mad at me that being close to me is such a hardship for you? »
Surprised by Callie's words Arizona wasn't able to restrain herself anymore.
She had felt it as soon as Callie's hand had travelled down her back and their bodies had been pressed together.
She felt it in the spit of her stomach. That feeling that only the woman who was reproaching her had been able to make her feel.
The exhaustion, the pressure and the pregnancy added to this self-revelation, she tried to stop the oncoming tears by chewing the inside of her cheek, but it was not enough.
They continued to sway, in front of the audience who slowly joined them on the dance floor.
Callie frowned as she saw Arizona's eyes watering. She hadn't been really that harsh on her, had she?
Arizona was not that easily upset, and after all, with this lame plan, she was in a position of dominance.
She didn't want to break down in front of these people she didn't know and that she would surely never see again after tonight. She didn't want to show any weakness in front of Callie, So she went with the new change of position Callie had made, and got closer to the brunette.
She positioned herself to the side, turning her body slightly to the right, trying to avoid any unnecessary belly contact, and rested her head on Callie's shoulder, closing her eyes.
She would enjoy the human contact, trying not to focus on the fact that the human was Callie. She missed being held, she missed feeling safe and protected.
It wasn't everything she needed in the embrace of the dance, but for the moment, it was enough, and it would calm down her overwhelming hormones.
It was Callie now who was feeling suddenly upset. Was it the unexpected reaction of her ex-wife? Or was it the physical closeness she didn't think she would share with her again?
She felt the wetness of Arizona's tears on her shoulder, and it made her swallow hard. She just rested her head on the shorter woman's as they continued to slowly dance.
It was like a moment out of time, out of everything.
They weren't close anymore, but just right here, in the middle of this crowded room, they had never felt more alone in their lives but yet, never felt closer, it was like going back in time.
The music ended quietly, leaving both women helpless. Neither of them were finding the strength to pop the bubble they had been floated in for a moment.
Arizona finally raised her head, and automatically, her arms snaked around Callie's neck.
The ortho surgeon was at lost and looked deeply into her ex-wife's dark blue eyes. She had never felt Arizona that vulnerable. She tried to read something in her gaze, but she didn't know what the blonde was wanting from her.
So, she leaned in and captured soft pink lips for a tender lingering kiss.
Arizona caved in totally and moaned when she felt Callie pulled away, leaving her agape and unable to move.
…..
After all the emotional turmoil, the fake couple didn't really have time to talk about what had just happened between them. They had been greeted by cousins, aunts, uncles, and long-lost friends. Everybody was smiling and excited to see Callie after such a long time, and to get to know her family. Arizona was trying to focus on the tons of questions she was being asked and not to answer something that could lead to a fiasco. She was feeling dizzy and exhausted, her leg was killing her, but she was doing what she had promised Callie, one hour of play pretend.
Callie was smiling widely. She was so happy to have all her family around her. She could be who she was freely, without fear of judgement. Carlos had been clever enough to avoid inviting any people who would show any signs of negativity toward his daughter and her family.
Questions were coming from everywhere, about Sofia, about their jobs, about moving to Florida, about anything and everything.
At one point Arizona wasn't able to follow what was going on. She stepped back from all of the people gathered around her ex-wife and walked to the bar, asking for a glass of fresh water. She then sat at an empty table and tried to relieve the soreness in her leg, massaging her stump.
She was joined by Carlos who sat next to her.
« Are you alright Arizona? » the older man asked. « You need anything? »
« No, thank you. I'm fine. » Arizona replied.
« Can I take this opportunity to have a heart to heart with you. I would like you to know how grateful I am that you have stuck by my daughter's side, after everything... » He said. « I know I was not your biggest fan the last time we saw each other. But you have fought for your family when Callie was not able to see further than the adultery. You are a family, and families make compromises. And when I see you two today. You are still married, thriving in your professional careers, raising this amazing little girl. I am proud of you and of my daughter. She has been through so much, and so have you. You are both amazing women. »
Arizona didn't really know if he was waiting for her to say something, but she was grateful to hear his kind words.
He quickly excused himself and joined a group of men waiting for him.
Callie was still the centre of everybody's attention. It made Arizona smile sadly, a feeling of nostalgia was emanating in her soul.
This should have happened years ago. This party was maybe a good thing, but it still felt bitter.
It had needed Lucia Torres to be sick and her life altered for her to consider her daughter was finally worth something to her.
But she would not judge anyone. Better late than never, she thought.
It had already been an hour and a half since they had entered the room, and Arizona was going to excuse herself and get out of there. She was about to warn Callie when she saw the brunette busy dancing with an extremely attractive man. He was tall and athletic with amazing black, slightly greying hair.
The Latina was dancing freely with him, hands everywhere, in a very sexy way. The man was whispering things in her ear, making him smile like a silly prom girl.
Arizona rolled her eyes. If Callie could dance with that man when she was supposed to be married to her and not caring at all about her reaction, then she could escape the party without warning.
She had played her part in the deal. If Callie wanted to humiliate herself, she was more than welcome to do so.
She walked out of the room, unnoticed by the other people present when she heard a voice behind her.
« Arizona, where are you going? »
She turned and saw a woman waving at her. She was a Torres for sure but what could she possibly want? The woman walked over to join her, and then she hugged her.
« I'm Aria, Callie's sister. » The woman said as she broke the embrace.
« Oh... Sure... I... I've only seen you in photos. » Arizona replied. « I'm … Nice to meet you... »
« Nice to meet you too. I wanted to apologize for siding with my mom for so long. I love Callie, she's my sister, but I couldn't go against my mother. I tried to contact Callie, to reconnect with her, but she didn't answer me. I got my letters back, unopened... »
« Well, I think you should talk to her. She's going to be very happy to see you. » Arizona replied. « She's dancing with some guy on the dance floor, you can't miss her. »
« Well, I know Callie already, I don't think she could have changed that much. » Aria replied. « She's caring, generous, stubborn, and a little arrogant... But, I wanted to get to know you. You are a part of our family, and you've been denied the right for a long time, so I'd be honoured to learn more about you. »
« Well, you know, that's very kind of you but there is nothing special about me. » Arizona replied.
« Are you kidding, if Callie's fallen so hard for you, you must be something really special » Aria smirked, in the same way her sister did.
« I assure you Aria, I'm just a regular woman. Your sister is the amazing one. She's beautiful, an amazing surgeon who does everything she can for her patients. She's an amazing mother to Sofia, our little girl is lost when she's not around. She's very lucky to have her as a role model. She's an extraordinary friend. Ask anyone at Grey Sloan, they will tell you hundreds of stories about Callie and how she's the most loyal friend they have and she's the most amazing wife. I've been so lucky to cross her path, and I'm still asking myself what I have done to deserve her. »
Aria had listened to Arizona with a little smile on her face. Which puzzled Arizona when she had finished her speech.
« What's wrong? » She asked Aria, who was laughing and biting her lip. Arizona tilted her head in disbelief, thinking the younger woman was making fun of her, as Aria walked past her, opening her arms.
« Ola Hermana! » Aria said, as she hugged a stunned Callie who had just heard everything Arizona genuinely said to her sister. « I'm telling you, she's a keeper, she's totally crazy about you... »
She turned back to Arizona and hugged her too. « Welcome to the family sister! »
And with that she was gone leaving two puzzled surgeons staring at each other.
« She's... She really looks like you. And she's really ... »
« Did you mean all of that? » Callie cut her off.
« What? » Arizona pretended to not understand. « I... I was about to leave. I'm really tired and my leg is a little sore, so I... I'll see you tomorrow. I'll take the bed; you take the couch. »
Arizona simply shrugged and waited for her ex to say something, but nothing came.
She turned and was going to walk out of the room, but Callie grabbed her wrist and pulled the shorter woman close to her.
« Callie... I'm really tired... » Arizona continued. She noticed Callie's eyes were shiny, meaning she had drunk a little too much.
« Did you mean all of that? All of those things you said to Aria? » Callie repeated not letting go of Arizona's wrist. « I want to know. »
« Callie... it's not... Everything I said was true or had been true at some point in our lives. » Arizona replied. « You are all of those people of course, but you could be so much more. »
Callie, led by the alcohol and the roller coaster of emotions she had experienced in less than 24 hours, took Arizona's face between her hands and smiled at her, watery eyes shining. She impulsively kissed her ex-wife, roughly enough to make her step back, but Callie wouldn't let her go, she grabbed her waist with one hand, and put the other one behind her neck, her lips rolling on Arizona's.
She tried to deepen the kiss, looking for a way for her tongue to breach those lips.
At first reluctant, Arizona let her ex-wife take total control, visibly aroused by the kiss, she hugged the brunette around her neck and granted her access to her mouth.
The kiss was desperate. Callie was kissing Arizona almost savagely, not looking for consent or caring about whatever feelings Arizona was having. There were years of unspoken words, missed opportunities, accumulated anger and regrets.
Knowing her arousal could lead her further but still able to control her body, Arizona struggled to pull away from Callie's tight embrace.
As soon as their lips were disconnected, both women looked at each other in shock. Arizona stared for a moment into her ex-wife's eyes with a crushing sadness.
Callie stood frozen on her spot. She knew what she had just done was bad and totally unfair, but she hadn't been able to stop herself.
« I... I'm going home... » Arizona finally said. « tell your parents one of my patients needed me for an emergency and go on with your life Callie. I... I'm taking my stuff and I'll get a cab. »
She stormed out of the room, trying to go unnoticed.
Callie couldn't help but let a sob escape. She had ruined everything once again. It was a catastrophe, and one more time Arizona had been right. She had hurt a lot of people in the process, including herself.
…
Arizona was back in the room. She grabbed her suitcase, and began to gather her stuff.
She was not able to take it anymore. Callie had gone too far, it was over, she couldn't play anymore.
She threw her luggage on the bed and put her clothes haphazardly in it. There was no time to lose.
Suddenly she felt a searing pain in her lower abdomen. She immediately put both her hands on her bump and panicked.
Of course, all the stress she had been feeling during today had been bad for the babies. She hoped it was just a muscle cramp due to the pressure and the stress.
She continued to look for her stuff when another wave of pain came over her. She walked into the bathroom, and sat on the toilet, holding her belly nervously.
This was the worst timing ever for something to happen.
She took a deep breath trying to calm down her heart rate. She knew it was surely Braxton hicks. She had diagnosed it so many times with her patients, but feeling it herself was a whole new story.
She decided the best way to get rid of these spasms would be to take a hot bath in the giant bathtub.
She opened the tap and let water flow.
She then took off her prosthetic and her clothes, before getting in the water. She let her body enjoy the warmth and rested the back of her head against the cold edge of the tub.
She groaned in pleasure, feeling her muscles relax and her exhaustion and stress decrease.
She was rubbing her belly, sending love and peace to her tiny humans.
« I know, I know, I promised it wouldn't be tricky, but it is. But please, don't get scared. I'm here, and I am trying not to break down, for you, and for Sofia. So please try to ignore all of... »
She stopped talking as she heard the door opening and then slamming. It was surely Callie.
Fortunately, she had closed the bathroom door. The brunette went right to it and tried to open it.
« Arizona! Arizona! Open that door! » Callie yelled; the alcohol had now taken over her. « You can't leave. Not now please... I... I know I screwed up... But please... »
Totally lost and devastated, the brunette let her body slide to the floor as she cried loudly, not able to understand how she had ended up like this again.
« Please Arizona... » Callie mumbled between loud sobs, while Arizona was crying silently in the bathtub.
….
After almost an hour of sobbing and pleading, Callie had almost fallen asleep. She was woken up by the bathroom door opening, revealing Arizona wearing an oversized old t-shirt she got from her brother and some shorts, walking with her crutches.
Callie stood up immediately and knew the blonde had been crying, her eyes still red and puffy.
« You're lucky I am too tired to get back to the airport, because that's what I wanted to do. » Arizona snapped. « You have no right to kiss me like that! No right! And I must warn you that tomorrow, we will not be holding hands or having any interaction of any kind. The game is over. I will only be here physically, you will have to do everything you can, to avoid any lapses in conversation, or anything that could make me feel obligated to talk or to give an opinion. Because I can't promise you that I won't tell the truth. »
She walked past Callie and sat on the bed. She put the crutches on the floor and rubbed her hands together before putting some lotion on her stump.
She massaged it with precision, like Callie had shown her years ago.
Callie observed her from a distance. She could see the blonde was struggling with her emotions. She was focusing so strongly on her massage that she didn't even realise she was crying right away.
As a tear fell on her hand, Arizona stopped her massage and wiped it away, another one rolling down her cheek.
Attracted to her like a magnet, Callie approached her and sat next to Arizona's residual leg, looking directly in her sad blue eyes.
« Don't... » Callie said as she kept staring at her ex-wife who didn't even react but kept crying. « Don't... » the brunette repeated as she got closer to Arizona and leaned in one more time, kissing her chastely.
But the reaction she received wasn't what she was expecting when Arizona pushed her back and yelled at her.
« Get away from me! Now! »