A/N - Hey guys, I've not forgotten about this one. I've recently started a new job so updates on this fic will be considerably slower than I'd like. I know what happens in this story, it's just getting the time to put them onto paper. I hope you're still able to enjoy.

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Arizona stared at the large wooden door which was now at close proximity to her face. "Did she jus–"

"She did."

"In our faces–"

"Right in them."

"Does she know who I–"

"She does, and erm, looks like she doesn't really care."

Arizona was enraged, she shot her redheaded assistant a glare and composed herself. She'd been met with reluctant landowners before, the concept of rejection wasn't new, but damn, this was the first time a door had been slammed in her face. She wasn't sure if she was pissed or slightly impressed… no, no. She was pissed. "Well, if she thinks that's going to be the end of our discussion, she's got another thing coming." She straightened her posture, removed the look of indignance and knocked again.

The farmer then had the absolute audacity to introduce herself as if the previous interaction hadn't happened as she opened the door. "Hi there, can I help you?"

Arizona simmered; this woman was doing it on purpose, she cleared her throat. "Err, sorry, I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. I'm Arizona Robbins, Robbins Develop–"

"I know who you are, I've received the paperwork, and I'm not interested in your proposals. I'm sorry you've had a wasted trip." She sized up the tall man next to her. "Nice haircut."

Mark wasn't afforded the chance to flirt as Arizona cut in. "Ms Torres please, we're just here to discuss our plans and how they can bring growth and prosperity to…" she subtly turned to Mark who mouthed 'Little Brook' "…Little Brook."

Callie took a moment, if the door in the face wasn't hint enough, she'd spell it out. "Ms Robbins, I have no intention of selling my land, least of all to heartless property developers like yourselves. I do appreciate you taking the time to come down here and for being such great sports and taking my rejection door-to-face." Smirk.

Addison took over before there was a 5 foot 4 explosion. "Ms Torres– actually, Calliope? Is it? May I call you Calliope?"

"Callie."

"Great, thank you Callie. I know how we must seem but please, just ten minutes of your time to talk about our proposals and the benefits for the town. After that, we're happy to leave you with our documents, contact details and be on our way, to give you some time to think about it."

Addison's tone and body language were noticeably different to those of her boss, whilst Arizona hadn't said anything untoward, the undertones of her facial expressions were clear as day. "Fine, you two can come in, but the state stays outside."

"I am not a state–"

Addison was not going to let Arizona ruin the invite. "–okay great that's fine, Robbins, you stay here, Sloan and I will talk to Ms Tor– Callie inside, outlining our plans and proposals."

Before the blonde could protest, Callie nodded and opened the door further, showing her two invited guests in. Seeing her opportunity, Arizona attempted to sneak in unnoticed behind Mark but was thwarted by a halting palm. 'You stay out here Arkansas."

Triggered. "It's Arizon–"

"ARKANSAS." Addison glared. "Listen to our host, stay outside, maybe take in the beautiful scenery, the landscape or… or just… not be here." She placed a gentle hand onto a tense back.

Arizona's jaw tightened. Banished, from her own meeting! She silently nodded, pursed her lips and turned back the way she came. "Fine, I'll go wait in the car." Maybe she should have fought a bit harder, but this deal could be worth millions, and that… that… woman, knew what buttons to press. She mumbled 'you win this time Calliope Torres' under her breath.

After enjoying the sight of the defeated, retreating blonde, ridiculously satisfied with herself, Callie made her way to the dining area where Mark and Addison had scattered some paperwork and taken a seat. She studied the pair, well dressed, pleasant enough and no doubt cutthroat. She wasn't sure of Haircut's role in the team, but Red Versace Pumps seemed to be the rational one.

She didn't take a seat. "Look, Ms Mont–"

"Please, it's Addison and this gruff gentleman is Mark. I have to apologise for my boss, she's just so passionate about her projects that sometimes she can get carried away." She stood up and offered the chair opposite as a peace offering. "Please Callie, we're only here to talk, even if it's just brief introductions, we don't bite."

She thew Mark a glare before he could react.

Callie reluctantly sat down. "I understand, but there is more at stake here than simply selling you some land. This farm provides supplies to local businesses which in turn can run better profits and local folk can work, pay their rent, bills and have some left over to enjoy life. It might seem small to the likes of you, but this is my farm, it brings a lot to this community, and I won't sell any land to businesses or individuals who put all of that at risk." Her comments became personal. "She clearly just wants to come in, make as much money as possible and get out of dodge. Onto the next town and then repeat." Did these people think she hadn't done her research on Robbins Developments?

Addison digested her concerns and played devil's advocate. "Do you think it's bad a business wants to run on a profit?"

"Not at all, but there are profits and then there are obscene margins." Her mind briefly wandered back to her breakup with Erica, the déjà vu made her dizzy. "I get it, everyone would love a lavish lifestyle, but there's no sustainability. This town means a lot to me…" she was in dangerous territory of oversharing, "…and seeing the locals run out of business because big corporations take their customers? No. It's heartless." She also knew what Robbins Developments would offer to 'throw in' to sweeten the deal, this wasn't her first rodeo. "Plus, you can backtrack on any 'gentleman's agreement' at any time. You'll bury me, us in paperwork, hire ten lawyers and get continuance after continuance. In fact, I wouldn't put it past your boss out there to already have the wheels in motion."

There was some reflective silence, Robbins Developments had never faced a rejection based on ethical and personal principles before, it was new territory.

Mark was first to speak. "Callie, we understand, we want to work with you and the town, not bulldoze our way in. It doesn't make any fiscal sense and besides, you'll still own most of the land in this town and can probably make it hell for us." He leant forward and rested upright on his elbows. "What is it gonna take for you to hear us out?"

Truthfully, she didn't know. "Why Little Brook? Why our town?"

Would there be a right answer to this? Saying their boss had dollar signs for eyes when she reviewed the report would probably set them back.

As if it was a checklist, Mark rolled them out. "We do our research; we know real estate. Sites are picked with tried and tested methods, data & projections. Population estimates, density and growth, footfall, location, economic outlook, tourist attractions, land resources, climate, ground type… the list is endless. We know what we're looking for and working with. The community already established plays a big part in that. Population growth can only bring in new business for your guys."

She was unmoved. "That could be one of thousands of towns in this country. Why Little Brook?"

He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed. "Well, we already get on famously with the majority landowner of this town." Addison closed her eyes in response and mumbled 'sweet Jesus' under her breath.

Ignoring those comments, Callie continued. "Can you promise you won't sell to a nationwide chain like Walmart so they can undersell Owen Hunt? That the increase in population wouldn't run our resources to the ground? How would the town afford to hire more doctors to support Dr Meredith Grey? Or help Sherrif Yang maintain law and order? Taxes?" She scoffed and exhaled through her nose. "I've read your report and proposals in great detail with one of my farmhands, one of the smartest people you'll ever know actually. Each year we make our own projections and every year we're right. For the number of residential properties you intend to build, if you take the basic state tax, projected salaries of people who will be to afford these high-rises then adjust for inflation and cost of living etc, you simply cannot raise the income it would take for everyone to survive. Those who will suffer? The small business owners, my friends." Oops, that last revelation wasn't meant to slip out.

It was as if this woman thought these proposals were drawn up in Microsoft Paint. "Ms Torres, our projections show otherwise, this isn't our first delve into property developments in rural towns, we have carbon copies of plans and proposals we made for similar areas that we can show you." Addison was rifling through the paperwork but was stopped in her tracks by a poignant question.

"Do they include testimony from locals prior to their bankruptcies?"

Silence.

Addison sighed; this approach wasn't working. She started to wonder if it was even worth the effort, but her boss was dead set on this land and would not back down. She exchanged nods with Mark and all parties stood. "Tell you what, we'll leave our proposals with you and get out of your hair. Here's my number, just drop me a line when you've had the chance to review and we can go from there, deal?"

Callie stared at the offering. "You know Ms Montgomery, this community is more than a group of people existing in close proximity, it's a way of life, people choose to be here because they like it. If they wanted fast paced, city living they could move, but they don't. I'm sorry you've wasted your time."

Withdrawing her card, Addison decided concluding the conversation there for the day was the best decision. "No worries, it was good to get a local insight to the area, I can tell how eager you are to protect its values."

As they reached the door, Mark turned his attention to the farmer. "Know anywhere in this place where a couple of out-of-towners can grab a meal?" After their less than stellar dinner the night before and his queasiness this morning, he was famished.

Callie was tempted to tease with a 'sorry I don't know the area too well' but refrained, she wasn't in the mood. "April's Diner in the main square, can't miss it."

They all exchanged parting pleasantries but not before Addison could get in one final piece of advice. "Our boss, she's a hard woman to say no to, she's like a dog with a bone. Stubborn as hell, ruthless. She's not going to give up."

Callie arched an eyebrow and folded her arms. "Bring it, she knows where to find me." Watching her two guests retreat down the path, she quickly whipped out her phone and sent a hurried text. Throwing one final look at the corporate duo, she turned back into her home and shut the door.

The suited and booted pair meanwhile continued towards the car, spying their boss aimlessly playing on her phone as they approached. Shopping? Scouting for new land? Responding to all the women she'd enjoyed a quick fuck with an 'it's not you, it's me' text? Genuinely could be any of the three.

She was pulled out of her trance by their looming shadows. "So? What did she say? Get the contract signed?"

Clearly not reading the faces of both associates, Addison shook her head. "I think her connection to this land and what she strives for is more personal than financial. If you want to convince her to sell you are going to have to be more human, a bit less robotic and really pitch to her how it will help the locals. At the end of the day, I think if you can guarantee this community will still thrive when everything is finished, you might have a chance."

"So what, charm her? I can do that, simple."

"Personable Robbins, she'll see right through your act." Addison got in and took to the wheel, throwing her boss a knowing look. "She wants this town to retain sustainability, her friends to keep the way of life they chose. We all know you can charm the pants off any woman, but Callie Torres is different. You might have to break down some walls…" she started the engine and gave her a knowing look "…hers and yours."

They drove in reflective silence, Addison's words repeating in Arizona's head. Breaking down her walls? Was she serious? Did she mean talk about her property empire, her goals, her achievements or will she be expected to go into detail about Eliza and her upbringing too? She had bounced back from those rejections, it made her hardened, cutthroat, closed her heart to anything that could break it again. How could she relate to a person who was not only irrationally rational (to herself at least) but clearly led with her heart?

"Whatever, I'm starving, let's go find somewhere in this god forsaken town to eat."

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"Welcome to April's, what can I get'cha?"

The blonde barely acknowledged the proprietor, taking a seat in the booth. "Avocado on toast, butter, made from coconut milk, on gluten free bread, thank you."

Mark and Addison made silent eye contact as they looked around the establishment. Somehow, they didn't quite think their boss had completely appreciated the aesthetics. It was homely, there were several coffee pots scattered around, beautiful exterior, clean interior, the sound of chefs in the back cooking up a storm and the laughter and chatter of residents filled the air. They were a long way from their corporate, detached Chicago.

With that request, April knew exactly who the three people in front of her were. "Sure thing, I'll see what I can rustle up, anything else?"

"Cappuccino, do not overdo the foam, coconut milk." Arizona let out a frustrated sigh and stared out the window. All this work because one local, who happened to own most of the land, decided to have morals and values. Yuck, she inwardly shivered.

It would be best no child saw what April actually wrote down on her notepad. "Of course. And you two?"

Mark jumped in and leant into Addison. "We'll each take a ham and grilled cheese sandwich, regular coffee, thanks." While this was in no way a simple diner with limited options, they both had a sixth sense they weren't welcome. Something their boss seemed oblivious too.

"Sure thing, I'm April by the way, owner of this establishment, not seen you round here before, new in town?"

Play nice with the locals, these are the ones who they want to impress. "We're just visiting, I'm Addison, this Mark and that's Arizona." April didn't bother to acknowledge her fellow redhead, her focus remained on the miles-away-blonde.

Ever the flirt, Mark took advantage of the introduction. "April huh? What a beautiful name, makes me think of fresh roses starting to bloom with a warmth and vibrant feel. A beautiful time of year for a very beautiful lady."

Puke.

April decided to ignore the ma's attempt at charm. "I'll have your drinks over in a few and grub will come soon after that."

Arizona rolled her eyes and turned back to her associates. "Erugh, now that things gone, we need to come up with a plan to get this land. If she's not going to listen to reason or even give us the time of day to show how… how… stupid she's being, then we need to change tact. She will have a weak link; she can't be completely impervious. You did your homework Montgomery; didn't you say something about an ex-girlfriend?"

"Unconfirmed ex-girlfriend. Robbins, I don't think scheming and manipulating her is going to work. It's also not your style, I won't let you break your morals, you might be driven but you're not spiteful." Addison was right, damn her.

Arizona turned her attention back to the window. The landscape, the weather, the smell of freshness in the air, the personable table service… it reminded her of a lifetime ago, something she didn't want to revisit, physically or mentally.

April came back a short while later and plonked jam on toast in front of Arizona and the requested ham and cheese toasties in front of her company. "Bon appétit."

"Err, excuse me, what is this?"

"It's what you asked for."

Arizona picked up the toast using the base of the fork. "No, this is not what I ordered, you must have mistaken my order for someone else's."

"No, this is what you ordered. We just had to make some tiny substitutes." She was about to take great joy in this, she indicated to each item as she went. "Strawberry jam, made from local strawberries, in place of Avocado, we didn't have any gluten free bread but this is our finest white, baked just minutes ago and our butter is made from the finest milk this side of Torres Farm..." That earned a frustrated growl from her customer "…I'm sure you'll find everything to your liking."

Arizona was tired, she couldn't be bothered to argue, retort or send anything back. Spending the night in bed with Addison with Mark snoring beneath her (she shuddered at the very thought), being banished from her own company's meeting and having a spotty wi-fi signal at best had exhausted her. "I see. Thank you." It was through gritted teeth, but it was there. She had to remind herself they may have to charm everyone in this town, not just Calliope Torres. She took a bite into the bread and to be fair, it was ridiculously tasty. "Mmm, delightful, thank you."

"No problem, it was lovely to meet you Addison, Mark…" her voice dipped an octave lower as she spoke over her shoulder "…Arkansas."

Blonde hair whipped; mouth full of food. "What did you call–"

Addison grabbed Arizona's wrist. "Yes yes come on Arkansas, let's enjoy our breakfast–"

"Stop calling me Arkansas!"

After noting it was now just the three of them, Addison had to pull their heads back in the game. "Look, we've got a very important meeting later this morning that we need to prepare for. I say we finish up here, find somewhere quiet to sit, or go back to the car, and go over our pitch. Callie may not give us the time of day but if we can persuade the mayor to listen, that's a pretty big step." She took a swig of her coffee and looked Arizona dead in the eye. "This is gonna be long haul Robbins."

Arizona angrily chewed her amazing jam on toast and sulked like a petty child, having to admit defeat and change her lifelong tactic for this little town. She wanted to get the papers signed and leave, it was starting to become all too familiar.

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They found their way to the Mayoral office; it was by far the biggest building in Little Brook and the entry way was full of hustle and bustle. Permits, licences, meetings, applications, it seemed everyone was here for different reasons. Very community based.

The three had brainstormed in the short car ride how to tackle the town's leader, knowing she was ex-army meant they would focus more on strategies, facts rather than feelings and erugh, emotions. As they made their way to the entrance, Addison summarised for the group.

"Okay, so we're meeting Theodora Altman, she responded to our letters and she's the one who invited us. We can take our normal approach with her, albeit tweaked slightly. According to my research she's fairly new to this town so the fact she was elected so quickly shows she must be trusted by the majority. No husband, kids but she held the position of Major in the US Army."

"So… single? Should I seduce her? I mean, once I've–"

Really? That's what he picked up on? "NO Mark!"

"Should I?"

The redhead needed aspirin, how she ended up with two sex obsessed perverts for business partners she'll never know. "No Robbins, we talk about the benefits our business can bring here. We get her onboard?" She quirked an eyebrow. "I feel like we're halfway there."

Mark shrugged. "Well, I mean I could always go for that farmer chick again if all else fails. She liked my haircut."

"You will do no such thing Sloan." Arizona's eyes tightened as she hissed.

After some sibling-esc squabbling they approached reception, and she automatically went back to Arizona Robbins mode. "Hi there, Arizona Robbins, Robbins Dev–"

"You're late. Come with me." Wow, whoever this, she glanced at the name plate, Ellis Grey was sure had the bedside manner of a wooden spoon.

Arizona took in the décor as they were shown to their destination. She couldn't lie, there was a sense of warmth to it, not like the skyscrapers in the city, a concrete jungle. She started to feel the same unease she experienced whilst sat in April's earlier. The thoughts running through her head stiffened her resolve, she wasn't leaving until she got that land.

As they entered the office, the pride in which the town celebrated its past was evident. History books adorned the shelves, photographs of local events from many years ago to present day scattered everywhere, the town's charter framed and a large calendar filled with a plethora of items, including birthdays of residents, covered half a wall. That was intimate. Did Arizona even know Addison or Mark's birthdays?

It was the blonde's turn to take the lead, professionals she could deal with. "Mayor Theodora Altman I presume?"

"You presume correct." She stood and offered a hand to all three.

"Excellent, I'm Arizona Robbins and this is Mark Sloan and Addison Montgomery, I trust you know why we're here?"

"Of course, please take a seat, I have some time before I visit the doctor's surgery to check on supplies." She tidied some paperwork away and was deceivingly casual with her question. "Did you manage to speak to Torres?"

Arizona's reply was overly nonchalant. "We met briefly, she seems nice, hospitable."

Teddy's poker face was on point, she knew they had obviously met the farmer and in no way would she have welcomed these three suits. "Excellent, that sounds like Callie. Always welcoming visitors, telling anecdotes, creating friends for life…"

Was everyone in town wired to wind Arizona up? Maybe running them all out of business wasn't such a bad idea. It wasn't her intention, far from it, but she couldn't say she was enjoying their warm welcome, or lack thereof. Deciding to take a leap out of her associate's book, she opted to charm her way into the conversation with the same tact she saw earlier. "Mayor Altman, may I call you Theodora?"

"Mayor Altman is fine."

Well that didn't work.

"I'm joking, please, call me Teddy, if you call me Theodora I'll have Yang throw you in the jail cell overnight for harassment of a public official."

After exchanging some documents, the three glanced at the mayor. Callie Torres was firm, assertive, clearly wore her heart on her sleeve. Teddy Altman was quite the opposite, she was reserved, almost stoic, no doubt a trait picked up from the army.

After some brief scanning, she spoke up. "What do you think of our proposals?" Was it too early to bring out the dimples?

Teddy flashed her eyebrows and tossed the paperwork onto her desk. "They're good, you've done your research on the town's physicality, can't argue with that, you just have no idea on the demographic and way of life."

Really? Arizona was being met with rejection due to a personal affiliation, again?! Really?! She was teetering on exacerbation. "Mayor Altman, you've been here for what? Two minutes? How are you so attached? Is this town built on a goldmine or something? What makes this place soooo precious that disturbing its resident's fluffy warm existence makes me some sort of evil witch? Communities grow, some fall yes, but we're not destroying a land, we're expanding the possibilities of what this area is capable of."

"These people elected me, put their trust in me." She leant forward. "We held a town meeting before you arrived and their thoughts on the matter were made very clear. If we put it to a vote, you'd be out here by lunchtime." Teddy clasped her hands together, she'd faced enemy fire, whatever a little firecracker blonde threw at her wasn't going to even register.

"But why? I'm bringing in jobs, opportunities, culture, services… why is this, this Callie Torres so opposed to growth? Why stranglehold does this place have on her?"

Teddy mused, it wasn't her story to tell, how Callie came upon that land and how the town dragged up her from the gutter when Erica left. She knew the visiting veterinarian wasn't well liked in town, especially by the Sherrif, but the stories she'd heard pretty much confirmed why the farmer is how she is.

The mayor was getting angry. "Look, the decision is Callie's, if she doesn't want to sell, then that's it. The town doesn't want large developments here, I don't want large developments here, I'm sorry, I won't attempt to persuade her. Her ex-girlfri–" Shit, did she manage to stop herself in time? If the three clocked on, they didn't show it.

Instead, Arizona stood, the aggression in which she did resulted in Addison and Mark following soon after. She had some parting words, caught up in the emotion she had been desperately trying to push back down. "You're making a big mistake Altman."

She didn't wait for a response, instead she hurriedly grabbed her paperwork and stormed out the building, Mark and Addison following closely behind.

The three of them had formed a tight bond over the years, but her two assistants shared some sort of telepathic ability, especially when it came to reading and communicating about their boss. This time the exchange was 'what the fuck was that about?!'.

They found the object of their confusion sat down on some steps leading up to the entrance, head in hands which slowly moved to running her fingers through her ruffled hair.

They had been painstakingly thorough with their research and planned the most perfect pitch, but something had got to their boss that was throwing all their hard work out the window, and for once, Mark became the aggressor. "That's it boss, threaten the town's mayor, always a good parting exchange. What the hell is wrong with you?! We knew we wouldn't be able to convince her in five minutes, that this was long game, and we might have to wait it out, be here for the long haul. You wanted this land so bad but what? It's your way or the highway?! You've been in this town for half a day, and you've lost all composure, what gives?"

Arizona looked up, taken slight aback. "I jus– just it's not money related, there's no room for negotiation, it's all personal crap and I can't deal with rejection due to illogical, emotional reasons." That was an overshare and she knew it, thankfully neither associate took it further, she was not getting into that right now, if ever.

Mark's tone was gentler with his follow up. "Boss, we've got some fences to mend, I suggest we start again with Callie Torres." Arizona scoffed. "Got a better idea?"

Truthfully, she didn't, and he was right. She had been desperate for that land for months; her research was so meticulous it was boarding on obsessive. She couldn't give up now, she sure as hell wasn't going to be run out of town by hatred, not again.

"Okay, you're right." She stood up and brushed down her power suit. "Let's do this."

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"Okay, so… neither the proprietor nor the person in charge are budging from their stance. They're not interested in our proposals and by the sounds of it, the town isn't enamoured with us either. So, what is our plan of attack to breakdown Callie Torres' resolve?"

Arizona ignored Addison's comments and found herself yet again staring into the distance, they had all taken a seat in the local square and spent 45 minutes adjusting their pitch based on the reactions so far. Surveying the area, she noted one resident pinning a poster for what looked like a local fate to a pole, four kids were playing soccer with jumpers for goal posts and an elderly couple were simply holding hands, walking their dog. She couldn't remember the last time she'd seen two people holding hands.

She hadn't stepped foot into a rural/farming community since she was run out of her hometown 12 years ago. Huh, she didn't expect to go there today, she didn't like to dwell on that part of her life. To summarise, she knew she was gay as soon as the hormones kicked in, she came out then near enough got thrown out. Small town America with closed-off heterosexual values, she stood no chance. After a year of side eyes and bigotry, at the age of 18, she made a break for Chicago. She landed on her feet with a corporate job and over the years obtained the knowledge and contacts she needed to branch out. She had built her empire from the ground up, outwitted and outbid businessmen with millions in their pockets. She hired Mark Sloan as the face in the beginning, she knew a woman talking business would result in remarks of 'why don't you go to the kitchen whilst the men talk business hey little lady?' She'd then stolen Addison from Columbia University where she was studying for a degree in economics, the pair having a chance meeting when the redhead visited the city for a show.

So, she had her two business partners, the odd stray cat and women begging for her to fuck them every other night. Being banished by her parents, bullied out of her hometown, spoken down to time after time by businessmen AND having her heart broken by Eliza Minnick, had left her cold, she'd admit to that. Her bed was cold too, lonely.

Fuck, how did all that come rushing back at the site of a fucking couple holding hands? She shook her head and blinked away some very small traces of tears that had been forming. "All we need is that goddamn farmer, we don't need the mayor, the diner's owner, the butcher, the baker or the fucking candle stick maker." She stood and walked the short distance to the car, her associates, as always, close behind.

"Weird time to go rub-a-dub-dub boss." Although the next line in the rhyme did divert his mind into the gutter. "Although, the thought of the mayor, the farmer and a handsome property developer in a tub does appeal– HEY!"

A clip round the back of his head stopped him in his tracks.

"Look, all I'm saying is if she was left heartbroken" (ah, they had heard Teddy) "then what better way to get the juices flowing…" Arizona grimaced at the double meaning "…than a roll in the literal hay with this dynamite lover? I'm sure I can seduce her and– OMPF! BOSS!"

Mark offering to bathe with a naked Callie and then seduce her in quick succession resulted in an elbow to the gut. "Touch Callie Torres and I swear to god Mar–"

"Butt fuck Alaska?"

"Butt fuck Alaska."

He slowly straightened up, winded. "Why do you care anyway? Jealous?"

Yes. Woah what the fuc–

"NO, I just don't want you sleeping with the enemy. I want you negotiating deals, doing your job and for fucks sake get us three rooms closer to this stupid hell hole!"

Her words were final, the three jumped into their now familiar rental and made their way towards what they soon hoped would be very familiar land.

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After some stewing, Arizona figured she needed to change her approach yet again, she needed to go solo. Yes, her, Addison and Mark made a great team but perhaps it should just be one-on-one. They hadn't actually gone straight to the farm after all, instead they decided to explore a bit of the town, get an idea of the 'vibe', catch up with some business and take an unexpected nap in their car (Mark found it more comfortable than the motel floor). When she decided it was time, she had dismissed both associates, dropping them off at Bailey's Bar en-route.

Remembering the mayor's comments about an ex-girlfriend (that she strategically ignored at the time), she thought maybe charming the woman was the best way to go after all, who doesn't like a little flirting? Plus, I mean, the chick was hot, it wouldn't be hard for her to flash a dimpled smile and giggle. That smile, those eyes, those lips… woah. Stop right there Robbins.

After a few knocks on the same door that her face had been mere centremetres away from earlier, she decided her plan of action. However, that seemed to evaporate as the door opened and she took in the sight in front of her. Wow. There stood a very hot looking, very sweaty Calliope Torres, gulping down a bottle of water after clearly completing some sort of manual task. After swallowing back her drool, she took a step forward, trying desperately not to trip over her own jaw and offered her hand. When their eyes met, she turned on the charm. "Hi, I'm sorry about earlier, can we maybe start again? I'm not here to bully you into selling or destroying this… quaint… little community you've going here, but I'd really like for you to at least hear me out. How our developments can benefit you, this community and economy." Damn, that was too professional, Addison had told her to be personable and she'd fallen at the first fucking hurdle.

However, Callie was drained, she figured she may as well hear this woman out, if not to just get her out of town quicker. As if to confirm her decision, the heavens suddenly opened and they were met with a downpour. Without another thought, she ushered the blonde inside.

"Phew, thank you! It's really coming down out there." She followed Callie into the same dining area her partners had taken residence in earlier. "May I call you Calliope? Such a pretty name for such a pretty lady." It was one of her lines, Mark had butchered it earlier.

Oh great, the blonde wasn't getting anywhere being professional and friendly, so she's gone for the flattery route. She was not going to play that game. "It's Callie."

"Super." Progress. "Okay, Callie look, I know we've gotten off on the wrong foot, and that's on me. The finer nuances of business can be tricky…" Callie's eyes started to glaze over, was this woman offending her on purpose or did she just have no people skills? She got back into focus mode after noticing how animated the blonde was getting. "…and all of that can help this town prosper, the locals can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle whilst also experiencing new cultures and opportunities all the while keeping the same wonderful spirit that I know this town has in droves. You've got yourself a wonderful community here Calliope, it's potential is breathtaking."

Before Callie could retort to what was clearly an over-the-top, gooey pitch AND use of her full name, a few droplets of water fell from her ceiling. Crap, the rain must have made its way through the supporting beams again, she thought she'd fixed that. She had waterproofed the area with Eri– with a second pair of eyes not long ago.

As the water's velocity grew, Callie leapt to the kitchen, retrieved a cooking pot, handed it to a very confused looking Arizona and moved her so she was stood directly under the quickening drip. "Stay here and hold the pot still, I need to check where the leak is coming from, I might be a while, depends on if I need to climb up onto the roof. Do. Not. Move."

So there she stood, this business tycoon who could afford servants six times over, who could simply buy a new house if there was a leak, who could build a metropolis from scratch like god… in an old farm house, fixed in place, kitchenalia in hand, watching it slowly fill due to instructions received from a woman she wasn't even sleeping with. I mean she didn't do anything most women asked her to do anyway, mainly the 'call me' part after getting them off.

She held the pot steady in one hand and removed her phone from her pocket, when the man answered, pleasantries were spared. "Callie's water is dripping on me!"

"Wooah boss, that was quick, niiiiiice."

"Shut up Sloan! Her roof is leaking, and she gave me a fucking pot to hold whilst she goes and fixes whatever. Seriously, why is she holding onto this place?"

"The people boss, you know that. You got to be at her level, show her you have… what's that thing again… a heart."

Oh now she was being called a tin man was she? She already knew she wasn't in Kansas anymore. "Get your fucking ass here Sloan or you'll be out on that same ass so fast it'll–"

"On it, we're about 30 minutes out. Also, I met a chick, Lexie, one of your girl's farmhands. She's hot and smart–"

"MARK SLOAN HANDS OF THE LOCALS OR–"

"I know I know, Alaska. I'm on my way boss…" he grinned as he hung up the phone "…Arkansas."

Letting out a loud, frustrated growl she pocketed her device and looked around for her girl– THE FARMER! THE BRUNETTE! Argh! Anything but 'her girl', she's not 'her girl' for fucks sake.

After what seemed like five hours (it was five minutes) of taking in her surroundings, huffing every other 10 seconds, Callie finally came down the stairs, clearly whatever had caused the leak had been fixed without the need of scaling the roof. Arizona hadn't even noticed the water stopped dripping. How long had she been stood there holding this grubby little pot when it wasn't even– you know what, forget it, she had proven herself to be helpful, maybe that wasn't such a bad thing after all.

"Thanks, appreciate it, I only needed to tighten some bolts." She took the pot and poured the contents down the sink. The blonde slowly approached from behind.

"No worries, glad I can help, I like that you know? The community spirit. I'm all about helping others."

Wait, was she actually giving herself kudos for holding one for pot for five minutes?! What was this woman? She want a medal or something? "Err yeah, no I get it, you saw I needed help you and jumped in to save me…" oh brother "…it was really selfless of you."

"Exactly! I chip in when I can, nothing says 'Arizona Robbins' more than giving people a helping hand." Dimples.

A helping hand huh? Interesting. Noting the rain had subsided, she wanted to put this humanitarian's level of kindness to the test. "Can you help me test the hose? I want to be doubly sure that the rain was escaping in through the beams and not via the piping."

Arizona bounced on her feet; she was winning. "Of course, would love nothing more."

Callie showed the blonde outside and pointed towards the hose. "If you can just hold that and press down on the power button while I run some tests, that would help me out a hell of a lot." She didn't wait for a response, instead she watched the woman grab the hose and wait patiently for her instructions. Once back inside, Callie made her way to the property's nearby water pipes hub. She turned the setting of the outside faucet to the 'off' position, she shouted out. "Anything?"

Arizona was strangely calm; her plan was working. "No, no water."

Good, she flashed a shit eating grin to absolutely no one. "Now?"

"No."

"Now?"

"No."

"Now?"

Okay now she was getting a little frustrated. "No."

"Now–"

"NO! Get a plumber or farmhand or whatever to look at this tomorrow, your house isn't gonna flood and– I mean, maybe a farmhand is more knowledgeable at this stuff than me, I'd sure love to learn though, I'm all about self-improvement."

Okay, that had done it. With one final shout, she'd had enough. "Can you see if there's maybe a block or jam in the nozzle?"

Arizona sighed and held the nozzle so it was facing towards her. "I can't see anyth–"

At the 'I can't see', Callie knew the blonde was exactly where she wanted her. She changed the lever's position from 'off' to 'on' and heard a high-pitched shriek not even seconds after. Outside, Arizona was nearly sent flying as the water from the hose shot out at her face, completely engulfing her. She had managed to react quick enough so her bottom half had been spared, but her face, hair and top half were drenched.

She ran inside, looking like a drained rat. "You fucking did that on purpose!"

And for the first time since they'd met, Callie laughed. A full, throaty laugh that Arizona could simply melt into. That smile, those lips and the happiness exuding as she took pride in her prank almost made her humiliation worth it. Almost.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry, I couldn't help it, you genuinely thought you were my saviour for holding a pot, so I had to bring you down a notch or two." She giggled as Arizona's mouth fell open. "Stay here, I'll grab you a towel and some clothes. The fireplace is on so you should dry out fairly quickly." She retreated upstairs and came down moments later with a towel, a bathrobe and some clean clothing. After changing in privacy, Arizona stepped back into the main living area and saw the farmer holding out her hand, indicating to the wet clothes held in her hand. "Here, give those to me, I'll wash and get them all nice and sparkling."

Okay okay, that was mean… maybe. What? If the blonde caught a cold, then she'll make sure Meredith Grey dosed her up with all kinds of good stuff.

Humpf. "Thanks. I should be getting picked up shortly." Then as if a bulb had gone off, she saw her opportunity and grasped it. "I'll just grab them tomorrow when I come back to return your stuff." Pleased with herself, she turned her attention to the stunning fireplace and noticed the clock. She hadn't eaten in five… six… seven hours?! That can't be right. And then as if on cue, her stomach let the household know. "Sorry, I've only eaten jam on toast at that diner." Why was she blushing?

"Erm, that's okay, do you want something to eat while you wait for your ride?"

"I couldn't impose."

Callie just stared at her; no words were needed.

"It's fine, I can whip up something relatively quick." She made her way to the kitchen and, yet again, couldn't help herself. "I understand from a close friend of mine that you're partial to avocado on toast, I can make you that if you like?"

A knock on the door stopped Arizona in her tracks, although her face told a thousand words. Yes, the town was clearly on Callie Torres' side, she had a lot of work to do. She followed the smirking brunette as she made her way to the door, stopping only when her host opened it. Ignoring Mark, Callie simply turned and lowered herself, indicating in the direction of the car. "Your chariot awaits."

Erugh, tonight was not the night for this. She had experienced emotions today she hadn't in years, they were confusing and uneasy, and they'd taken their toll. "Thank you, I'll see you tomorrow for my things."

"Sure, I start at 5am so it'll have to be before then."

She paused halfway out the door. "Excuse me?" Since when did 5 have an AM?

"Yep, 5am start, so arrive at 4ish maybe, you can grab your things and be off on your merry way. I'll even cook you breakfast as a thank you for all your charitable assistance today."

Grrr, she'd ignore that too. "But, but we're three hours out of town, by the time we get there tonight, it'll be time to come back. Can't it be later?"

She shrugged, okay, time to play nice. "I hear there's a place about 30 minutes from here that might have a vacancy, a room or two could become available." So casual.

"Three rooms?" Arizona asked hopefully.

Well, she wasn't that nice, she hadn't cancelled them all. "No, just the one."

Arizona let out a long, relieved, body loosening breath. She'd take it.

xxxxxxxxxx

As her head hit her pillow, Arizona was full of a plethora of emotions. Calliope was hot, stubborn, hot, mischievous and hot. Her smile and the laugh that escaped from those lips, even if it was at her expense, had left an imprint on her brain. Eliza didn't laugh, the one-night stands may have, but she'd switch them off as soon as she came.

"Boss please, another pillow? Addie still has two."

Back to reality. The suddenly available room was similar to theirs at 'Koracick Motel', but it was closer, served good food and the bed was comfier. Not that Mark would be afforded the chance to experience it. "Shut up, Sloan." She turned her head and looked at the man on the floor. "Set an alarm for 3am, and make sure you have breakfast waiting for me."

"What have I done?!"

Fantasised about my girl in a tub, that's what.

Oh god, she was delusional. "You're just annoying, now get some sleep, you're driving me insane." Hearing a gruff huff in response, she turned over and came face-to-face with the snoozing redhead, who's head was being cozily supported by two pillows. She changed position and laid on her back, the realisation of what she'd achieved today started to settle it.

Arizona Robbins now had an in with Calliope Torres, and she was going to take full advantage.