12 Days of Christmas 7/12
Title: 12 Days of Christmas 7/12
Author: GreysAddictJ
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Callie and Arizona try to outdo each other and prove they’re the best at giving Christmas presents
Disclaimer: Characters are not mine. No infringement intended. This hasn’t been betaed - all mistakes are mine.
A/N: I took a little creative license with the recovery timing of a certain former patient.
December 20th
Arizona awoke to the jarring sound of her alarm clock. Groaning, she rolled over and swatted at it until the cacophony silenced. Glancing at the time, she groaned once again, seeing the bright red light blaring the time 4am. It was way too early. A small part of her regretted allowing Callie to keep her up half the night with their bedroom antics. But only a small part. She had conveniently pushed from her mind the fact that she had an early shift today. Grumbling to herself, she slid out of bed, shooting a half-hearted glare at her sleeping girlfriend, who was lucky enough to have a few more hours before her shift.
However, try as she might, Arizona couldn’t conjure the bad mood she was trying so hard to muster. How could she? They were only halfway through Callie’s 12 Days of Christmas and so far, she’d experienced 6 of the most magical days of her life. Taking a moment, she stood, admiring the sleeping form sprawled across the bed. Even disheveled, sleeping, and quite possibly drooling, Callie was beautiful. A small smile spread across Arizona’s face, revealing just a hint of the dimples that Callie loved so much. With a contented sigh, she made her way to the bathroom as silently as possible, hoping to avoid waking her girlfriend, who probably needed as much sleep as she did.
After exiting the bathroom and dressing for the day, Arizona heard movement behind her. A sleepy and only half-awake Callie was staring at her from the bed.
“Morning, baby.” Callie mumbled, not quite awake.
“Shh. . . go back to sleep.” Arizona replied, walking over to gently caress Callie’s cheek. “I’ll see you later. Love you.” She added, leaning over to give the brunette a quick and tender kiss on the forehead.
“Mm’kay . . .” Callie answered. “Love you too.” She rolled over, passing out again almost immediately.
Arizona smiled and tiptoed from their bedroom. It was moments like these that she loved the most. Getting to wake up every morning to her dream girl was beyond awesome. With happy thoughts dancing through her head, she left for work.
Arizona’s day was jam-packed full of surgeries. Nearing the end of her shift, she went over to the nearest nurses’ station and leaned against the counter, letting out a deep sigh of exhaustion. She was stiff and sore and her feet were killing her. How much of that was from the fact that she’d spent all day in surgery and how much was from her bedroom gymnastics the night before was anybody’s guess.
She was beginning to wonder what exactly was supposed to happen today. Callie had been uncharacteristically missing in action. Even on days when she didn’t see a lot of her girlfriend, she’d gotten some sort of present or note or something tied to that day’s events. Nothing had happened yet today and she was definitely starting to wonder. Arizona wracked her brain, trying to figure out what Callie would do with “7 Swans a Swimming.” She had to admit that this new tactic of giving her nothing to go on all day was certainly building up the anticipation.
Arizona’s thoughts were invaded by the beautiful melody of Calliope’s laughter. Looking around, she saw Callie deep in conversation with Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey. Arizona, excited to see her girlfriend, rolled over to greet the trio. As she approached, she noticed the guilty looks on all 3 faces. Callie handed Mark something and he excused himself. Clearly they were up to something.
Choosing to ignore their obvious plotting for the time being, Arizona came to a halt in front of Callie and Lexie. “Hey, sweetie . . . Dr. Grey.” She greeted the two women.
“Hey, babe.” Callie smiled and gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek. “As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I was due in surgery 10 minutes ago. The Chief will kill me if I mess up his precious OR schedule. I’d better go.” With that, she rubbed Arizona’s back affectionately and walked off. Arizona’s gaze followed the brunette, a shrewd look on her face as she tried to figure out what Callie was up to.
“Uh . . . Dr. Robbins?” Lexie interrupted.
“Yes, Dr. Grey?” Arizona responded, refocusing on the young doctor in front of her. Arizona looked down at her watch, trying to be patient. Her shift was over and all she could think about was getting off her feet for the remainder of the afternoon.
“Um. . . can I ask you for a consult . . . well, not really consult . . .but more like a . . .” Lexie stammered.
“Spit it out, Dr. Grey.” Arizona interrupted, a little more harshly than she’d intended. “Sorry.” She added. “I didn’t mean to snap. It’s just been a long day. What can I help you with?” Arizona conjured the typical Robbins perky demeanor - hard as it was.
“I was doing some . . . uh . . . reading last night and was wondering what you thought was the best approach for repairing an omphalocele.” Lexie asked, not quite convincingly enough.
Arizona was on to her - clearly she was stalling for some reason. Willing to play along for the sake of Callie’s little game, she replied “well, it’s obviously dependent on each individual case. If you’re really interested, I’ve got a book in my office with an interesting section on omphaloceles. Do you want to borrow it? We can go get it now.”
“Sure!” Lexie replied, a little too excitedly.
Arizona smiled and narrowed her eyes. They walked to her office and retrieved the book. After handing it to Lexie, the younger surgeon turned to leave. Arizona called after her. “Hope you enjoy the book, Dr. Grey. Anything else I can help you with? Or have you stalled me long enough for Callie’s little plan?” Arizona smirked, arms crossed in front of her chest.
Lexie simply looked back, smiled weakly, and nodded. Arizona chuckled, went to the locker room to change, and headed home.
Clearly something was afoot. Exactly what remained to be seen. Arizona smiled, enjoying the fact that Callie now had secret operatives in on her plan. That was good to know, Arizona thought. She’d need to employ some helpers in her own plan, when the time came.
As Arizona entered the apartment, she noticed soothing music playing softly in the background. After putting down her purse and coat, she also saw a trail of red rose petals leading into the bathroom. Curious, she followed the path into the bathroom and was taken aback.
The bathroom was lit with soft candlelight. A bubble bath filled the tub. Amongst the bubbles floated more rose petals, as well as what looked like several origami swans. Reaching down to test the water, Arizona was pleased to see it was still hot. Clearly Lexie had been distracting her while Mark ran over to set this up - there was no way Calliope could have done this before she’d left for work - the water would have been cold.
Smiling, Arizona began to disrobe. This was perfect - after a long day, what her aching bones really needed was a good soak. Before getting into the tub, she removed the swans from the tub, enjoying Callie’s cute play on “7 swans a swimming.” However, as she placed them on the bathroom counter, she noticed that there were only 6. Confused, she wasn’t sure if the miscount was on purpose, or if Mark had simply forgotten a swan. Too tired and achy to think on it too much, Arizona turned to get into the tub. However, a small envelope she’d overlooked caught her eye. Opening it, she found a notecard, which read:
I hope you enjoy your swans a swimming. Yes - there are only 6. So don’t be correcting me just yet - I did this on purpose. There will be one more swan later tonight - one we can enjoy together. In the meantime, enjoy your afternoon of relaxation. I’ve booked an appointment for a mini-spa afternoon for you at Imagine Spa across the street. They’re expecting you at 4, which should hopefully give you some time beforehand to enjoy your bath. After last night, you must be tired and sore. I know I am.
From your true love,
Calliope
Arizona smiled at her girlfriend’s thoughtfulness and slid into the soothing water. After relaxing in the tub until the water grew cool, Arizona got out and readied herself to go to the spa.
Once there, she was greeted by one of the front desk staff, who took her coat and handed her a glass of champagne and a rose, courtesy of Calliope. After changing into a robe, she was treated to moisturizing facial treatment. A petite blonde masseuse then led her to a massage room, where Arizona disrobed and laid face down on the table. She closed her eyes, ready to enjoy her massage.
Strong, firm hands began to knead the kinks out of her neck and shoulders. Arizona softly moaned at the sensation. She silently thanked whatever gods had endowed her tiny masseuse with the strong hands to really work out the tension in her neck and back. The hands reminded her of a certain rock star surgeon - hands that could be so strong and yet so gentle at the same time. Arizona smiled, imagining that it was her girlfriend with her instead of the masseuse.
She blinked open her eyes - clearly her imagination was getting creative - she swore she’d just smelled Calliope’s perfume. Suddenly, she felt a warm breath on the back of her neck, followed by a soft kiss in the nape of her neck. Ready to sit up and give the masseuse a good talking to about proper etiquette, Arizona shifted.
Her anger suddenly vanished however, as her attacker said in a husky, but all-too-familiar voice “enjoying your massage? I couldn’t let some other chick be running her hands all over my girl now could I?”
Arizona rolled over enough to see that it was indeed Callie in the room.
“How are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be in surgery? How did you get the spa to agree to this?” The questions tumbled one after another from Arizona’s mouth.
Callie simply smiled, rolled Arizona back onto her stomach and said “I’m awesome, that’s how. Now be quiet and enjoy the rest of your massage.”
“But. . . “ Arizona added.
“Shhh.” Callie silenced her and soon the magic that her girlfriend’s hands were working was enough to render Arizona speechless.
Arizona groaned in pleasure as Callie’s hands worked their way slowly from her neck down to her lower back, kneading and rubbing her sore muscles, working out each and every kink. However, the massage was less relaxing than it might have otherwise been, because for Arizona, the sheer touch of her girlfriend was usually enough to spur the awakenings of desire in her. The fact that the touch was constant, sensual, and covered in oil only added to it. Just as Arizona was ready to turn over a proposition her girlfriend, the hands left her back - Arizona suddenly felt naked without their presence. She was surprised when the original masseuse came in and told her that she could get dressed. Where had her mysterious girlfriend disappeared to?
After changing, Arizona glanced around the spa, looking for Calliope. She was nowhere in sight. Shrugging and thinking she was done, Arizona thanked the staff and prepared to leave. However, she was told that she wasn’t quite done yet and was handed a package and a note. The note read:
The spa day wasn’t the “swan song” of the day. Time to get dolled up. Meet back at home.
From your true love,
Calliope
Inside the gift-wrapped package was a beautiful purple satin dress, as well as matching earrings. Also included was a pair of exquisite Jimmy Choo heels - a designer that Arizona had a major weakness for. The front desk clerk directed her to a room where she could change. Afterwards, she was ushered into a hairstylist’s chair, where the stylist swept her hair up into a gentle, wispy up-do. The stylist also applied makeup, adding a smoky touch to Arizona’s eyes that brought out their deep blueness perfectly. Seeing herself in the mirror, Arizona smiled. She had to admit it - she looked hot.
Opening the door to their apartment, she was greeted by her girlfriend, who looked stunning in a form-fitting little black number that showed off her curves. “Baby, you look hot. Like super hot.” Callie replied, almost at a loss for words.
“You too, sweetie.” Arizona replied. “I love this dress. It’s perfect! And these shoes! You know how much I love Jimmy Choo!”
“I do indeed.” Callie smiled, wrapping her arms around Arizona as Arizona snaked her arms around Callie’s neck.
“We’re pretty hot stuff, aren’t we?” Arizona joked, placing a trail of gentle kisses across Callie’s jaw line and down her neck.
“We are smoking hot.” Callie teased in return, capturing Arizona’s lips in a seductive embrace. Arizona’s tongue tangled with the brunette’s warring for control over the kiss. Backing her girlfriend against the door, Arizona broke the kiss and continued her previous assault on Callie’s neck.
Callie groaned and pulled away. “Babe, we’re going to be late. And trust me, you don’t want to miss this.”
“Okay, fine.” Arizona grumbled. “First the massage and now this. You are such a tease.”
“But I always follow through eventually, don’t I?” Callie replied.
“I suppose so.” Arizona pouted as they put their coats on and left the apartment.
During their car ride, Arizona said “I don’t suppose it’s worth trying to get you to tell me where we’re going, is it?”
“Nope.” Callie responded. “Besides, you’ve been keeping your plans close to your vest. Why should I give you any hints if you won’t do the same?”
“Fine, I’ll give you a hint.” Arizona responded.
“Really?” Callie asked, surprised at how easily Arizona was giving in.
“Sure.” Arizona said. “Here’s your hint. What I’m planning is going to be awesome. It will be beyond awesome. It will be the awesomest of awesome things ever done. When you look up awesome in the dictionary, my Christmas present to you will be listed there.” She smirked. “Just like when you look up the word loser in the dictionary, they’ll see a picture of you. Because you’re going to lose hardcore.”
“That is not a hint!” Callie protested. “And you called me a tease!”
Their banter was interrupted as they pulled up to their destination. Arizona noticed that they were outside the performing arts center.
“We’re here.” Callie announced. Once inside, Callie handed the usher their tickets and they were led to prime seats only a few rows from the stage. The usher also handed them programs. After settling into their seats, Arizona looked down at the program, reading to see what they would be witnessing on the stage that night. The program read:
Swan Lake
Starring Maria Pavlova as Odette and Jake Fisher as Prince Siegfried
“We’re seeing Jake dance Swan Lake!!!” Arizona exclaimed, realizing that they were going to see the bone cancer patient they’d worked on together. She pulled Callie into an exuberant hug. “Calliope! Every time I think I’ve got you figured out, you surprise me all over again. This is going to be wonderful. I love, love, love that it’s Swan Lake and fits into today’s theme. But it’s even more special since we saved Jake’s leg and his dancing career together. This is going to be so magical!” Arizona planted a sloppy, wet kiss on Callie’s cheek.
The two thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Both were moved beyond words at the romantic ballet’s story and well as the beauty of Jake’s dancing. The fact that this night could be special to them as a couple and marry together the work they were both so passionate about made the night even more amazing.
After giving their regards to Jake at the stage door, where both he and his parents thanked them again profusely, they left, arms around each other and headed to the car.
Coming to a halt outside their car, Arizona turned and grasped Callie’s hands in her own.
“Calliope. I just wanted to say thank you AGAIN, for an amazing day. This past week has been the gift that keeps on giving. You are so special, so perfect and I want to thank you for taking the time to make this Christmas super awesome. Though I know I’m going to win . . .” Arizona smirked, before continuing. “I just wanted to say that no matter who wins our little competition, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had and I’m so glad to be sharing it with you.” She leaned in and gave Callie a sweet, heartfelt kiss, reaching up to caress the brunette’s cheek.
“Arizona.” Callie replied. “I just wanted to thank you right back. Even though you’re holding out on me, this Christmas is the best I can remember as well. You could show up on Christmas with nothing but a stale fruitcake and I’d still say that. Sharing these experiences with you has been a gift to me as well. I just so happy that I found you - and that we can spend this time together. Now let me get you home. It’s been a long day.” She gave Arizona a soft peck and they headed home.