Grey's Anatomy - Choices (12/23)
Title: Choices
Chapter 12/23
Authors: Faith & Kye
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: NC-17
Story Summary: Post-6x17 "Push" -- Arizona prefers chickens to children, and Callie isn't okay with that. Heartbroken and lonely, the two women try unsuccessfully to move on with their lives, only to find they really are made for eachother.
Chapter Summary: Painful memories resurface when Arizona sees her father for the first time in years.
Disclaimer: All television shows, movies, books, and other copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. As this work is an interpretation of the original material and not for-profit, it constitutes fair use. Reference to real persons, places, or events are made in a fictional context, and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory, or in any way factual.
Previous Chapters
A/N: The original second half/three quarters of Chapter 11, which I've just decided to label as Chapter 12 to make things easier to keep track of. Also, this probably could have used another read through before posting, but I'm too tired to go through it again, so apologies for any brilliant mistakes.
Thanks again to all who keep commenting, we really love hearing your feedback!
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It was a few hours of hell before Arizona finally managed to escape for the evening. One surgery had to be pushed back to another day, but for the moment that was quite all right with her.
All she wanted to do was make sure Callie was home and in bed. Or there would be hell to pay, of the non-sexy-fun kind.
Fumbling with her keys, Arizona finally managed to unlock the front door. “Calliope, you had better be here, or else-”
She didn’t get to finish her sentence, as she pushed open the door and froze a few steps into the apartment.
Callie and Colonel Robbins looked up from where they were sitting at the kitchen counter. Each were holding a glass of red wine and were apparently in the middle of some funny joke that had everybody laughing.
Except Arizona.
Looking kind of pale, she closed the door behind her with a soft click. “Dad,” she stated, surprise evident in her tone. “W-what are you…?”
Daniel gave his daughter a genuine smile. “Zonie,” he called softly as his blue eyes took in the sight of his child for the first time in a long while. “You're looking well. A bit tired and skinny, but otherwise the same as always.”
Callie watched the exchange, a soft smile gracing her lips as well.
But, seriously? Zonie?
Callie snorted softly to herself before taking another sip of her wine.
Arizona was still a little shocked at the sight of her father as her gaze drifted over to where the other party in the room was sitting. “Hey!” she suddenly barked, causing both her ex-girlfriend and her father to jump. “You can't have that!” she scolded again as she quickly walked over to snatch the wine glass from the brunette mid-sip.
Callie pouted, her fingers outstretched and wiggling in mid-air after the object. “How come?”
Arizona tipped the glass over the sink, pouring the wine out. “Does the warning 'do not mix with alcohol' ring any bells?”
Callie watched the red liquid swirl down the drain, slumping over in her seat. “But-”
Arizona put the glass down on the counter and fixed Callie with another one of her stern glares. “You’re a doctor, Calliope, come on. You can not take vicodin and drink at the same time.”
“It was just a little,” Callie pouted.
Her father was watching with the hint of a smile, and Arizona finally looked over at him. “Daddy. Hi.” She managed a shaky one of her own. “I...wasn’t expecting you to be in town.”
“Had you returned my calls, maybe you would have.” Daniel Robbins stood up from his stool, made his way around the counter, and immediately pulled Arizona into a bear hug, his size and height just about drowning her out.
Arizona closed her eyes and hugged him back, finally relaxing a little into the familiar embrace. “Been a while.”
“Too long,” Colonel Robbins instantly replied as he closed his eyes and held his daughter close.
Callie watched the exchange with a slight sense of awkwardness. She sort of felt like she was invading a very personal moment for them. She pushed her stool back and made a move to stand.
“Where are you off to?” Daniel’s words suddenly stopped her in her tracks.
Callie gulped. “Uh, I was just...” She pointed over her shoulder toward the bedroom.
Daniel finally released his hold on his daughter. “Nonsense,” he smiled. “So you can't drink alcohol. We'll have tea instead. Come, sit,” he ordered.
Arizona found herself smirking over at Callie when the brunette instantly obeyed. “Better do as the man says,” she teased, taking a seat of her own next to her girl-ex-friend-whatever.
That was something she was not looking forward to explaining to the Colonel.
“So…I gotta ask,” Arizona started as she watched her father fill the kettle and put it on the stove. She looked curiously over at Callie. “How on earth did you two end up here, drinking and talking like old buddies?”
“I looked for you at Seattle Grace,” her father answered. “Several of your colleagues told me you were unavailable, and I ran into Dr. Torres shortly after.”
Arizona arched a brow. “How did you-”
“Pictures, Arizona,” the Colonel reminded her. “You sent some home at Christmas of your friends and the lovely Calliope Torres. I never forget a face.” He looked over his shoulder and winked at Callie.
Arizona found herself smiling as she too looked at the brunette. “She is pretty unforgettable,” the blonde agreed, reaching over automatically to take the hand on the countertop.
Callie smiled as she maneuvered her fingers to where she could lace theirs together. “The feeling's mutual,” she replied softly, but audible enough so that both father and daughter could hear.
Daniel smiled to himself as he focused on his task. “So,” he started as he turned back to face the two women. He remained standing in his perfect posture, hands folded behind his back. His gaze fell to the joined ones resting on the countertop. “Will I get the pleasure of walking my daughter down the aisle anytime soon?”
Arizona and Callie froze. Both women quickly jerked their hands apart.
The Colonel watched them patiently, obviously waiting for an answer.
Arizona opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Oh, crap.
Callie jumped when her pager on the coffee table started buzzing. “Oh! Work, sorry.” She got up a little too quickly, wincing as she hobbled as fast as she could over to the little device.
Arizona turned around, facing away from her father, and fixed Callie with a Look. It clearly read something along the lines of ‘don’t you dare leave me here alone with him’.
Callie waved the pager around. “It’s Mark. He needs a…consult.” Actually, he was asking for a grocery list, but clearly Arizona and her father needed to talk, so…
“You two keep…yeah. I’ll be back. Gonna go make a phone call for that…consult.” She shuffled off to the bedroom.
Arizona closed her eyes and willed the earth to open up and swallow her. When that didn’t happen, she opened them again and swiveled back on her stool to face her father.
Daniel raised a slow brow at his daughter. “I didn’t mean to scare her away.”
Arizona forced out a smile, looking rather pained. “You didn’t. It’s just a…complicated answer.” She cleared her throat and stared down at the countertop, finding herself unable to make eye contact with him.
Every time he looked at her, it felt like his eyes were boring straight into her soul. And her soul wasn’t something she wanted him to see right now.
“Calliope and I aren’t…really….t-together anymore, dad.”
Daniel's dark grey brow furrowed. “Oh?” He paused a moment to consider the revelation. “But, you two just seem so...”
“Complicated?” Arizona repeated with a sad smile.
“In love,” Colonel Robbins finished.
Arizona's smile faltered and she closed her eyes with a soft sigh.
Damn.
“We are,” she finally admitted in nearly a whisper. “I love her so much, Daddy.”
Daniel couldn't stand to hear the anguish in his daughter's voice. He stepped over to the opposite side of the counter, reaching across to place his larger hand over hers. “So why aren't you with her?”
And here came the fun part.
Arizona sighed again. “She...wants babies. And I...don’t.” Her eyes continued to evade his.
Daniel looked at his daughter questioningly. “I don't understand. You love children.” He smiled gently. “You always have. That's why you became a pediatric surgeon.”
“I know. I do,” Arizona nodded. “But I don’t want them. Not my own.” She gave a slight shake of her head. “I’ve seen a lot of things go wrong, and what it does to families. To parents. I’ve spent the last decade of my life knowing that I don’t want any part of it.”
Daniel looked genuinely baffled. “Arizona…you love children,” he repeated. “It’s not like you to be such a pessimist. To focus on the bad. You must know that there’s more good in life than anything else.”
Arizona still wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Doesn’t matter.” She gave a weak shrug. “Callie wants kids, and soon. I can’t give that to her.”
As much as they were still living and acting like a couple, every time those words came out of her mouth it felt like a knife was being thrust into her chest. Because she knew that they could only pretend for so long.
Daniel released his daughter's hand to once again take up his perfectly rigid stance. He leveled his gaze on her, but it wasn't angry or even disappointed.
Just...stern. And kind of intense.
“Arizona Michelle Robbins,” the Colonel scolded. “What have I told you about that word?”
Arizona's eyes widened as she swallowed back. The look her father was giving her was one she knew.
And she knew it well.
She sighed softly. “Can't isn't a word. Only a state of mind.” The words came automatically to her.
“Exactly,” Daniel repeated, watching her carefully. “I don’t ever want to hear your talk like that again. You know better than to live with this type of an attitude. It’s not healthy.”
Arizona pushed back from her stool and turned away from him, the last traces of her default cheerful demeanor disappearing completely. “It’s not as simple as you’d like it to be, dad,” she shot back, her tone a little bit harsher than she intended. “This isn’t something where I can just decide to ‘give it a shot’. Kids are a really big deal. Y-you can’t just…walk in here and assume that you know what my life is like and tell me what I should be doing with it!”
“Arizona,” Daniel cut in sharply, walking around the counter and right up to his daughter. “Do not talk to me like that.”
His hard stare bore into hers, and Arizona automatically looked down, suddenly feeling like an eight year old again, being scolded for something or other.
“I’m trying to help you,” Daniel added in a slightly less harsh tone after a moment. “You were so happy with Callie the last time your mother and I spoke to you, and now you won’t even take my calls. I came here because I was worried. We both were,” he added after a moment.
Arizona looked up, tears in her eyes, though her voice remained firm. “Don’t try to convince me mom even cares, Dad. She’s barely even looked at me since Aaron died, and you know it.”
Daniel sighed. “Your mother took your brother's death very hard,” he explained gently. “You know that.”
“Like I didn't?” Arizona shot back, jumping off of the stool and pacing away from him. “He was my twin, Daddy,” she went on, her voice cracking a bit. “I loved him like he was a part of me.”
The man's deep blue eyes became a little misty. He reached out to place a hand on his daughter's shoulder. “I know, honey. I know.”
She fought against it, but the sudden and unexpected well of emotion smashed through her firm resolve. Her brother’s death, her broken relationship with her mother, her relationship meltdown with Callie...all of it hit the walls she’d been putting up for the last however many months and sent them crumbling. She broke down and her father pulled her into his arms in an instant.
All she could seem to think about right then was the image of her twin brother’s coffin sitting in that cemetery.
And all they got was a fucking flag.
***
“What’s happening now?” Mark’s voice carried over the phone into Callie’s ear. “I can’t hear anything, what’re they saying?”
“Shh!” Callie hissed into the device, pressing her other ear against the door. “I think they’re arguing. About me.” A part of her kind of hoped Arizona’s dad would convince her that babies were a good thing. Because then they could forgo all of this break up drama and be happy again.
Listening in really hard, Callie’s hopes started to collapse as the words being spoken drifted into her ears. She could hear the pain in Arizona’s voice, even when the blonde was trying to hide it.
Callie knew her better than anyone. She was hurting.
“What about now?” Mark’s voice broke through loudly over the speaker once again.
“I said shh!” Callie barked into the phone. A little bit of silence passed, enough that made her start to wonder if anyone was even out there anymore. Eventually she pressed her ear a little harder into the door...
...just as it was abruptly pushed open.
“Eeep!” Callie flailed as her lack of balance and the sudden force of the door sent her sprawling backward to the carpet.
Luckily for her, Arizona was fast, and reached out to grab at her.
Not so luckily, Callie grabbed Arizona at the same time and pulled the blonde right down with her.
“Ungh,” Arizona grunted as a rush of air was suddenly expelled from her lungs. She was surprised to find herself on top of Callie, on the floor.
“What? What?!” Mark shouted over the phone, which was now laying beside them. “What did she sa-”
Callie managed to reach over and clumsily hit the hang up button, cutting Sloan off before he could embarrass her further. “Ow…”
Arizona kind of blinked down at Callie, pushing herself up onto her elbows. “Hi there,” she stated, with the barest hint of a smirk. Her eyes were still bloodshot, but she had done her best to wipe away the evidence after her father had left. Somehow, the sight of Callie in all of her clumsy glory made her feel a little better. “That was…stealthy of you.”
Callie laughed in embarrassment. “That's me,” she played along. “Good 'ole stealthy m-” She stopped suddenly, her smile vanishing in an instant when she finally registered the tear tracks on the other woman's face. “What's wrong?” she questioned softly as she reached up to brush her thumb along the wet stains. “Did he say something to upset you?”
“No,” Arizona replied with a slight shake of her head.
Callie tilted her head to give the other woman a stern look. “Please don’t lie to me.”
Sighing, Arizona managed a half-smile. “You know my issues with authority figures. They stem from him being a hardass when I was growing up.” She pushed herself off of Callie completely and sat up next to her instead. “Hasn’t changed one bit. So much as a stern finger wag and I wilt like a dead flower.” She was trying to find the humour here, but her voice sounded void of emotion.
Callie paused for a moment. “Want me to kick his ass?”
Arizona burst out with a sudden laugh.
“I mean it,” Callie quickly added as she moved back onto her knees. “He...he may be old, and your dad,” she went on as she pointed a finger through in air. “But I'd still totally do it. For you.”
Arizona was still smiling as she arched a brow. “Calliope?”
“Hm?”
“He could kill you with his pinky before you got in a single hit.”
Callie's hopeful smile dropped in an instant.
Arizona chuckled at the other woman’s expression. “He’s a hardcore Marine, has been all his life. Don’t let old age fool you, he only retired because they forced him to. There had to have been a gun to his head to make him sign the papers.” She scooched back to lean against the wall, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms loosely around them.
Callie watched the blonde carefully. She didn’t know whether or not to admit that she’d overheard some of the stuff that was said. Arizona didn’t seem to want to talk about it - she never did - but maybe she should talk about it. Callie very rarely heard a peep from the blonde about her family, especially her brother.
Arizona noticed Callie watching her carefully. “What? Am I leaking?” She swiped at her face with the sleeve of her shirt, just in case there were leftover tears, or God forbid, snot. Ew.
“No,” Callie smiled with a gentle shake of her head. She eyed the other woman carefully before finally making a decision. “Scoot,” she called softly as she motioned with her hand. She was already moving toward Arizona before she even had the opportunity to comply with the request.
Callie let out a long, heavy sigh as she pushed her back up against the wall as well. She crossed her ankles out in front of her and folded her hands in her lap. Her gaze shifted up to the ceiling. “I've never been to a military funeral,” she finally spoke, not taking her eyes from the fan circling overhead. “I've seen them on TV, but I've never been to a real live one before.” She paused for a moment. “I can't imagine what it must feel like to know someone you love is lying in that coffin because they made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. For you.” She finally pulled her gaze down to shift it over to the blonde.
Arizona somehow managed a nod, suddenly finding it hard to speak around the lump in her throat. She really didn’t want Callie to see what a mess she was.
“They’re loud,” she finally stated after a period of silence passed, staring absently at the opposite wall. “They talk about country, and family, and then they fire off a bunch of guns. They’re shooting blanks, but it’s all very…loud. I don’t remember much else.” Arizona swallowed back. “His vehicle hit an IED during a routine patrol. T-they wouldn’t let us see him after because he…”
Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t say ‘because there wasn’t much left’ out loud. Her chest tightened painfully, and for a second she couldn’t breathe.
Callie instantly reached over to wrap an arm around the blonde's shoulders. She gave her body a gentle tug.
Arizona easily fell into the warmth of Calliope Torres, instantly snuggling up against her shoulder.
Callie tilted her head to the side to rest her cheek against the top of a messy blonde head. She rubbed her fingers in a soothing motion along her ex's shoulder. “When I was a little girl,” she started softly, “I remember going to church one Sunday to hear a special guest speaker. He was a Lieutenant in the Army, and he had just lost his son overseas.” Callie tightened her hold on Arizona a little more. “I remember the look on his face, and the tears in his eyes, when he told the story of his son and how he sacrificed himself to save his entire squad.”
“What'd he do?” Arizona asked softly, her eyes distant as she stared at the floor.
“An enemy soldier had managed to infiltrate their camp one night as they were all fast asleep. In the middle of the jungle, no one was supposed to even know they were there. They were all sitting ducks. Private Collins, the Lieutenant's son, spotted him when he got up for some water.”
Arizona remained silent.
“He saw a soldier standing near his best friend's tent.” Callie paused. “With an explosive device tied to his chest.”
“What did he do?”
“He tackled him to the ground,” Callie instantly replied. “But it was too late. The soldier had already activated it.”
Arizona shifted uncomfortably.
“So,” Callie continued softly. “Private Collins did the only thing he could think to do. He grabbed the guy and ran as far into the bushes as he could before the explosive went off. He...didn’t make it.” Callie paused, rubbing Arizona’s shoulder a little more. “But if it wasn't for him and his heroic act, that thing would have taken out their entire unit.”
“That was pretty brave.” Arizona finally managed, her voice rough.
“Oh, very brave,” Callie added with a subtle nod. “But because of that brave sacrifice, when they held his funeral week later, they had to have a closed casket.”
Arizona's memories of her own brother's funeral and his closed casket came flooding back to her. It suddenly felt as though icy water was running through her veins.
“Everyone knew why,” Callie went on, rubbing Arizona’s shoulder soothingly as she talked. “The Lieutenant got a little choked up when he talked about this part. It was very difficult for him to bury his son without having a chance to see his face one last time.”
Fresh tears sprang up behind blue eyes.
Callie paused a moment before continuing. “But he said he did realize something that cold winter day.” She stopped the soft stroking of her fingers. “It's not how you leave this life that counts.” She lowered her voice as she hugged Arizona closely. “It's what you leave behind you when you go.”
Arizona squeezed her eyes shut as tightly as she could manage, but the tears spilled over anyway. “I miss him,” she whispered, turning her face more into Callie’s shoulder. “I’m so proud of everything he did, but I hate not seeing him every day. He’s been dead for five years and it still feels like he should be here.”
Callie moved her other arm across to pull Arizona into more of a full hug. The blonde just melted into her arms, burying her face into Callie’s shirt as she cried.
It completely broke Callie’s heart.
After a while, Arizona took in a couple of deep breaths, calming her nerves as best as she could, just concentrating on breathing Callie in. Something about the brunette made things just better enough that she could cope.
Callie made her entire life better. In every aspect.
The brunette shivered from the warm breath against her chest. She was only wearing a thin t-shirt, and it did nothing to block out the feel of Arizona against her.
God, had she missed that.
“He died for his country,” Callie finally continued on quietly. “I know it's not easy to accept, but he died for an honor bigger than himself. That's what he would've wanted to be remembered for.” She tightened her hold around her ex-girlfriend. “He died, Zona, but he'll never really leave you. Not as long as you keep his memory alive.”
Arizona nodded against Callie’s chest and remained silent. She could hear the other woman’s heart beating steadily against her ear, and gradually felt a wave of calm descend over the moment. Over her.
Callie was the only thing she wanted to think about anymore. Not her father, not her brother or her mother, not work or anything else.
Just Callie Torres.
After a long while, Arizona lifted her head, finding herself very, very close to the brunette’s lips. She smiled a little sadly, though the tears had finally stopped flowing. “Thank you,” she whispered in a hoarse voice. She reached up with her left hand to curl it around the back of Callie’s neck, her thumb softly stroking tanned skin. “I don’t want to ever know what my life would be like without you in it.” Her fingers brushed through the fine hairs at the base of the brunette’s neck.
It was all Callie could do to hold herself back. “Zona?” she called softly, gazing into misty blue eyes. Crying only made the blonde even more beautiful. “I really want to kiss you right now.”
Arizona smiled slightly, her thumb still keeping up its gentle movements. She didn’t say a word, and after a beat of silence she leaned in the short distance to do just that.
Her eyes immediately slipped shut and she sighed into the intimate contact. The whole world fell away whenever she kissed Callie, and right now was no exception to the rule.
Callie instantly returned the moan as she reached up to place a hand on the other woman's cheek. She leaned in a little harder, and suddenly the kiss wasn’t so ‘light’ anymore.
“Arizona,” she murmured with a heavy breath against the blonde's lips.
This was a bad idea. A very bad idea.
She knew that. She knew Arizona knew that.
But for some reason, she still didn't care.
“Touch me,” Callie finally breathed again, her eyes still closed as she reached down for her lover’s other hand. She tugged, guiding it gently by the wrist to set it upon her breast.
Arizona didn’t have to be told twice. Her hand automatically squeezed against the warm weight, drawing a moan from Callie that made her smile. She shifted a little closer, until she was pressed right up against her.
She was very warm, and smelled good, and was super soft.
Definitely all of the key ingredients needed to make her feel better.
Arizona’s hand dropped down to slip underneath the hem of Callie’s shirt, sliding sensually up her stomach and back to its original spot. At the same time, she leaned in to suck at a sensitive patch of skin on her partner’s neck. Almost immediately, she was able to leave her mark.
Callie gasped, her eyes blinking rapidly as she struggled to keep her breathing in check. She reach down to place a hand on the smooth curve of Arizona’s hip. Their positions against the wall made the effort a little awkward and she groaned in protest. “Bed,” she whispered hotly as she turned to place her lips next to the blonde’s ear.
Arizona reluctantly pulled her head back just enough to meet Callie’s eyes. Her hand squeezed her breast again, and she smirked at the little groan it drew from perfect lips.
“You sure you can…?” she asked in a low, somewhat husky voice. “You’re still hurt.”
“Does it look like I wanna stop?” Callie managed to smirk.
Arizona just chuckled and leaned in to steal another heated kiss. “Answer my question first.”
Callie's brow furrowed and she gave another shaky sigh. “Pretty sure I can,” she answered honestly. She'd never lied to Arizona before. She didn't intend to start now.
The blonde was quiet as she gazed back into dark brown eyes. “I know you...” she started, but then paused to correct herself. “I know we want to do this. But...should we?”
“Yes,” was Callie’s automatic reply. She reached down to gently rest her hand over the one currently beneath her shirt. “This feels...so right.”
A sly smirk crossed Arizona’s lips, and she started to withdraw her hand from Callie’s breast. “Let me hear you say that when I’m not feeling you up,” she teased. She pulled back and stood up, reaching down to help ease the other woman to her feet. Arizona instantly stepped up nice and close, slipping both arms around the brunette’s waist. She tilted her head to the side, studying Callie closely. “If you can’t because it hurts too much, be honest with me. I’m not going anywhere just because we can’t get naked.”
“Oh, I can get naked,” Callie answered with another groan. She dropped her eyes down the front of the other woman's plunging neckline and bit her lower lip.
“Calliope.” Arizona snapped her fingers in front of her ex's face. “Focus,” she added with a delighted smirk.
Brown eyes instantly jerked upwards, but Callie still licked her lips. “Sorry. They can be a bit distracting.” Her eyes widened. “You can be a bit...distracting.”
Arizona grinned widely and shook her head. “Oh my God, you are so gay. How did it take you thirty years to figure this out?”
“I'm a bit slow sometimes,” Callie admitted with a slight tilt of her head. Her smile returned as she leaned in, placing both hands on slender hips. Her eyes once more dropped down to Arizona’s mouth. “Now, about this 'naked' thing...” She trailed off as her smile turned into a slow, seductive smirk.
Arizona ‘hmm’ed softly under her breath as she started walking backwards toward the bed. Her arms stayed locked tightly around Callie’s waist, pulling her along. “You wouldn’t be trying to take advantage of me, would you?” She cocked her head to the side. “I’m feeling all sad and vulnerable, you’ve been bored and locked in a house for three days…there could be an advantage that you’re taking. Trying to get me naked.”
Callie arched a brow, still smirking. “Yeah,” she replied as they stumbled their way across the bedroom. “It looks that way.” She dropped her dark gaze down to the blonde's thin blue shirt again.
Damn. Arizona looked good in blue.
But even better out of it.
Callie reached down for the hem, tugging on the material impatiently.
Arizona reluctantly released her waist so she could pull it up and over her head. She shivered a bit as the cold air of the room brushed against her skin, and she immediately pressed in really close to Callie. She stopped backpedaling when her legs hit the bed.
“Normally I’d have no reservations about throwing you down and taking complete advantage,” Arizona started. “But I don’t want to put you out of the game this early.” Her right hand slid around Callie’s waist to rest lightly against the bruised part of her back. “How are you doing so far?”
“Hm,” Callie replied absently. She couldn’t stop staring into Arizona’s eyes.
Arizona chuckled. “Distracted again?”
Callie's smile widened, but still remained gentle. “Only by the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.”
Arizona's smirk faltered as she blushed.
“I don't even know I was ever in pain when you touch me,” Callie added quietly. “That’s how I’m doing.”
Arizona sighed and leaned in to kiss her once more. “You take all of my pain away, too,” she whispered as she pulled back a fraction. She tugged up gently on her lover’s shirt, very slowly pulling it over her head.
This time, it was her eyes that dropped down to Callie’s chest, and she made no effort to hide the fact that she was ogling.
“This is usually the part where I'm supposed to say 'my eyes are up here',” Callie grinned as she stood perfectly still, watching Arizona as she stared openly. “But I kinda like your eyes exactly where they are.” She reached out to place her right hand on the blonde's hip, stroking her fingers against the bare skin with a slow, deliberate motion.
Callie leaned in a little closer, dropping her voice into a husky whisper. “You could have an even better view if you want.”
Arizona smiled lazily and glanced up under her lashes. “Promise?” she purred in a seductive tone.
She lightly tugged Callie forward her by the hips, maneuvering them both up onto the bed. “Easy does it,” she instructed, watching carefully for any signs on discomfort. “Lay down.”
Callie licked her lips. “You first.”
Arizona started to laugh, but Callie caught her off guard by leaning in and roughly pushing a hand against her stomach, shoving her back down onto the sheets.
Her blue eyes followed every movement as Callie climbed slowly overtop of her. Arizona rested her weight back against her left elbow, while her right hand slid around Callie’s back to fiddle with the strap on her bra.
Fiddle, as in smoothly unlatch it with one single ‘snap’.
She was a pro at removing womens’ clothing.
Callie arched a brow, smirking as she glanced down to watch the material slide part way down her arms. “Think you're pretty smooth, huh?”
Arizona bit her lip suggestively.
Callie shifted her weight onto her left arm to allow the article of lingerie to fall away from her full breasts. She shifted back into position, wearing a sultry smile as she watched Arizona's reaction.
“Not as smooth as me, baby.”
Arizona’s eyes glazed over, and she made no effort to hide the fact that she was staring. “You have the most amazing breasts I have ever seen,” she stated with a wistful groan.
Callie chuckled and sat up just enough to remove the article completely, holding it between two fingers and letting it slowly drop down onto the bed.
Arizona sat up beneath the brunette immediately and attached her lips to one of those full, lucious breasts. Her right hand reached up to cup the other one, and she released another groan.
Seriously fucking perfect.
Callie's eyelids instantly fluttered closed and she dipped her head back, arching her spine as she buried her hands deeply into blonde curls. “Arizona,” she husked as she tugged with her fingers. She winced a little as a sharp pain shot through the lower part of her back.
But, no. She wasn't about to let that ruin this moment.
At least she thought she wasn’t, until another shot of pain rocked her body when she moved the wrong way, making her automatically cry out. She quickly bit her bottom lip, trying to stifle it, but it was too late.
Arizona instantly pulled away. “Oh God, I’m sorry,” she stammered, her wide eyes looking panicky.
Callie shook her head. “N-no, I’m fine,” she grunted, trying to play it off.
“Bull,” Arizona shot back, pulling out from underneath Callie. She sat up on her knees and gently grasped her by the arm. “Lay down, baby, come on,” she said quietly, frowning in worry.
Callie wanted to protest. She really did.
She was very fond of what they were in the middle of. Arizona’s tongue on her body was a feeling she’d greatly missed.
On the other hand, her back hurt like hell.
“Maybe for just a minute,” she mumbled as she gave in and allowed her lover to gently guide her down onto the sheets. She closed her eyes, wincing once more as another painful throb shot up her spine, and groaned in annoyance. This was just not her day.
Arizona felt a wave of guilt flood through her. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry,” she sighed, settling down next to Callie and hovering worriedly. “This was a bad idea. A bad, bad idea. You can barely walk, let alone get sweaty and naked.” She ran her fingers back through her hair, looking stricken.
“I can get sweaty and naked,” Callie protested, shifting uncomfortably. “Just…gimme a minute.”
Arizona shook her head. “I’m getting your pain meds,” she stated, and started to shuffle over to the opposite end of the bed. “They might put you to sleep, but you obviously need them.”
Callie whined in protest as she reached out to grab Arizona by the wrist. “Please don't,” she nearly whispered. “I'm so tired of sleeping.” Callie’s thumb softly stroked the underside of the blonde's wrist. “All I do is sleep. I don't wanna sleep anymore.” She gave a gentle tug on Arizona's arm. “I want you.”
The peds surgeon looked unsure of herself, but she reluctantly allowed Callie to tug her back up against her side. She carefully shifted and climbed overtop of the prone form, hovering and taking care not to let any of her weight rest on the injured woman.
“You know I want you, too,” Arizona replied tentatively. “I’m just-”
“Worried,” Callie interrupted with a smile. “You know you worry too much, ‘Zonie’,” she teased. “Anyone ever tell you that?”
Arizona groaned painfully. “Please don’t call me that,” she pouted in embarrassment, dropping her forehead down against Callie’s shoulder.
“I think it's kinda cute,” Callie drawled as she reached up to tuck a lock of blonde hair behind the other woman's ear. Her fingers played with the silky strand as she gazed up at the ceiling. She sighed softly, feeling completely content for the first time in a long while.
“Not to ruin 'sexy time' or anything,” Callie hedged as her smile grew just a little. “But I think I kinda really love your father.”
Arizona raised her head up, surprise evident on her face. “You do?”
“Yeah,” Callie chuckled. “I do.”
That made the blonde smile. “That means he likes you. If he didn’t, you’d be terrified of him.” She moved back to rest against the bed, though she remained pressed up against Callie’s body. “Things haven’t always been easy between us, but I love him. He’s a big softy underneath that hardass Marine exterior.”
Her mother, though…that was a whole different story.
Arizona was not looking forward to facing her alone the next morning at breakfast. Her dad had waited to drop that bomb right before he stepped out the door.
Basically, he didn’t give her a chance to say ‘no’.
“Come to breakfast with us tomorrow morning,” she suddenly demanded, looking eagerly at Callie. “We’re just going to Denny’s, but it’ll be…f-fun.”
She tried not to stutter too badly over that last word.
Callie grinned at the blonde's nervous stutter. Arizona really was just too cute sometimes.
“I've already been given strict orders to attend,” she mused, still smiling as she gazed back into blue eyes. “Your dad was very adamant about a chance to 'bond' with us as a...” She trailed off, her smile faltering just a little. “A couple,” she finished awkwardly.
“Yeah,” Arizona replied, equally as quiet. “They, um…I told them a lot about you, when I talked to them at Christmas. They were excited.” And by they, she really meant her dad. She hadn’t talked directly to her mom. “I’m glad you’re coming tomorrow. You’ll make it more bearable.”
Callie arched a slow brow. “What happened to it being ‘fun’?”
Arizona smiled sheepishly. “There’s…food. Food is always fun when someone else makes it for you and you don’t have to clean up after yourself.”
Callie nodded. “This is true.” Her smile slowly returned as she released a deep, heavy sigh. “You know I can't say no to you,” she admitted as she reached across the short distance to once again brush back a strand of golden hair.
A sudden chill swept over the brunette and she suddenly realized that she was laying there half naked and Arizona wasn't.
“Hey,” Callie pouted as she glanced down. “How come I'm all...shirtless and vulnerable here, and you're not?”
That made Arizona smirk. “I am shirtless,” she pointed out, though she was looking kind of smug.
Callie blinked. “Okay, but you’re still...covered in places.” Her eyes dropped to her lover’s breasts in particular.
Arizona laughed as she reached over to place her hand on the other woman's side. “Your point?” She watched Callie frown at the fact that she was still covered by her bra. “Sweetie, you still seem a little out of it.”
Callie shook her head, instantly perking up. “No,” she replied adamantly. Arizona arched a sculpted brow, and she instantly relented with a groan. “Okay,” she admitted. “Maybe I am a little hazy...”
“More than a little,” Arizona pointed out. She leaned down to kiss sensually along Callie’s neck. “But I kinda like you when you’re hazy. Means I get to take advantage of you.” She smirked and moved her lips over an inch. “I like you shirtless, by the way. You look really good shirtless.” Her left hand moved up to grasp a soft breast once again. “If you’re up for it, I’d even kinda like to get you pantless.”
Callie moaned as Arizona circled her nipple with a teasing thumb.
Arizona leaned in to steal another playful kiss. She shifted until she was straddling Callie, though she supported her own weight with her legs. Her right hand remained against the brunette’s breast, squeezing softly.
“You’d tell me if you can’t handle it, wouldn’t you?” Arizona raised a brow down at Callie. “Calliope? I’m serious. If it gets to be too much…” She wouldn’t want to stop, but she’d rather they wait for a better day than have her lover pass out from the pain.
Callie instantly nodded. “I promise,” she answered in a strained whisper.
The hand on her breast kinda had something to do with that.
At the moment, Callie was feeling the exact opposite of pain, anyway. And she knew it was only going to get better from here.
Sighing again, she reached up with her right hand to lay her palm against the flat plane of Arizona's stomach. She dropped her eyes to watch as she slowly brushed it along smooth skin. The moment quickly became very, very intimate for her.
A soft breath escaped Arizona’s lips, and she just about started purring like a kitten.
Callie knew how sensitive her stomach was.
It took a lot of effort for her eyes to remain open. Arizona very reluctantly slid her hand away from Callie’s breast, then down her ribcage and to the waistline of her jeans. Both hands worked easily at the belt and zipper, expertly snapping and unbuckling their way through each obstacle.
Yep. She was always smooth when it came to undressing a woman. Especially Callie.
She was really good at getting her naked.
Another sharp gasp escaped the brunette's lips when she felt her pants roughly yanked open.
That was kinda hot.
Really hot.
Callie closed her eyes, her hand still resting against Arizona’s stomach. She really couldn't think much at the moment, much less muster enough brain power to move or speak.
The knowledge that Callie’s hazy expression was now because of her made Arizona smirk, happy with the knowledge that she was taking some of the pain away. She roughly tugged her pants all the way open, and then slid off of her legs to the side. She pulled them downward, though she was careful not to be too harsh with her movements.
Anything that would cause pain was out.
Callie suddenly found herself feeling very...nervous. She wasn't even really sure why. It's not like she hadn't had sex with Arizona a thousand times.
Okay, maybe not a thousand. But it sure felt like it was pretty close to that by now.
She pulled in a shaky breath, forcing a smile as she looked up to meet those perfect blue eyes.
Arizona frowned slightly as she gazed back down at her ex. “Calliope?” she called softly.
Callie shook her head in response. “I'm okay,” she assured Arizona as she once again reached out in search of soft skin. “Keep going.”
Arizona dropped her head down enough to peer more intently at Callie. “You-”
“Are fine,” Callie interrupted with another slight tick of her brow.
Arizona leaned forward and kissed lightly against the side of Callie’s chin. “Are a bad liar,” she finished with a chuckle. She could tell Callie was nervous; she knew her better than anyone.
“Lucky for you,” Arizona continued as she placed more light kisses along her jawline. “I’m gonna take care of you. Make you feel better.” She ran her right hand down Callie’s ribcage, then along the side of her thigh.
“If you want,” she added after a moment, the corner of her mouth twitching.
Callie shivered at the touch, her eyes fluttering back at the sensation. “Oh,” she moaned, pausing to lick her lips. “I want.”
She reached down with her free hand to place it over the one teasing along the smooth skin of her thigh. She never broke eye contact as she slowly pulled it back up.
And a little to the right.
A slow grin formed over Arizona’s lips, and she gradually teased her fingers along the apex of Callie’s thigh. “You’re sexy when you’re turned on,” she whispered as she leaned in to bite playfully against an ear lobe.
Very, very sexy.
Arizona started to kiss her way down Calliope’s neck as her right hand teased directly overtop of her panties, her fingers just barely grazing over the wetness she could already feel beneath. Her lips slowly trailed back down to her chest, where she gently nipped once more against her collarbone.
Callie growled desperately. “Just do it already.” She dug her fingers hard into the bed sheets.
Arizona lifted her hand to slip it easily beneath the waistline of the thin barrier.
Dark brown eyes shot open. Callie gasped as she arched off of the bed.
Arizona glanced up from her spot against Callie’s chest and grinned a little, before refocusing her attention on what she was doing. She slid back up the short distance to pull the woman back into a kiss, moaning against her lips. Her fingers teased at the brunette’s clit and ran along the length of her wetness, dipping in between slick folds.
She pulled back from the kiss and met Callie’s eyes for one long, lingering moment. Then she moved the rest of the way down her body, slipping her fingers out of the thin material to begin pulling it down her legs.
Callie gasped yet again, her hips bucking automatically.
It had been too long since she felt that touch.
“Arizona,” Callie moaned out when she felt her lover's fingers touch her again.
Just seeing the look on Callie’s face and knowing that she was in heaven made Arizona’s heart pound. She’d never seen anyone look sexier than Callie did when they were in bed together.
If it were up to her, some days they would just stay there and make love from sunrise to sunset.
Which they had done, two or three times in the past.
Arizona kept the fingers on her right hand touching and teasing Callie’s sex, while she leaned down to press her lips against the woman’s stomach. She felt her breath hitch beneath them, which made her smirk and glance up.
“Easy,” she teased, placing another teasing kiss while her thumb circled against the woman’s clit. “Don’t wanna strain anything before we get to the good part.”
Callie groan. Yet again.
Oh, she was so past the good part.
The brunette's fingers dug a little harder into the sheets, her knuckles turning snow white from the grip. Her back arched just a little higher off of the bed, but apparently, it was too high.
“[i]Ow![/i] Shit,” Callie cursed as she squeezed her eyes shut from the intense spasm that suddenly jolted through her lower back.
Arizona immediately pulled her hand away and sighed aginst Callie’s stomach. She placed one last kiss there before sitting up, still straddling the brunette’s lower thighs. “We can’t do this.”
Callie’s eyes immediately shot open, and she fixed Arizona with a half-crazed stare. “You’re kidding.”
Arizona felt a little guilty, but she shrugged and pointed at the other woman. “Sweetie, I’m gonna end up adding another week of bedrest to your recovery if I keep doing…this. We should just wait. Until you’re better.” She frowned a little. “Or…not, since technically we shouldn’t…again…”
Damn, she hated when her brain thought rationally in times like these.
Callie sighed as she slowly closed her eyes. Because she knew that Arizona was right.
Dammit.
“Stupid bone marrow,” Callie muttered under her breath as she shifted painfully against the bed. The cool sheets scraped at the sensitive skin on her back and hip.
She suddenly realized she was very...naked.
And Arizona wasn't.
Callie opened her dark eyes, blushing a bit in embarrassment as she glanced up to meet Arizona’s blue gaze. “You mind helping me get some clothes on?”
Arizona bit her lip and quirked a grin down at her lover. “Do I have to?” She laughed when a deep red blush coated Callie’s cheeks. And other parts of her anatomy.
Oh boy. Stop looking.
The blonde closed her eyes and groaned softly. “I need a cold shower,” she murmured under her breath, reluctantly moving off of Callie and begining to slowly gather their clothes from various places on the floor. “A long, cold shower…”
She was going to have a helluva time getting this image out of her head. Naked and squirming Callie was just…
Shower. Glacier cold, please.
“Me first,” Callie mumbled to herself. She was still a little...worked up.
Although ‘worked up’ didn’t even begin to describe the aching throb between her legs.
Sighing softly, she closed her eyes as she reached up to run a hand down her face.
This really just...
Sucked beyond the telling of it.
Arizona very carefully avoided looking at Callie as she quickly helped her pull some pants back on, and then tossed over the shirt she found on the floor.
Which left her looking for her own.
“Um…have you seen my shirt anywhere?” She peered over the side of the bed, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
Callie shifted her gaze down, instantly finding the article of clothing on her side. She glanced back over her shoulder before moving to swiftly reach over and snatch it up from the floor. She just as quickly tucked it beneath her pillow with a hard shove.
“Uh, no,” she finally replied innocently as she made a show to check her side of the bed. “Nothing over here.”
She couldn't help it. She loved that shirt.
It reminded her of Arizona's eyes.
Arizona frowned and spent another few moments looking around the floor before giving up. She placed both hands on her hips. “Okay, apparently you have a gnome living under your bed.”
That was the only shirt she had in this apartment. The one she had literally walked in the door with.
Crap.
“Well, I should, uh…go,” she hedged after a second, glancing over to Callie as sat back down on the edge of the mattress. “After I borrow a shirt, of course, but…you’re still coming in the morning, right?” She tried not to look too hopeful, but was failing miserably in her attempt. “I’d really like you to be there. Also, my father would hunt you down if you stood him up.”
Callie sighed. “Stay with me,” she tempted as she reached out to the older woman. Her fingertips barely made contact with the blonde’s stomach again. “I promise I won't try anything sexy,” she added after a moment, her smile remaining soft.
“Now where have I heard that before?” Arizona mused.
There was a long pause.
“Stay,” Callie whispered again as she moved just a little closer to Arizona’s body. Her smile grew hopeful. “Then you'll be sure I won't over sleep.”
“As you tend to do,” the blonde finished with a smile of her own.
Callie laughed. “You know me so well.”
“I like to think so,” Arizona chuckled. She gave up her search for the shirt and climbed overtop of Callie, collapsing against the bed in only her bra and half-open pants.
A wave of exhaustion just kind of hit her all of a sudden. An eighteen hour work day, coupled with father drama, added to a failed attempt at sex with the woman she was supposed to be separated from…
It was all just so damn tiring.
Arizona snuggled up against Callie’s side and rested her cheek against the brunette’s shoulder. “Thank you, by the way. For earlier.” She lifted her head to gaze intently at Callie. “And I’m sorry you had to hear all of that stuff between my dad and I. Especially since we were arguing inside your house.”
Callie wanted so badly to say the first words that came to her mind.
Our house.
But she didn't.
Callie knew she didn't stand a chance with a shirtless Arizona snuggled up nice and close, radiating a decent amount of comforting heat. Since she couldn’t take advantage of her, she just settled for a content sigh instead. “You're welcome,” she replied gently just before she leaned in the short distance to touch her lips to the blonde's.
For the second time in three days, they fell asleep in a close tangle of limbs, foreheads touching and fingers twined beneath the sheets.
---
Chapter 12/23
Authors: Faith & Kye
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: NC-17
Story Summary: Post-6x17 "Push" -- Arizona prefers chickens to children, and Callie isn't okay with that. Heartbroken and lonely, the two women try unsuccessfully to move on with their lives, only to find they really are made for eachother.
Chapter Summary: Painful memories resurface when Arizona sees her father for the first time in years.
Disclaimer: All television shows, movies, books, and other copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. As this work is an interpretation of the original material and not for-profit, it constitutes fair use. Reference to real persons, places, or events are made in a fictional context, and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory, or in any way factual.
Previous Chapters
A/N: The original second half/three quarters of Chapter 11, which I've just decided to label as Chapter 12 to make things easier to keep track of. Also, this probably could have used another read through before posting, but I'm too tired to go through it again, so apologies for any brilliant mistakes.
Thanks again to all who keep commenting, we really love hearing your feedback!
---
It was a few hours of hell before Arizona finally managed to escape for the evening. One surgery had to be pushed back to another day, but for the moment that was quite all right with her.
All she wanted to do was make sure Callie was home and in bed. Or there would be hell to pay, of the non-sexy-fun kind.
Fumbling with her keys, Arizona finally managed to unlock the front door. “Calliope, you had better be here, or else-”
She didn’t get to finish her sentence, as she pushed open the door and froze a few steps into the apartment.
Callie and Colonel Robbins looked up from where they were sitting at the kitchen counter. Each were holding a glass of red wine and were apparently in the middle of some funny joke that had everybody laughing.
Except Arizona.
Looking kind of pale, she closed the door behind her with a soft click. “Dad,” she stated, surprise evident in her tone. “W-what are you…?”
Daniel gave his daughter a genuine smile. “Zonie,” he called softly as his blue eyes took in the sight of his child for the first time in a long while. “You're looking well. A bit tired and skinny, but otherwise the same as always.”
Callie watched the exchange, a soft smile gracing her lips as well.
But, seriously? Zonie?
Callie snorted softly to herself before taking another sip of her wine.
Arizona was still a little shocked at the sight of her father as her gaze drifted over to where the other party in the room was sitting. “Hey!” she suddenly barked, causing both her ex-girlfriend and her father to jump. “You can't have that!” she scolded again as she quickly walked over to snatch the wine glass from the brunette mid-sip.
Callie pouted, her fingers outstretched and wiggling in mid-air after the object. “How come?”
Arizona tipped the glass over the sink, pouring the wine out. “Does the warning 'do not mix with alcohol' ring any bells?”
Callie watched the red liquid swirl down the drain, slumping over in her seat. “But-”
Arizona put the glass down on the counter and fixed Callie with another one of her stern glares. “You’re a doctor, Calliope, come on. You can not take vicodin and drink at the same time.”
“It was just a little,” Callie pouted.
Her father was watching with the hint of a smile, and Arizona finally looked over at him. “Daddy. Hi.” She managed a shaky one of her own. “I...wasn’t expecting you to be in town.”
“Had you returned my calls, maybe you would have.” Daniel Robbins stood up from his stool, made his way around the counter, and immediately pulled Arizona into a bear hug, his size and height just about drowning her out.
Arizona closed her eyes and hugged him back, finally relaxing a little into the familiar embrace. “Been a while.”
“Too long,” Colonel Robbins instantly replied as he closed his eyes and held his daughter close.
Callie watched the exchange with a slight sense of awkwardness. She sort of felt like she was invading a very personal moment for them. She pushed her stool back and made a move to stand.
“Where are you off to?” Daniel’s words suddenly stopped her in her tracks.
Callie gulped. “Uh, I was just...” She pointed over her shoulder toward the bedroom.
Daniel finally released his hold on his daughter. “Nonsense,” he smiled. “So you can't drink alcohol. We'll have tea instead. Come, sit,” he ordered.
Arizona found herself smirking over at Callie when the brunette instantly obeyed. “Better do as the man says,” she teased, taking a seat of her own next to her girl-ex-friend-whatever.
That was something she was not looking forward to explaining to the Colonel.
“So…I gotta ask,” Arizona started as she watched her father fill the kettle and put it on the stove. She looked curiously over at Callie. “How on earth did you two end up here, drinking and talking like old buddies?”
“I looked for you at Seattle Grace,” her father answered. “Several of your colleagues told me you were unavailable, and I ran into Dr. Torres shortly after.”
Arizona arched a brow. “How did you-”
“Pictures, Arizona,” the Colonel reminded her. “You sent some home at Christmas of your friends and the lovely Calliope Torres. I never forget a face.” He looked over his shoulder and winked at Callie.
Arizona found herself smiling as she too looked at the brunette. “She is pretty unforgettable,” the blonde agreed, reaching over automatically to take the hand on the countertop.
Callie smiled as she maneuvered her fingers to where she could lace theirs together. “The feeling's mutual,” she replied softly, but audible enough so that both father and daughter could hear.
Daniel smiled to himself as he focused on his task. “So,” he started as he turned back to face the two women. He remained standing in his perfect posture, hands folded behind his back. His gaze fell to the joined ones resting on the countertop. “Will I get the pleasure of walking my daughter down the aisle anytime soon?”
Arizona and Callie froze. Both women quickly jerked their hands apart.
The Colonel watched them patiently, obviously waiting for an answer.
Arizona opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Oh, crap.
Callie jumped when her pager on the coffee table started buzzing. “Oh! Work, sorry.” She got up a little too quickly, wincing as she hobbled as fast as she could over to the little device.
Arizona turned around, facing away from her father, and fixed Callie with a Look. It clearly read something along the lines of ‘don’t you dare leave me here alone with him’.
Callie waved the pager around. “It’s Mark. He needs a…consult.” Actually, he was asking for a grocery list, but clearly Arizona and her father needed to talk, so…
“You two keep…yeah. I’ll be back. Gonna go make a phone call for that…consult.” She shuffled off to the bedroom.
Arizona closed her eyes and willed the earth to open up and swallow her. When that didn’t happen, she opened them again and swiveled back on her stool to face her father.
Daniel raised a slow brow at his daughter. “I didn’t mean to scare her away.”
Arizona forced out a smile, looking rather pained. “You didn’t. It’s just a…complicated answer.” She cleared her throat and stared down at the countertop, finding herself unable to make eye contact with him.
Every time he looked at her, it felt like his eyes were boring straight into her soul. And her soul wasn’t something she wanted him to see right now.
“Calliope and I aren’t…really….t-together anymore, dad.”
Daniel's dark grey brow furrowed. “Oh?” He paused a moment to consider the revelation. “But, you two just seem so...”
“Complicated?” Arizona repeated with a sad smile.
“In love,” Colonel Robbins finished.
Arizona's smile faltered and she closed her eyes with a soft sigh.
Damn.
“We are,” she finally admitted in nearly a whisper. “I love her so much, Daddy.”
Daniel couldn't stand to hear the anguish in his daughter's voice. He stepped over to the opposite side of the counter, reaching across to place his larger hand over hers. “So why aren't you with her?”
And here came the fun part.
Arizona sighed again. “She...wants babies. And I...don’t.” Her eyes continued to evade his.
Daniel looked at his daughter questioningly. “I don't understand. You love children.” He smiled gently. “You always have. That's why you became a pediatric surgeon.”
“I know. I do,” Arizona nodded. “But I don’t want them. Not my own.” She gave a slight shake of her head. “I’ve seen a lot of things go wrong, and what it does to families. To parents. I’ve spent the last decade of my life knowing that I don’t want any part of it.”
Daniel looked genuinely baffled. “Arizona…you love children,” he repeated. “It’s not like you to be such a pessimist. To focus on the bad. You must know that there’s more good in life than anything else.”
Arizona still wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Doesn’t matter.” She gave a weak shrug. “Callie wants kids, and soon. I can’t give that to her.”
As much as they were still living and acting like a couple, every time those words came out of her mouth it felt like a knife was being thrust into her chest. Because she knew that they could only pretend for so long.
Daniel released his daughter's hand to once again take up his perfectly rigid stance. He leveled his gaze on her, but it wasn't angry or even disappointed.
Just...stern. And kind of intense.
“Arizona Michelle Robbins,” the Colonel scolded. “What have I told you about that word?”
Arizona's eyes widened as she swallowed back. The look her father was giving her was one she knew.
And she knew it well.
She sighed softly. “Can't isn't a word. Only a state of mind.” The words came automatically to her.
“Exactly,” Daniel repeated, watching her carefully. “I don’t ever want to hear your talk like that again. You know better than to live with this type of an attitude. It’s not healthy.”
Arizona pushed back from her stool and turned away from him, the last traces of her default cheerful demeanor disappearing completely. “It’s not as simple as you’d like it to be, dad,” she shot back, her tone a little bit harsher than she intended. “This isn’t something where I can just decide to ‘give it a shot’. Kids are a really big deal. Y-you can’t just…walk in here and assume that you know what my life is like and tell me what I should be doing with it!”
“Arizona,” Daniel cut in sharply, walking around the counter and right up to his daughter. “Do not talk to me like that.”
His hard stare bore into hers, and Arizona automatically looked down, suddenly feeling like an eight year old again, being scolded for something or other.
“I’m trying to help you,” Daniel added in a slightly less harsh tone after a moment. “You were so happy with Callie the last time your mother and I spoke to you, and now you won’t even take my calls. I came here because I was worried. We both were,” he added after a moment.
Arizona looked up, tears in her eyes, though her voice remained firm. “Don’t try to convince me mom even cares, Dad. She’s barely even looked at me since Aaron died, and you know it.”
Daniel sighed. “Your mother took your brother's death very hard,” he explained gently. “You know that.”
“Like I didn't?” Arizona shot back, jumping off of the stool and pacing away from him. “He was my twin, Daddy,” she went on, her voice cracking a bit. “I loved him like he was a part of me.”
The man's deep blue eyes became a little misty. He reached out to place a hand on his daughter's shoulder. “I know, honey. I know.”
She fought against it, but the sudden and unexpected well of emotion smashed through her firm resolve. Her brother’s death, her broken relationship with her mother, her relationship meltdown with Callie...all of it hit the walls she’d been putting up for the last however many months and sent them crumbling. She broke down and her father pulled her into his arms in an instant.
All she could seem to think about right then was the image of her twin brother’s coffin sitting in that cemetery.
And all they got was a fucking flag.
***
“What’s happening now?” Mark’s voice carried over the phone into Callie’s ear. “I can’t hear anything, what’re they saying?”
“Shh!” Callie hissed into the device, pressing her other ear against the door. “I think they’re arguing. About me.” A part of her kind of hoped Arizona’s dad would convince her that babies were a good thing. Because then they could forgo all of this break up drama and be happy again.
Listening in really hard, Callie’s hopes started to collapse as the words being spoken drifted into her ears. She could hear the pain in Arizona’s voice, even when the blonde was trying to hide it.
Callie knew her better than anyone. She was hurting.
“What about now?” Mark’s voice broke through loudly over the speaker once again.
“I said shh!” Callie barked into the phone. A little bit of silence passed, enough that made her start to wonder if anyone was even out there anymore. Eventually she pressed her ear a little harder into the door...
...just as it was abruptly pushed open.
“Eeep!” Callie flailed as her lack of balance and the sudden force of the door sent her sprawling backward to the carpet.
Luckily for her, Arizona was fast, and reached out to grab at her.
Not so luckily, Callie grabbed Arizona at the same time and pulled the blonde right down with her.
“Ungh,” Arizona grunted as a rush of air was suddenly expelled from her lungs. She was surprised to find herself on top of Callie, on the floor.
“What? What?!” Mark shouted over the phone, which was now laying beside them. “What did she sa-”
Callie managed to reach over and clumsily hit the hang up button, cutting Sloan off before he could embarrass her further. “Ow…”
Arizona kind of blinked down at Callie, pushing herself up onto her elbows. “Hi there,” she stated, with the barest hint of a smirk. Her eyes were still bloodshot, but she had done her best to wipe away the evidence after her father had left. Somehow, the sight of Callie in all of her clumsy glory made her feel a little better. “That was…stealthy of you.”
Callie laughed in embarrassment. “That's me,” she played along. “Good 'ole stealthy m-” She stopped suddenly, her smile vanishing in an instant when she finally registered the tear tracks on the other woman's face. “What's wrong?” she questioned softly as she reached up to brush her thumb along the wet stains. “Did he say something to upset you?”
“No,” Arizona replied with a slight shake of her head.
Callie tilted her head to give the other woman a stern look. “Please don’t lie to me.”
Sighing, Arizona managed a half-smile. “You know my issues with authority figures. They stem from him being a hardass when I was growing up.” She pushed herself off of Callie completely and sat up next to her instead. “Hasn’t changed one bit. So much as a stern finger wag and I wilt like a dead flower.” She was trying to find the humour here, but her voice sounded void of emotion.
Callie paused for a moment. “Want me to kick his ass?”
Arizona burst out with a sudden laugh.
“I mean it,” Callie quickly added as she moved back onto her knees. “He...he may be old, and your dad,” she went on as she pointed a finger through in air. “But I'd still totally do it. For you.”
Arizona was still smiling as she arched a brow. “Calliope?”
“Hm?”
“He could kill you with his pinky before you got in a single hit.”
Callie's hopeful smile dropped in an instant.
Arizona chuckled at the other woman’s expression. “He’s a hardcore Marine, has been all his life. Don’t let old age fool you, he only retired because they forced him to. There had to have been a gun to his head to make him sign the papers.” She scooched back to lean against the wall, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms loosely around them.
Callie watched the blonde carefully. She didn’t know whether or not to admit that she’d overheard some of the stuff that was said. Arizona didn’t seem to want to talk about it - she never did - but maybe she should talk about it. Callie very rarely heard a peep from the blonde about her family, especially her brother.
Arizona noticed Callie watching her carefully. “What? Am I leaking?” She swiped at her face with the sleeve of her shirt, just in case there were leftover tears, or God forbid, snot. Ew.
“No,” Callie smiled with a gentle shake of her head. She eyed the other woman carefully before finally making a decision. “Scoot,” she called softly as she motioned with her hand. She was already moving toward Arizona before she even had the opportunity to comply with the request.
Callie let out a long, heavy sigh as she pushed her back up against the wall as well. She crossed her ankles out in front of her and folded her hands in her lap. Her gaze shifted up to the ceiling. “I've never been to a military funeral,” she finally spoke, not taking her eyes from the fan circling overhead. “I've seen them on TV, but I've never been to a real live one before.” She paused for a moment. “I can't imagine what it must feel like to know someone you love is lying in that coffin because they made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. For you.” She finally pulled her gaze down to shift it over to the blonde.
Arizona somehow managed a nod, suddenly finding it hard to speak around the lump in her throat. She really didn’t want Callie to see what a mess she was.
“They’re loud,” she finally stated after a period of silence passed, staring absently at the opposite wall. “They talk about country, and family, and then they fire off a bunch of guns. They’re shooting blanks, but it’s all very…loud. I don’t remember much else.” Arizona swallowed back. “His vehicle hit an IED during a routine patrol. T-they wouldn’t let us see him after because he…”
Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t say ‘because there wasn’t much left’ out loud. Her chest tightened painfully, and for a second she couldn’t breathe.
Callie instantly reached over to wrap an arm around the blonde's shoulders. She gave her body a gentle tug.
Arizona easily fell into the warmth of Calliope Torres, instantly snuggling up against her shoulder.
Callie tilted her head to the side to rest her cheek against the top of a messy blonde head. She rubbed her fingers in a soothing motion along her ex's shoulder. “When I was a little girl,” she started softly, “I remember going to church one Sunday to hear a special guest speaker. He was a Lieutenant in the Army, and he had just lost his son overseas.” Callie tightened her hold on Arizona a little more. “I remember the look on his face, and the tears in his eyes, when he told the story of his son and how he sacrificed himself to save his entire squad.”
“What'd he do?” Arizona asked softly, her eyes distant as she stared at the floor.
“An enemy soldier had managed to infiltrate their camp one night as they were all fast asleep. In the middle of the jungle, no one was supposed to even know they were there. They were all sitting ducks. Private Collins, the Lieutenant's son, spotted him when he got up for some water.”
Arizona remained silent.
“He saw a soldier standing near his best friend's tent.” Callie paused. “With an explosive device tied to his chest.”
“What did he do?”
“He tackled him to the ground,” Callie instantly replied. “But it was too late. The soldier had already activated it.”
Arizona shifted uncomfortably.
“So,” Callie continued softly. “Private Collins did the only thing he could think to do. He grabbed the guy and ran as far into the bushes as he could before the explosive went off. He...didn’t make it.” Callie paused, rubbing Arizona’s shoulder a little more. “But if it wasn't for him and his heroic act, that thing would have taken out their entire unit.”
“That was pretty brave.” Arizona finally managed, her voice rough.
“Oh, very brave,” Callie added with a subtle nod. “But because of that brave sacrifice, when they held his funeral week later, they had to have a closed casket.”
Arizona's memories of her own brother's funeral and his closed casket came flooding back to her. It suddenly felt as though icy water was running through her veins.
“Everyone knew why,” Callie went on, rubbing Arizona’s shoulder soothingly as she talked. “The Lieutenant got a little choked up when he talked about this part. It was very difficult for him to bury his son without having a chance to see his face one last time.”
Fresh tears sprang up behind blue eyes.
Callie paused a moment before continuing. “But he said he did realize something that cold winter day.” She stopped the soft stroking of her fingers. “It's not how you leave this life that counts.” She lowered her voice as she hugged Arizona closely. “It's what you leave behind you when you go.”
Arizona squeezed her eyes shut as tightly as she could manage, but the tears spilled over anyway. “I miss him,” she whispered, turning her face more into Callie’s shoulder. “I’m so proud of everything he did, but I hate not seeing him every day. He’s been dead for five years and it still feels like he should be here.”
Callie moved her other arm across to pull Arizona into more of a full hug. The blonde just melted into her arms, burying her face into Callie’s shirt as she cried.
It completely broke Callie’s heart.
After a while, Arizona took in a couple of deep breaths, calming her nerves as best as she could, just concentrating on breathing Callie in. Something about the brunette made things just better enough that she could cope.
Callie made her entire life better. In every aspect.
The brunette shivered from the warm breath against her chest. She was only wearing a thin t-shirt, and it did nothing to block out the feel of Arizona against her.
God, had she missed that.
“He died for his country,” Callie finally continued on quietly. “I know it's not easy to accept, but he died for an honor bigger than himself. That's what he would've wanted to be remembered for.” She tightened her hold around her ex-girlfriend. “He died, Zona, but he'll never really leave you. Not as long as you keep his memory alive.”
Arizona nodded against Callie’s chest and remained silent. She could hear the other woman’s heart beating steadily against her ear, and gradually felt a wave of calm descend over the moment. Over her.
Callie was the only thing she wanted to think about anymore. Not her father, not her brother or her mother, not work or anything else.
Just Callie Torres.
After a long while, Arizona lifted her head, finding herself very, very close to the brunette’s lips. She smiled a little sadly, though the tears had finally stopped flowing. “Thank you,” she whispered in a hoarse voice. She reached up with her left hand to curl it around the back of Callie’s neck, her thumb softly stroking tanned skin. “I don’t want to ever know what my life would be like without you in it.” Her fingers brushed through the fine hairs at the base of the brunette’s neck.
It was all Callie could do to hold herself back. “Zona?” she called softly, gazing into misty blue eyes. Crying only made the blonde even more beautiful. “I really want to kiss you right now.”
Arizona smiled slightly, her thumb still keeping up its gentle movements. She didn’t say a word, and after a beat of silence she leaned in the short distance to do just that.
Her eyes immediately slipped shut and she sighed into the intimate contact. The whole world fell away whenever she kissed Callie, and right now was no exception to the rule.
Callie instantly returned the moan as she reached up to place a hand on the other woman's cheek. She leaned in a little harder, and suddenly the kiss wasn’t so ‘light’ anymore.
“Arizona,” she murmured with a heavy breath against the blonde's lips.
This was a bad idea. A very bad idea.
She knew that. She knew Arizona knew that.
But for some reason, she still didn't care.
“Touch me,” Callie finally breathed again, her eyes still closed as she reached down for her lover’s other hand. She tugged, guiding it gently by the wrist to set it upon her breast.
Arizona didn’t have to be told twice. Her hand automatically squeezed against the warm weight, drawing a moan from Callie that made her smile. She shifted a little closer, until she was pressed right up against her.
She was very warm, and smelled good, and was super soft.
Definitely all of the key ingredients needed to make her feel better.
Arizona’s hand dropped down to slip underneath the hem of Callie’s shirt, sliding sensually up her stomach and back to its original spot. At the same time, she leaned in to suck at a sensitive patch of skin on her partner’s neck. Almost immediately, she was able to leave her mark.
Callie gasped, her eyes blinking rapidly as she struggled to keep her breathing in check. She reach down to place a hand on the smooth curve of Arizona’s hip. Their positions against the wall made the effort a little awkward and she groaned in protest. “Bed,” she whispered hotly as she turned to place her lips next to the blonde’s ear.
Arizona reluctantly pulled her head back just enough to meet Callie’s eyes. Her hand squeezed her breast again, and she smirked at the little groan it drew from perfect lips.
“You sure you can…?” she asked in a low, somewhat husky voice. “You’re still hurt.”
“Does it look like I wanna stop?” Callie managed to smirk.
Arizona just chuckled and leaned in to steal another heated kiss. “Answer my question first.”
Callie's brow furrowed and she gave another shaky sigh. “Pretty sure I can,” she answered honestly. She'd never lied to Arizona before. She didn't intend to start now.
The blonde was quiet as she gazed back into dark brown eyes. “I know you...” she started, but then paused to correct herself. “I know we want to do this. But...should we?”
“Yes,” was Callie’s automatic reply. She reached down to gently rest her hand over the one currently beneath her shirt. “This feels...so right.”
A sly smirk crossed Arizona’s lips, and she started to withdraw her hand from Callie’s breast. “Let me hear you say that when I’m not feeling you up,” she teased. She pulled back and stood up, reaching down to help ease the other woman to her feet. Arizona instantly stepped up nice and close, slipping both arms around the brunette’s waist. She tilted her head to the side, studying Callie closely. “If you can’t because it hurts too much, be honest with me. I’m not going anywhere just because we can’t get naked.”
“Oh, I can get naked,” Callie answered with another groan. She dropped her eyes down the front of the other woman's plunging neckline and bit her lower lip.
“Calliope.” Arizona snapped her fingers in front of her ex's face. “Focus,” she added with a delighted smirk.
Brown eyes instantly jerked upwards, but Callie still licked her lips. “Sorry. They can be a bit distracting.” Her eyes widened. “You can be a bit...distracting.”
Arizona grinned widely and shook her head. “Oh my God, you are so gay. How did it take you thirty years to figure this out?”
“I'm a bit slow sometimes,” Callie admitted with a slight tilt of her head. Her smile returned as she leaned in, placing both hands on slender hips. Her eyes once more dropped down to Arizona’s mouth. “Now, about this 'naked' thing...” She trailed off as her smile turned into a slow, seductive smirk.
Arizona ‘hmm’ed softly under her breath as she started walking backwards toward the bed. Her arms stayed locked tightly around Callie’s waist, pulling her along. “You wouldn’t be trying to take advantage of me, would you?” She cocked her head to the side. “I’m feeling all sad and vulnerable, you’ve been bored and locked in a house for three days…there could be an advantage that you’re taking. Trying to get me naked.”
Callie arched a brow, still smirking. “Yeah,” she replied as they stumbled their way across the bedroom. “It looks that way.” She dropped her dark gaze down to the blonde's thin blue shirt again.
Damn. Arizona looked good in blue.
But even better out of it.
Callie reached down for the hem, tugging on the material impatiently.
Arizona reluctantly released her waist so she could pull it up and over her head. She shivered a bit as the cold air of the room brushed against her skin, and she immediately pressed in really close to Callie. She stopped backpedaling when her legs hit the bed.
“Normally I’d have no reservations about throwing you down and taking complete advantage,” Arizona started. “But I don’t want to put you out of the game this early.” Her right hand slid around Callie’s waist to rest lightly against the bruised part of her back. “How are you doing so far?”
“Hm,” Callie replied absently. She couldn’t stop staring into Arizona’s eyes.
Arizona chuckled. “Distracted again?”
Callie's smile widened, but still remained gentle. “Only by the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.”
Arizona's smirk faltered as she blushed.
“I don't even know I was ever in pain when you touch me,” Callie added quietly. “That’s how I’m doing.”
Arizona sighed and leaned in to kiss her once more. “You take all of my pain away, too,” she whispered as she pulled back a fraction. She tugged up gently on her lover’s shirt, very slowly pulling it over her head.
This time, it was her eyes that dropped down to Callie’s chest, and she made no effort to hide the fact that she was ogling.
“This is usually the part where I'm supposed to say 'my eyes are up here',” Callie grinned as she stood perfectly still, watching Arizona as she stared openly. “But I kinda like your eyes exactly where they are.” She reached out to place her right hand on the blonde's hip, stroking her fingers against the bare skin with a slow, deliberate motion.
Callie leaned in a little closer, dropping her voice into a husky whisper. “You could have an even better view if you want.”
Arizona smiled lazily and glanced up under her lashes. “Promise?” she purred in a seductive tone.
She lightly tugged Callie forward her by the hips, maneuvering them both up onto the bed. “Easy does it,” she instructed, watching carefully for any signs on discomfort. “Lay down.”
Callie licked her lips. “You first.”
Arizona started to laugh, but Callie caught her off guard by leaning in and roughly pushing a hand against her stomach, shoving her back down onto the sheets.
Her blue eyes followed every movement as Callie climbed slowly overtop of her. Arizona rested her weight back against her left elbow, while her right hand slid around Callie’s back to fiddle with the strap on her bra.
Fiddle, as in smoothly unlatch it with one single ‘snap’.
She was a pro at removing womens’ clothing.
Callie arched a brow, smirking as she glanced down to watch the material slide part way down her arms. “Think you're pretty smooth, huh?”
Arizona bit her lip suggestively.
Callie shifted her weight onto her left arm to allow the article of lingerie to fall away from her full breasts. She shifted back into position, wearing a sultry smile as she watched Arizona's reaction.
“Not as smooth as me, baby.”
Arizona’s eyes glazed over, and she made no effort to hide the fact that she was staring. “You have the most amazing breasts I have ever seen,” she stated with a wistful groan.
Callie chuckled and sat up just enough to remove the article completely, holding it between two fingers and letting it slowly drop down onto the bed.
Arizona sat up beneath the brunette immediately and attached her lips to one of those full, lucious breasts. Her right hand reached up to cup the other one, and she released another groan.
Seriously fucking perfect.
Callie's eyelids instantly fluttered closed and she dipped her head back, arching her spine as she buried her hands deeply into blonde curls. “Arizona,” she husked as she tugged with her fingers. She winced a little as a sharp pain shot through the lower part of her back.
But, no. She wasn't about to let that ruin this moment.
At least she thought she wasn’t, until another shot of pain rocked her body when she moved the wrong way, making her automatically cry out. She quickly bit her bottom lip, trying to stifle it, but it was too late.
Arizona instantly pulled away. “Oh God, I’m sorry,” she stammered, her wide eyes looking panicky.
Callie shook her head. “N-no, I’m fine,” she grunted, trying to play it off.
“Bull,” Arizona shot back, pulling out from underneath Callie. She sat up on her knees and gently grasped her by the arm. “Lay down, baby, come on,” she said quietly, frowning in worry.
Callie wanted to protest. She really did.
She was very fond of what they were in the middle of. Arizona’s tongue on her body was a feeling she’d greatly missed.
On the other hand, her back hurt like hell.
“Maybe for just a minute,” she mumbled as she gave in and allowed her lover to gently guide her down onto the sheets. She closed her eyes, wincing once more as another painful throb shot up her spine, and groaned in annoyance. This was just not her day.
Arizona felt a wave of guilt flood through her. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry,” she sighed, settling down next to Callie and hovering worriedly. “This was a bad idea. A bad, bad idea. You can barely walk, let alone get sweaty and naked.” She ran her fingers back through her hair, looking stricken.
“I can get sweaty and naked,” Callie protested, shifting uncomfortably. “Just…gimme a minute.”
Arizona shook her head. “I’m getting your pain meds,” she stated, and started to shuffle over to the opposite end of the bed. “They might put you to sleep, but you obviously need them.”
Callie whined in protest as she reached out to grab Arizona by the wrist. “Please don't,” she nearly whispered. “I'm so tired of sleeping.” Callie’s thumb softly stroked the underside of the blonde's wrist. “All I do is sleep. I don't wanna sleep anymore.” She gave a gentle tug on Arizona's arm. “I want you.”
The peds surgeon looked unsure of herself, but she reluctantly allowed Callie to tug her back up against her side. She carefully shifted and climbed overtop of the prone form, hovering and taking care not to let any of her weight rest on the injured woman.
“You know I want you, too,” Arizona replied tentatively. “I’m just-”
“Worried,” Callie interrupted with a smile. “You know you worry too much, ‘Zonie’,” she teased. “Anyone ever tell you that?”
Arizona groaned painfully. “Please don’t call me that,” she pouted in embarrassment, dropping her forehead down against Callie’s shoulder.
“I think it's kinda cute,” Callie drawled as she reached up to tuck a lock of blonde hair behind the other woman's ear. Her fingers played with the silky strand as she gazed up at the ceiling. She sighed softly, feeling completely content for the first time in a long while.
“Not to ruin 'sexy time' or anything,” Callie hedged as her smile grew just a little. “But I think I kinda really love your father.”
Arizona raised her head up, surprise evident on her face. “You do?”
“Yeah,” Callie chuckled. “I do.”
That made the blonde smile. “That means he likes you. If he didn’t, you’d be terrified of him.” She moved back to rest against the bed, though she remained pressed up against Callie’s body. “Things haven’t always been easy between us, but I love him. He’s a big softy underneath that hardass Marine exterior.”
Her mother, though…that was a whole different story.
Arizona was not looking forward to facing her alone the next morning at breakfast. Her dad had waited to drop that bomb right before he stepped out the door.
Basically, he didn’t give her a chance to say ‘no’.
“Come to breakfast with us tomorrow morning,” she suddenly demanded, looking eagerly at Callie. “We’re just going to Denny’s, but it’ll be…f-fun.”
She tried not to stutter too badly over that last word.
Callie grinned at the blonde's nervous stutter. Arizona really was just too cute sometimes.
“I've already been given strict orders to attend,” she mused, still smiling as she gazed back into blue eyes. “Your dad was very adamant about a chance to 'bond' with us as a...” She trailed off, her smile faltering just a little. “A couple,” she finished awkwardly.
“Yeah,” Arizona replied, equally as quiet. “They, um…I told them a lot about you, when I talked to them at Christmas. They were excited.” And by they, she really meant her dad. She hadn’t talked directly to her mom. “I’m glad you’re coming tomorrow. You’ll make it more bearable.”
Callie arched a slow brow. “What happened to it being ‘fun’?”
Arizona smiled sheepishly. “There’s…food. Food is always fun when someone else makes it for you and you don’t have to clean up after yourself.”
Callie nodded. “This is true.” Her smile slowly returned as she released a deep, heavy sigh. “You know I can't say no to you,” she admitted as she reached across the short distance to once again brush back a strand of golden hair.
A sudden chill swept over the brunette and she suddenly realized that she was laying there half naked and Arizona wasn't.
“Hey,” Callie pouted as she glanced down. “How come I'm all...shirtless and vulnerable here, and you're not?”
That made Arizona smirk. “I am shirtless,” she pointed out, though she was looking kind of smug.
Callie blinked. “Okay, but you’re still...covered in places.” Her eyes dropped to her lover’s breasts in particular.
Arizona laughed as she reached over to place her hand on the other woman's side. “Your point?” She watched Callie frown at the fact that she was still covered by her bra. “Sweetie, you still seem a little out of it.”
Callie shook her head, instantly perking up. “No,” she replied adamantly. Arizona arched a sculpted brow, and she instantly relented with a groan. “Okay,” she admitted. “Maybe I am a little hazy...”
“More than a little,” Arizona pointed out. She leaned down to kiss sensually along Callie’s neck. “But I kinda like you when you’re hazy. Means I get to take advantage of you.” She smirked and moved her lips over an inch. “I like you shirtless, by the way. You look really good shirtless.” Her left hand moved up to grasp a soft breast once again. “If you’re up for it, I’d even kinda like to get you pantless.”
Callie moaned as Arizona circled her nipple with a teasing thumb.
Arizona leaned in to steal another playful kiss. She shifted until she was straddling Callie, though she supported her own weight with her legs. Her right hand remained against the brunette’s breast, squeezing softly.
“You’d tell me if you can’t handle it, wouldn’t you?” Arizona raised a brow down at Callie. “Calliope? I’m serious. If it gets to be too much…” She wouldn’t want to stop, but she’d rather they wait for a better day than have her lover pass out from the pain.
Callie instantly nodded. “I promise,” she answered in a strained whisper.
The hand on her breast kinda had something to do with that.
At the moment, Callie was feeling the exact opposite of pain, anyway. And she knew it was only going to get better from here.
Sighing again, she reached up with her right hand to lay her palm against the flat plane of Arizona's stomach. She dropped her eyes to watch as she slowly brushed it along smooth skin. The moment quickly became very, very intimate for her.
A soft breath escaped Arizona’s lips, and she just about started purring like a kitten.
Callie knew how sensitive her stomach was.
It took a lot of effort for her eyes to remain open. Arizona very reluctantly slid her hand away from Callie’s breast, then down her ribcage and to the waistline of her jeans. Both hands worked easily at the belt and zipper, expertly snapping and unbuckling their way through each obstacle.
Yep. She was always smooth when it came to undressing a woman. Especially Callie.
She was really good at getting her naked.
Another sharp gasp escaped the brunette's lips when she felt her pants roughly yanked open.
That was kinda hot.
Really hot.
Callie closed her eyes, her hand still resting against Arizona’s stomach. She really couldn't think much at the moment, much less muster enough brain power to move or speak.
The knowledge that Callie’s hazy expression was now because of her made Arizona smirk, happy with the knowledge that she was taking some of the pain away. She roughly tugged her pants all the way open, and then slid off of her legs to the side. She pulled them downward, though she was careful not to be too harsh with her movements.
Anything that would cause pain was out.
Callie suddenly found herself feeling very...nervous. She wasn't even really sure why. It's not like she hadn't had sex with Arizona a thousand times.
Okay, maybe not a thousand. But it sure felt like it was pretty close to that by now.
She pulled in a shaky breath, forcing a smile as she looked up to meet those perfect blue eyes.
Arizona frowned slightly as she gazed back down at her ex. “Calliope?” she called softly.
Callie shook her head in response. “I'm okay,” she assured Arizona as she once again reached out in search of soft skin. “Keep going.”
Arizona dropped her head down enough to peer more intently at Callie. “You-”
“Are fine,” Callie interrupted with another slight tick of her brow.
Arizona leaned forward and kissed lightly against the side of Callie’s chin. “Are a bad liar,” she finished with a chuckle. She could tell Callie was nervous; she knew her better than anyone.
“Lucky for you,” Arizona continued as she placed more light kisses along her jawline. “I’m gonna take care of you. Make you feel better.” She ran her right hand down Callie’s ribcage, then along the side of her thigh.
“If you want,” she added after a moment, the corner of her mouth twitching.
Callie shivered at the touch, her eyes fluttering back at the sensation. “Oh,” she moaned, pausing to lick her lips. “I want.”
She reached down with her free hand to place it over the one teasing along the smooth skin of her thigh. She never broke eye contact as she slowly pulled it back up.
And a little to the right.
A slow grin formed over Arizona’s lips, and she gradually teased her fingers along the apex of Callie’s thigh. “You’re sexy when you’re turned on,” she whispered as she leaned in to bite playfully against an ear lobe.
Very, very sexy.
Arizona started to kiss her way down Calliope’s neck as her right hand teased directly overtop of her panties, her fingers just barely grazing over the wetness she could already feel beneath. Her lips slowly trailed back down to her chest, where she gently nipped once more against her collarbone.
Callie growled desperately. “Just do it already.” She dug her fingers hard into the bed sheets.
Arizona lifted her hand to slip it easily beneath the waistline of the thin barrier.
Dark brown eyes shot open. Callie gasped as she arched off of the bed.
Arizona glanced up from her spot against Callie’s chest and grinned a little, before refocusing her attention on what she was doing. She slid back up the short distance to pull the woman back into a kiss, moaning against her lips. Her fingers teased at the brunette’s clit and ran along the length of her wetness, dipping in between slick folds.
She pulled back from the kiss and met Callie’s eyes for one long, lingering moment. Then she moved the rest of the way down her body, slipping her fingers out of the thin material to begin pulling it down her legs.
Callie gasped yet again, her hips bucking automatically.
It had been too long since she felt that touch.
“Arizona,” Callie moaned out when she felt her lover's fingers touch her again.
Just seeing the look on Callie’s face and knowing that she was in heaven made Arizona’s heart pound. She’d never seen anyone look sexier than Callie did when they were in bed together.
If it were up to her, some days they would just stay there and make love from sunrise to sunset.
Which they had done, two or three times in the past.
Arizona kept the fingers on her right hand touching and teasing Callie’s sex, while she leaned down to press her lips against the woman’s stomach. She felt her breath hitch beneath them, which made her smirk and glance up.
“Easy,” she teased, placing another teasing kiss while her thumb circled against the woman’s clit. “Don’t wanna strain anything before we get to the good part.”
Callie groan. Yet again.
Oh, she was so past the good part.
The brunette's fingers dug a little harder into the sheets, her knuckles turning snow white from the grip. Her back arched just a little higher off of the bed, but apparently, it was too high.
“[i]Ow![/i] Shit,” Callie cursed as she squeezed her eyes shut from the intense spasm that suddenly jolted through her lower back.
Arizona immediately pulled her hand away and sighed aginst Callie’s stomach. She placed one last kiss there before sitting up, still straddling the brunette’s lower thighs. “We can’t do this.”
Callie’s eyes immediately shot open, and she fixed Arizona with a half-crazed stare. “You’re kidding.”
Arizona felt a little guilty, but she shrugged and pointed at the other woman. “Sweetie, I’m gonna end up adding another week of bedrest to your recovery if I keep doing…this. We should just wait. Until you’re better.” She frowned a little. “Or…not, since technically we shouldn’t…again…”
Damn, she hated when her brain thought rationally in times like these.
Callie sighed as she slowly closed her eyes. Because she knew that Arizona was right.
Dammit.
“Stupid bone marrow,” Callie muttered under her breath as she shifted painfully against the bed. The cool sheets scraped at the sensitive skin on her back and hip.
She suddenly realized she was very...naked.
And Arizona wasn't.
Callie opened her dark eyes, blushing a bit in embarrassment as she glanced up to meet Arizona’s blue gaze. “You mind helping me get some clothes on?”
Arizona bit her lip and quirked a grin down at her lover. “Do I have to?” She laughed when a deep red blush coated Callie’s cheeks. And other parts of her anatomy.
Oh boy. Stop looking.
The blonde closed her eyes and groaned softly. “I need a cold shower,” she murmured under her breath, reluctantly moving off of Callie and begining to slowly gather their clothes from various places on the floor. “A long, cold shower…”
She was going to have a helluva time getting this image out of her head. Naked and squirming Callie was just…
Shower. Glacier cold, please.
“Me first,” Callie mumbled to herself. She was still a little...worked up.
Although ‘worked up’ didn’t even begin to describe the aching throb between her legs.
Sighing softly, she closed her eyes as she reached up to run a hand down her face.
This really just...
Sucked beyond the telling of it.
Arizona very carefully avoided looking at Callie as she quickly helped her pull some pants back on, and then tossed over the shirt she found on the floor.
Which left her looking for her own.
“Um…have you seen my shirt anywhere?” She peered over the side of the bed, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
Callie shifted her gaze down, instantly finding the article of clothing on her side. She glanced back over her shoulder before moving to swiftly reach over and snatch it up from the floor. She just as quickly tucked it beneath her pillow with a hard shove.
“Uh, no,” she finally replied innocently as she made a show to check her side of the bed. “Nothing over here.”
She couldn't help it. She loved that shirt.
It reminded her of Arizona's eyes.
Arizona frowned and spent another few moments looking around the floor before giving up. She placed both hands on her hips. “Okay, apparently you have a gnome living under your bed.”
That was the only shirt she had in this apartment. The one she had literally walked in the door with.
Crap.
“Well, I should, uh…go,” she hedged after a second, glancing over to Callie as sat back down on the edge of the mattress. “After I borrow a shirt, of course, but…you’re still coming in the morning, right?” She tried not to look too hopeful, but was failing miserably in her attempt. “I’d really like you to be there. Also, my father would hunt you down if you stood him up.”
Callie sighed. “Stay with me,” she tempted as she reached out to the older woman. Her fingertips barely made contact with the blonde’s stomach again. “I promise I won't try anything sexy,” she added after a moment, her smile remaining soft.
“Now where have I heard that before?” Arizona mused.
There was a long pause.
“Stay,” Callie whispered again as she moved just a little closer to Arizona’s body. Her smile grew hopeful. “Then you'll be sure I won't over sleep.”
“As you tend to do,” the blonde finished with a smile of her own.
Callie laughed. “You know me so well.”
“I like to think so,” Arizona chuckled. She gave up her search for the shirt and climbed overtop of Callie, collapsing against the bed in only her bra and half-open pants.
A wave of exhaustion just kind of hit her all of a sudden. An eighteen hour work day, coupled with father drama, added to a failed attempt at sex with the woman she was supposed to be separated from…
It was all just so damn tiring.
Arizona snuggled up against Callie’s side and rested her cheek against the brunette’s shoulder. “Thank you, by the way. For earlier.” She lifted her head to gaze intently at Callie. “And I’m sorry you had to hear all of that stuff between my dad and I. Especially since we were arguing inside your house.”
Callie wanted so badly to say the first words that came to her mind.
Our house.
But she didn't.
Callie knew she didn't stand a chance with a shirtless Arizona snuggled up nice and close, radiating a decent amount of comforting heat. Since she couldn’t take advantage of her, she just settled for a content sigh instead. “You're welcome,” she replied gently just before she leaned in the short distance to touch her lips to the blonde's.
For the second time in three days, they fell asleep in a close tangle of limbs, foreheads touching and fingers twined beneath the sheets.
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