Fic: Well Maybe What You Want is Right Here 3/?
Title: Well Maybe What You Want is Right Here 3/?
Pairing: Arizona/Callie
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Sometimes we don't realize what we want until we just know. Takes place a day or two after the scene in 11x08. Timeline may not be perfectly canon.
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.
A/N: I just want to thank people who have read and commented on this story so far. I'm truly happy that you're enjoying it, and that I finally decided to get it out of my head.
For those who like a soundtrack, I thought I'd mention that the two songs that somewhat inspired this fic/have been on repeat in my head for days are "Just Give Me a Reason" by Pink/Nate Ruess, and "Life After You" by Daughtry.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
"I'd like that too."
*
Arizona
I agreed to go to dinner with Callie yesterday. On a date with Callie. I tug my scrub top on and grab my lab coat from my cubbie, mentally chastising myself. Part of me thinks this is a horrible idea, but god, part of me wants it so, so badly. I never did dating. First dates, sure, but never much further than that. Or at least I didn't, until I met Callie. And then she was it for almost six years. And now...now I don't know. It feels a little weird to be asked out on a date by someone you were married to.
Were married to. I suppose in the grand scheme of things we were never legally married anyway, so it made the divorce bit pretty simple. Although we hadn’t really dealt with a lot of it yet...I frown slightly, shrugging the lab coat on as I make my way out of the lounge. There was still the property to divide, bank accounts to split, and I want some kind of legal custody arrangement for Sofia...I sigh, thinking of my beautiful little girl. I wanted nothing more than for her to grow up in the perfect home, to have the kind of family life I’d had minus the military bases. And she’d had it all -- but she already lost one parent, and now most likely she’s got two single moms and she’ll have two houses and two bedrooms and constantly be moving back and forth...forgetting her piano books at one house and her softball glove at the other, and...I come around the corner and snatch my first chart from the nurses’ station, growling slightly in frustration. I don't know why I'm kidding myself with this date.
“Whoa, what’s your problem this morning? I left you some coffee this time.”
I look up at the familiar voice of my...housemate...and that thought does absolutely nothing to quell my frustration.
“Nothing. And gee, thanks Alex. You left like half a cup.”
“Nothing, my ass. You were actually in a pleasant rainbows and crap mood when I saw you last night,” he points his pen in my direction, eyebrow raised, “Even Jo mentioned it.”
“I have a date with Callie tomorrow night.”
I blurt it out quickly without thinking, and then glance around, thankful that none of our other colleagues are within earshot. When I look forward again, Alex gives me a patented ‘what the hell are you on?’ stare.
“Is there another chick called Callie around here? Or do you mean Callie your ex?”
“Of course I mean Callie my...” I hiss under my breath, “shut up, Alex.”
I direct my eyes to the chart in my hand and take off down the hall, and the younger man catches up to fall in step beside me.
“You’re serious? I thought you two were...you know...actually done. I thought you said she’d ended it?”
I sigh and run a hand through my hair, knowing that it’s already messy, but what do I care, anyway?
“She did, Alex. We’re over...divorced...whatever. But yesterday she called me and she wanted to talk and then...well. She asked me out.”
“Do you really think that’s a good idea?” his normally rough tone has changed, and he’s quiet now, his voice laced with concern as we stop outside the NICU, “You’ve been miserable the last three months, Robbins. And now suddenly she what, wants to get back together like nothing ever happened? What if she just ends up crushing you all over again?”
I tuck hair behind my ear, glancing up from the chart to look at him. Alex has been a really good friend - he can be rough around the edges, and he can be an asshole, but he’s been a really good friend and I know he’s genuinely concerned about me.
“What if she doesn’t? I don’t know, Alex, honestly I don’t. Maybe it’s a mistake. But maybe we really can start over...”
I swallow past the small lump forming in my throat and shake my head, straightening up and letting my professional demeanor fall into place.
“Come on, let’s go see how the Ellison baby is doing,” I effectively end the conversation as I push open the door and head into the NICU, leaving him to follow. At least in here, I do know what I’m doing.
*
The next day and a half goes by quickly, filled with three fetal surgeries - which I rock - and some extra training in the skills lab with Herman. Now it’s Friday night, and I find myself staring into the closet in Alex’s guest room, trying to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to wear on a first date with my ex-wife. Is there an appropriate outfit for that? I feel like there should be a TV show about this or something. I pull out an emerald green dress and hold it up, studying it carefully. It’s not too fancy, but it’s cut nicely and I know the colour looks great on me. It’s new too, which might be a good omen for starting things again. After a particularly horrible day at the hospital a few weeks ago I'd dragged Amelia out for stress shopping...of course my normal response would have been dragging my wife into an on-call room for stress relief but I've had to come up with other coping methods. I was still a little uncomfortable about the idea of a short dress, but the other surgeon had convinced me to buy it.
The door slams downstairs all of a sudden, and I hear heavy footsteps coming up the stairs down the hall.
“Alex? Come in here a sec,” I call out, knowing it can only be him sounding like that.
A minute later he appears in the doorway, looking slightly uncomfortable after he sees me holding the dress up in the mirror.
“Uh...yeah?”
I turn to face him, holding up the dress somewhat nervously.
“Okay, so, this is awkward and we’re not going to pretend it’s not, but you’re the only person who knows about my plans tonight so....” I ramble quickly, “this? Or,” I point to the black slacks and red silky blouse on the bed, “that?”
It strikes me as completely absurd and ridiculous that I’m asking Alex Karev - of all people - for clothing advice, but since arriving home an hour ago I find I’m a lot more worried about tonight than I thought.
Alex steps into the room and studies me with the dress, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully.
“You know this is weird, right? You're still like my boss.”
“Yes I know this is weird, but we're not at work now and we’re friends and I live in your guest room. So shut up and just help me!”
“You’re freaking out, Robbins,” he studies the outfit laid out on the bed, then looks back at the dress, pointing, “that one. Dress.”
I look down at the flowing material, biting my lip a little.
“Really? Even with...you know...”
“Dude, even with the fake leg you’re hotter than like 90% of women out there. Give me a break. And besides, Torres really likes you in red so you don’t want to give her too much too soon. If you’re really gonna give her another chance, you gotta make her work for it.”
My eyes shoot up, narrowing slightly at him, although also kind of delighted at his comments.
“Right. Okay, dress it is. Thanks, Karev.”
The younger man nods, backing out of the room as I hold the dress up in front of myself in the mirror again.
“Anytime. And hey - Arizona?”
I turn back at his use of my first name and meet his eyes.
“Yeah?”
“If it were me, I don’t know if I’d be giving it another shot. But for what it’s worth, I hope this works out for you. “
“Thanks," I answer softly, letting my gaze fall to the green material again as I run my fingers over it thoughtfully.
He steps out into the hall, but then stops and speaks again, his voice taking on an uncharacteristic tone of sincerity.
“She’d be nuts not to fight for you though."
*
Callie
Thank god for Meredith Grey. If you’d told me five years ago that the two of us would become friends, I never would have believed you, but somewhere along the way we bonded over our kids and our relationship troubles and while we’re not exactly BFFs, at least she’s someone. The sitter we always used hadn’t been available at the last minute, but when I hastily explained to Meredith why I desperately needed someone to take Sofia tonight, she’d bundled her up with Zola without asking too many questions.
And now I’m getting ready to take Arizona on a date.
And I am really freaking nervous. Which kind of feels stupid because I’ve known her for ages and I’ve seen her naked and we were married, for crying out loud. But somehow, I think, that just makes it worse.
I pull on my deep purple blouse, letting the silky material fall into place as I adjust it in the mirror. This had always been one of her favourite colours on me. Combined with dressy black skinny jeans and boots, I think my outfit is appropriate first-date material. Not that I’ve, you know, done that in almost six years.
Fluffing my hair a bit where it lays loose around my shoulders, my hand comes to rest along my throat, fingers absently seeking out the chain that used to reside there. A wave of sadness washes over me as I remember how the necklace’s twin had remained around Arizona’s neck for almost two months, before one day in surgery I noticed it was just...gone. I sigh, fidgeting with the neckline of the blouse again, studying my reflection in the mirror. Part of me thinks I should back out of tonight and just let her go. I know I broke her heart when I said we were over - I broke mine too - so maybe I should just let her move on now, and live with my regrets.
Except I can’t. Not without at least trying again. I am nothing if not stubborn to a fault.
I move over to the dresser and pick up a bracelet, slipping it on, and I glance at the framed photo sitting in the corner.
“Callie, what are you doing?” Arizona’s laughter rings out in the open space of the park as I suddenly tug her and Sofia close, wrapping my arm around them and squishing them against me.
“Family selfie!”
“Seffie!” Sofia giggles at the word and adjusts herself in her mother’s arms, pressing her cheek up against Arizona’s in an adorable pose.
“Oh my god, did you teach our three year old what a selfie is? She’s posing!”
I grin, leaning in on the other side of her, phone held out at arm’s length.
“She’s a smart girl, that’s all. And at least she’s not doing duck face today. Now shut your beautiful mouth and smile.”
I feel a small smile graze my lips. That picture wasn’t even a year old - taken just a few days after Sofia’s third birthday. Had we really been so happy only a short time ago? We’d been in a good place then, finally. Until it all started to unravel.
I shake the thoughts off and inspect my makeup and outfit once more before I head toward the front door, slipping my leather jacket on in the process. I grab my purse and the small bouquet of irises I’d gotten on the way home, and without hesitation I head out to the car. Time to go pick up my date.
*
Sidling up the front steps to Alex’s house, flowers in hand, I let out a long breath and ring the doorbell. It’s ridiculous that I’m this nervous. But I think deep inside I know that this is, without a doubt, our last chance to make this work. This is my last chance to be with her. And I don’t want either of us to screw it up anymore.
I look up as the door opens and as my eyes take her in I can feel my heart start to flutter. She’s lightly made up, her blonde hair is curled just slightly around her shoulders, and she’s wearing a gorgeous green dress that makes her skin and her eyes look like they’re practically glowing. The soft looking material flows perfectly to hug her curves, and...I very purposefully try to not let my eyes hover along the neckline but the way the dress is cut makes that very, very hard.
“You look beautiful.”
A surprised smile tugs at her lips and she steps back, letting me in from the porch.
“Thanks. So do you, Callie," she lightly touches my arm, her voice soft and genuine.
“Oh!” I tear my eyes away from her and hold up the bouquet, “and these are for you. I just...I thought you’d like them.”
She takes the bouquet, her smile widening to reveal her gorgeous dimples. Those dimples. I didn’t realize I could miss something like that so much. Something so small and seemingly insignificant.
“These are gorgeous,” she burrows her nose in the bouquet, inhaling deeply, “I love irises.”
“I know,” I smile wider now too, watching her, “they’re your favourite.”
She glances at me, something quickly flashing across her eyes that I can’t quite make out.
“They are. Let me just put them in water before we go.”
She turns and walks back toward the kitchen and I stay by the door, somewhat awkwardly glancing around now. I lived at this house once, when I was a very different person. Arizona had been the one person in our circle of friends who actually hadn't ever lived at the Grey house...and I was surprised when I learned that this is where she was staying, even still three months after she moved out. Alex is a good guy though, and Jo seems nice enough from the little I know her. Sofia certainly enjoys her weekends here, anyway. I'm glad she has people.
"Okay, now we can go."
Blonde hair catches my eye as Arizona walks back to the front door, high heeled shoes clicking lightly on the hardwood....oh. I glance down slightly. Something in the back of my brain is telling me that I really have no right to be looking at her this way but...heels. Arizona Robbins looks fantastic in high heels.
"Ready?"
She's slipped her jacket on, and she looks at me with a slightly bemused expression, like she knows exactly what I'm thinking. I just smile, opening the door for her.
"Ready."
Pairing: Arizona/Callie
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Sometimes we don't realize what we want until we just know. Takes place a day or two after the scene in 11x08. Timeline may not be perfectly canon.
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.
A/N: I just want to thank people who have read and commented on this story so far. I'm truly happy that you're enjoying it, and that I finally decided to get it out of my head.
For those who like a soundtrack, I thought I'd mention that the two songs that somewhat inspired this fic/have been on repeat in my head for days are "Just Give Me a Reason" by Pink/Nate Ruess, and "Life After You" by Daughtry.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
"I'd like that too."
*
Arizona
I agreed to go to dinner with Callie yesterday. On a date with Callie. I tug my scrub top on and grab my lab coat from my cubbie, mentally chastising myself. Part of me thinks this is a horrible idea, but god, part of me wants it so, so badly. I never did dating. First dates, sure, but never much further than that. Or at least I didn't, until I met Callie. And then she was it for almost six years. And now...now I don't know. It feels a little weird to be asked out on a date by someone you were married to.
Were married to. I suppose in the grand scheme of things we were never legally married anyway, so it made the divorce bit pretty simple. Although we hadn’t really dealt with a lot of it yet...I frown slightly, shrugging the lab coat on as I make my way out of the lounge. There was still the property to divide, bank accounts to split, and I want some kind of legal custody arrangement for Sofia...I sigh, thinking of my beautiful little girl. I wanted nothing more than for her to grow up in the perfect home, to have the kind of family life I’d had minus the military bases. And she’d had it all -- but she already lost one parent, and now most likely she’s got two single moms and she’ll have two houses and two bedrooms and constantly be moving back and forth...forgetting her piano books at one house and her softball glove at the other, and...I come around the corner and snatch my first chart from the nurses’ station, growling slightly in frustration. I don't know why I'm kidding myself with this date.
“Whoa, what’s your problem this morning? I left you some coffee this time.”
I look up at the familiar voice of my...housemate...and that thought does absolutely nothing to quell my frustration.
“Nothing. And gee, thanks Alex. You left like half a cup.”
“Nothing, my ass. You were actually in a pleasant rainbows and crap mood when I saw you last night,” he points his pen in my direction, eyebrow raised, “Even Jo mentioned it.”
“I have a date with Callie tomorrow night.”
I blurt it out quickly without thinking, and then glance around, thankful that none of our other colleagues are within earshot. When I look forward again, Alex gives me a patented ‘what the hell are you on?’ stare.
“Is there another chick called Callie around here? Or do you mean Callie your ex?”
“Of course I mean Callie my...” I hiss under my breath, “shut up, Alex.”
I direct my eyes to the chart in my hand and take off down the hall, and the younger man catches up to fall in step beside me.
“You’re serious? I thought you two were...you know...actually done. I thought you said she’d ended it?”
I sigh and run a hand through my hair, knowing that it’s already messy, but what do I care, anyway?
“She did, Alex. We’re over...divorced...whatever. But yesterday she called me and she wanted to talk and then...well. She asked me out.”
“Do you really think that’s a good idea?” his normally rough tone has changed, and he’s quiet now, his voice laced with concern as we stop outside the NICU, “You’ve been miserable the last three months, Robbins. And now suddenly she what, wants to get back together like nothing ever happened? What if she just ends up crushing you all over again?”
I tuck hair behind my ear, glancing up from the chart to look at him. Alex has been a really good friend - he can be rough around the edges, and he can be an asshole, but he’s been a really good friend and I know he’s genuinely concerned about me.
“What if she doesn’t? I don’t know, Alex, honestly I don’t. Maybe it’s a mistake. But maybe we really can start over...”
I swallow past the small lump forming in my throat and shake my head, straightening up and letting my professional demeanor fall into place.
“Come on, let’s go see how the Ellison baby is doing,” I effectively end the conversation as I push open the door and head into the NICU, leaving him to follow. At least in here, I do know what I’m doing.
*
The next day and a half goes by quickly, filled with three fetal surgeries - which I rock - and some extra training in the skills lab with Herman. Now it’s Friday night, and I find myself staring into the closet in Alex’s guest room, trying to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to wear on a first date with my ex-wife. Is there an appropriate outfit for that? I feel like there should be a TV show about this or something. I pull out an emerald green dress and hold it up, studying it carefully. It’s not too fancy, but it’s cut nicely and I know the colour looks great on me. It’s new too, which might be a good omen for starting things again. After a particularly horrible day at the hospital a few weeks ago I'd dragged Amelia out for stress shopping...of course my normal response would have been dragging my wife into an on-call room for stress relief but I've had to come up with other coping methods. I was still a little uncomfortable about the idea of a short dress, but the other surgeon had convinced me to buy it.
The door slams downstairs all of a sudden, and I hear heavy footsteps coming up the stairs down the hall.
“Alex? Come in here a sec,” I call out, knowing it can only be him sounding like that.
A minute later he appears in the doorway, looking slightly uncomfortable after he sees me holding the dress up in the mirror.
“Uh...yeah?”
I turn to face him, holding up the dress somewhat nervously.
“Okay, so, this is awkward and we’re not going to pretend it’s not, but you’re the only person who knows about my plans tonight so....” I ramble quickly, “this? Or,” I point to the black slacks and red silky blouse on the bed, “that?”
It strikes me as completely absurd and ridiculous that I’m asking Alex Karev - of all people - for clothing advice, but since arriving home an hour ago I find I’m a lot more worried about tonight than I thought.
Alex steps into the room and studies me with the dress, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully.
“You know this is weird, right? You're still like my boss.”
“Yes I know this is weird, but we're not at work now and we’re friends and I live in your guest room. So shut up and just help me!”
“You’re freaking out, Robbins,” he studies the outfit laid out on the bed, then looks back at the dress, pointing, “that one. Dress.”
I look down at the flowing material, biting my lip a little.
“Really? Even with...you know...”
“Dude, even with the fake leg you’re hotter than like 90% of women out there. Give me a break. And besides, Torres really likes you in red so you don’t want to give her too much too soon. If you’re really gonna give her another chance, you gotta make her work for it.”
My eyes shoot up, narrowing slightly at him, although also kind of delighted at his comments.
“Right. Okay, dress it is. Thanks, Karev.”
The younger man nods, backing out of the room as I hold the dress up in front of myself in the mirror again.
“Anytime. And hey - Arizona?”
I turn back at his use of my first name and meet his eyes.
“Yeah?”
“If it were me, I don’t know if I’d be giving it another shot. But for what it’s worth, I hope this works out for you. “
“Thanks," I answer softly, letting my gaze fall to the green material again as I run my fingers over it thoughtfully.
He steps out into the hall, but then stops and speaks again, his voice taking on an uncharacteristic tone of sincerity.
“She’d be nuts not to fight for you though."
*
Callie
Thank god for Meredith Grey. If you’d told me five years ago that the two of us would become friends, I never would have believed you, but somewhere along the way we bonded over our kids and our relationship troubles and while we’re not exactly BFFs, at least she’s someone. The sitter we always used hadn’t been available at the last minute, but when I hastily explained to Meredith why I desperately needed someone to take Sofia tonight, she’d bundled her up with Zola without asking too many questions.
And now I’m getting ready to take Arizona on a date.
And I am really freaking nervous. Which kind of feels stupid because I’ve known her for ages and I’ve seen her naked and we were married, for crying out loud. But somehow, I think, that just makes it worse.
I pull on my deep purple blouse, letting the silky material fall into place as I adjust it in the mirror. This had always been one of her favourite colours on me. Combined with dressy black skinny jeans and boots, I think my outfit is appropriate first-date material. Not that I’ve, you know, done that in almost six years.
Fluffing my hair a bit where it lays loose around my shoulders, my hand comes to rest along my throat, fingers absently seeking out the chain that used to reside there. A wave of sadness washes over me as I remember how the necklace’s twin had remained around Arizona’s neck for almost two months, before one day in surgery I noticed it was just...gone. I sigh, fidgeting with the neckline of the blouse again, studying my reflection in the mirror. Part of me thinks I should back out of tonight and just let her go. I know I broke her heart when I said we were over - I broke mine too - so maybe I should just let her move on now, and live with my regrets.
Except I can’t. Not without at least trying again. I am nothing if not stubborn to a fault.
I move over to the dresser and pick up a bracelet, slipping it on, and I glance at the framed photo sitting in the corner.
“Callie, what are you doing?” Arizona’s laughter rings out in the open space of the park as I suddenly tug her and Sofia close, wrapping my arm around them and squishing them against me.
“Family selfie!”
“Seffie!” Sofia giggles at the word and adjusts herself in her mother’s arms, pressing her cheek up against Arizona’s in an adorable pose.
“Oh my god, did you teach our three year old what a selfie is? She’s posing!”
I grin, leaning in on the other side of her, phone held out at arm’s length.
“She’s a smart girl, that’s all. And at least she’s not doing duck face today. Now shut your beautiful mouth and smile.”
I feel a small smile graze my lips. That picture wasn’t even a year old - taken just a few days after Sofia’s third birthday. Had we really been so happy only a short time ago? We’d been in a good place then, finally. Until it all started to unravel.
I shake the thoughts off and inspect my makeup and outfit once more before I head toward the front door, slipping my leather jacket on in the process. I grab my purse and the small bouquet of irises I’d gotten on the way home, and without hesitation I head out to the car. Time to go pick up my date.
*
Sidling up the front steps to Alex’s house, flowers in hand, I let out a long breath and ring the doorbell. It’s ridiculous that I’m this nervous. But I think deep inside I know that this is, without a doubt, our last chance to make this work. This is my last chance to be with her. And I don’t want either of us to screw it up anymore.
I look up as the door opens and as my eyes take her in I can feel my heart start to flutter. She’s lightly made up, her blonde hair is curled just slightly around her shoulders, and she’s wearing a gorgeous green dress that makes her skin and her eyes look like they’re practically glowing. The soft looking material flows perfectly to hug her curves, and...I very purposefully try to not let my eyes hover along the neckline but the way the dress is cut makes that very, very hard.
“You look beautiful.”
A surprised smile tugs at her lips and she steps back, letting me in from the porch.
“Thanks. So do you, Callie," she lightly touches my arm, her voice soft and genuine.
“Oh!” I tear my eyes away from her and hold up the bouquet, “and these are for you. I just...I thought you’d like them.”
She takes the bouquet, her smile widening to reveal her gorgeous dimples. Those dimples. I didn’t realize I could miss something like that so much. Something so small and seemingly insignificant.
“These are gorgeous,” she burrows her nose in the bouquet, inhaling deeply, “I love irises.”
“I know,” I smile wider now too, watching her, “they’re your favourite.”
She glances at me, something quickly flashing across her eyes that I can’t quite make out.
“They are. Let me just put them in water before we go.”
She turns and walks back toward the kitchen and I stay by the door, somewhat awkwardly glancing around now. I lived at this house once, when I was a very different person. Arizona had been the one person in our circle of friends who actually hadn't ever lived at the Grey house...and I was surprised when I learned that this is where she was staying, even still three months after she moved out. Alex is a good guy though, and Jo seems nice enough from the little I know her. Sofia certainly enjoys her weekends here, anyway. I'm glad she has people.
"Okay, now we can go."
Blonde hair catches my eye as Arizona walks back to the front door, high heeled shoes clicking lightly on the hardwood....oh. I glance down slightly. Something in the back of my brain is telling me that I really have no right to be looking at her this way but...heels. Arizona Robbins looks fantastic in high heels.
"Ready?"
She's slipped her jacket on, and she looks at me with a slightly bemused expression, like she knows exactly what I'm thinking. I just smile, opening the door for her.
"Ready."