Facing Forward (7/?)
Title: Facing Forward (7/?)
Author: nerdgirlwalking
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: R eventually
Summary: Its what you do, you face forward you make plans. How do Callie and Arizona move on from the events in the finale and what happens when some unexpected visitors come to town?
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.
Part 1: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/3188.html#cutid1
Part 2: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/3549.html#cutid1
Part 3: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/3600.html#cutid1
Part 4: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/4323.html#cutid1
Part 5: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/4520.html#cutid1
Part 6: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/4610.html#cutid1
Is the lawyer-bot ever going to stop talking? Callie wondered, looking at her watch for what felt like the billionth time in the last hour and a half.
The all staff meeting was an exercise in supreme ass covery. Civil suits were already being discussed. Patients and their families were crying emotional distress. The families of those who were lost wanted answers. The press was having a field day questioning the tactics of both hospital security and the city’s SWAT team. The board knew it had a PR and financial nightmare on its hands.
One of the various old white men in dark blue suits, who represented the hospital in the matter, stood at the podium droning on and on about non-disclosure clauses, insurance premiums, HIPPA and at one point, the best way to secure a bathroom door using surgical tape and a plunger. “Yeah, that’s very helpful after the fact.” Christina had muttered from the row behind them.
After one final diatribe on the hospital’s new and improved emergency evacuation plan, more revisions forthcoming, everyone was dismissed to the main lobby to pickup a packet of information which included instructions on setting up an interview with the hospital’s attorneys and Seattle PD, times for departmental meetings to be held over the next few days and a copy of the timetable Seattle PD had in place to finish processing the crime scene so that things could get up and running again. Department Heads were asked to meet in the eighth floor conference room for further briefing.
Callie had just collected her packet when a voice called her name. “Dr. Torres, Can I have a word with you?” Richard Webber asked gesturing to the small office located behind the visitor’s desk.
Callie nodded. “Of course Sir.”
The door had barely closed behind the pair when Dr. Webber began to speak. “I don’t have a lot of time here so I’m going to come out and say it. Dr. Chang has retired effective immediately. Apparently, the stress of coming to work just to be shot at is too much for him, even though I believe he was on the golf course all day on Thursday, and I am quoting him ‘401k issues be damned no amount of money is worth being shot at.’ The hospital needs a new Head of Orthopedics and I’m offering you the job.”
Callie looked over her shoulder to make certain she wasn’t being punked. Nope, Mark’s not standing behind me with strippers and a video camera. “Me, sir?”
Webber smiled. “Yes, you. While it’s true that you haven’t been an attending at this hospital for very long you and I both know who does and does not get paged for ortho consults. Your colleagues respect you. The nurses love you. Your cartilage research is brilliant. According to the staff of the ortho floor you basically run things anyway. And as someone once told me, you are a superstar with a scalpel. Yes, you’re young but Dr. Shepherd and I believe you’re a risk worth taking. That is unless you think I should speak with Dr. Reynolds.”
Callie violently shook her head. “No-no Sir.” Her eyes went wide. “I mean you shouldn’t speak with Dr. Reynolds Sir.”
“You accept the position?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Terrific. HR should have your new contracts ready by this afternoon and we’ve told the ortho staff to come back around four for a briefing. I have to speak with a few more people before the departmental conference.” He glanced down at his watch. “I’ll see you on the eighth floor in ten minutes.”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you Sir.”
When the door glided shut behind Webber, Callie couldn’t help but let out a joyous squeal and then she did a little jig. It didn’t jive with her badass image but what the hell, she was all alone and it wasn’t everyday that a huge promotion dropped in your lap. I can’t wait to tell Arizona. Hot celebration sex for me-eee!
Her thoughts were rudely interrupted as the office door was shoved open, banging against the wall behind it so hard Callie thought it might have left a dent. Mark Sloan charged right up to her, a worried frown on his face.
“Did you get fired?” He asked.
“What? No.”
“Its okay if you did. I hear Seattle Pres has some openings. Teddy’s made a couple of friends over there in the past few days. We can get someone to put in a good word for you.”
“I did not get fired Mark.”
Christina Yang chose that moment to slip into the room. “You totally just got canned didn’t you?”
Before Callie could respond the Grey sister’s stuck their heads in the door. “Oh my god Callie I just heard. Don’t worry Meredith is going to go to Derek. He won’t let Webber fire you again.”
“Hey did you guys hear that Webber just fired Torres…” Jackson Avery stopped short, noticing just who all was standing in the small room. “Uh hi, Dr. Torres. I um like your shoes. Did you know you just got fired? Please say you know you just got fired.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that? I did not get fired.”
Christina rolled her eyes. “Why the hell else would Webber drag you in here?”
“I got promoted.”
“Excuse me?”
“He just made me Head of Orthopedics.”
“The man’s fired you twice. Why would he put you in charge of a department?” She turned to look at Meredith, “Is he off the wagon again?”
“Christina!” Four voices cried.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence Yang.”
Christina shrugged, “What, I’m just saying.”
“Seriously, Callie?” Mark asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Seriously.” She nodded.
Letting out a whoop, Mark picked Callie up and swung her around the room, nearly knocking Christina over in the process. “This is super awesome!” He stopped cold and abruptly dropped Callie. It was all she could do to keep from falling on her ass.
“Mark what the hell?”
“I can’t believe I just said super awesome…” He replied, thoroughly disgusted with himself.
Lexie couldn’t help but smile at her ex’s antics. “Well, I think it’s awesome too.” From behind her, Meredith nodded in agreement.
“I should probably start sucking up to you more huh?” Avery smiled.
“This means you’ll be getting a raise right?” Christina asked.
“Uh probably.” Callie answered, not exactly sure where the resident was going with this line of questioning.
“So you could make rent on your own if you and Robbins ever choose to go overboard with the lesbian drama again?”
“I think so.” She decided not to add that her father had given back her trust fund the day before. I should probably let Arizona in on that one first.
“Good,” Christina said almost to herself and then turned and walked out of the room.
“What’s up with her?” Avery asked Meredith.
“Christina’s mind is a mysterious place. I find it best not to speculate on it’s inner workings.” She smiled and turned to Callie. “I’m happy for you Callie.” With that she too left the room, dragging Avery behind her.
Lexie looked down at her watch, “Didn’t Dr. Webber say that the meeting for the Department Heads was going to start at eleven fifteen?”
Mark nodded, “Yeah, think so.”
“Umm, you guys better get going then. It’s ten after.”
Mark waved the comment off, “We got plenty of time.”
Callie, however, was already streaking towards the door. “Haul ass Sloan, I’m not being late to my first meeting!”
As it was they slipped in the door mere moments before Dr. Webber. Arizona shot her a confused look from her seat beside Teddy. The blonde opened her mouth to speak but didn’t have time to ask her girlfriend what was going on as Dr. Webber was already raising his hand asking for the group’s attention. Callie just smiled and took a seat on the opposite side of the conference table between Mark and Dr. Parker from radiology.
“Before we get started,” Dr. Webber began. “I’m sure you all noticed a new face at the table. In light of Dr. Chang’s retirement, Dr. Torres is now Head of Ortho.”
“Woot,” Arizona cried, complete with raised, flailing arms.
“I’m sure everyone shares Dr. Robbins’ enthusiasm for our new colleague; however let’s refrain from any chest bumping. We have a lot to get through and not a lot of time to do it in people.” Dr. Webber grumbled, though the corner of his mouth turned up the tiniest bit.
Arizona, chagrined, slunk down in her seat. When Webber’s attention turned towards passing out massive folders to everyone, she winked and mouthed “wow” at Callie, who smiled brightly in return.
Before Callie knew it, three hours had passed and everyone was packing up, preparing to start getting their areas back in order. “Dr. Torres, how about you and Dr. Robbins go grab a bite to eat and then you meet me back here in about an hour so we can prep for your department meeting.” Dr. Webber smiled.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” She replied.
She looped her arm through Arizona’s and the pair made their way out of the room and towards the elevators. “Some surprise huh?” She asked the blonde as they stood waiting. Arizona just smiled and stared at the elevator doors.
“You know it’s traditional for friends and especially loved ones to congratulate someone when they get a huge promotion.” She said rocking back on her heels.
Again Arizona said nothing, staring at the elevator doors as if she could cause them to open through the power of her will alone.
The brunette was beginning to get annoyed. “Really Arizona, you seemed happy when Dr. Webber announced…” a loud ding and the force of her girlfriend shoving her into the now open elevator cut her sentence short.
“Okay, seriously Arizo…mphf…” Callie was once again interrupted, but she wasn’t about to complain this time as Arizona roughly pushed her against the back of the elevator and kissed her hard.
When oxygen became an absolute necessity, Arizona pulled her lips away to pant in Callie’s ear. “Do you have any idea how proud of you I am right now?” Her teeth nipped the lobe, her tongue darting out to soothe the tiny pain away. “Or how insanely hot it is to be dating a department head?”
Callie sighed, “I may know a little bit about that second one.” Her sighs soon turned to moans as Arizona trailed a line of wet sucking kisses down her throat while sliding her thigh between Callie’s.
“Arizona.” She whispered, grabbing the blonde’s hips and pulling her even closer.
“Hmmm…” Arizona pulled Callie’s shirt free from her slacks. Nimble hands quickly dived under fabric and teased soft skin as they slid higher. The brunette’s own hands were far from idle, one tangling in blonde waves and the other roaming the curves of her girlfriend’s ass. She pulled the blonde’s head up for another kiss.
They were so involved with each other that the ding signaling the opening of the elevator door failed to even register. Mark’s voice and the tell tale click of a camera phone a few moments later, however caused them to spring apart. “Jesus does love me! This year’s Christmas card will be the best one ever!” He wiggled the phone in his hand. “You ladies still planning on going down, because this thing’s got video.”
“Sloan!” Arizona growled, moving towards him the intent to shove his cell phone in a very uncomfortable place written all over her features. Fortunately for Mark, her right hand got tangled in Callie’s shirt causing her to stumble, giving him a huge head start.
“Should have worn your wheels today blondie!” He crowed in triumph.
Finally managing to exit the elevator, Arizona charged after him and smacked right into Miranda Bailey, as she was leaving one of the floor’s supply closets. “What the? Have you people no respect what so ever?”
Arizona’s shoulders slumped in defeat as she looked up and realized Mark was no where to be found. “Sorry Bailey. Dr. Sloan was being his usual charming self.” She said as she extended her hand to help the other surgeon off of the floor.
“Bad enough you people act like this hospital is a fraternity house on a normal day, now you got to be running through here like a bunch of idiots on spring break knocking people over, giggling like fools today of all days.” Bailey grumbled.
“You okay Bailey?” Callie asked now that she had readjusted her clothes and made her way over from the elevator.
Bailey grunted, “Oh I’m fine. How about you do me a favor and take little miss sunshine outta here before she breaks something?”
“No problem,” Callie agreed. Anything to avoid a full on Bailey rant. She turned to her girlfriend. “Come on speed racer, I still need to grab a bite before I meet with Webber.” She pointed down the hall towards the stairwell, “It’s probably safer if we take the stairs.”
Arizona smiled, “I really am sorry Miranda.”
Bailey just shook her head and walked in the opposite direction towards the elevators. The pair was almost to the stairs when she called out. “Torres?”
Callie stopped and turned towards her, “Yeah?”
“Congratulations…”
“Thanks! I still can’t believe Webber gave me the job.”
Bailey smiled as the elevator doors opened. “Hmmm, I heard you got fired.”
“Why does everyone…”
“I’m happy for you two.” Bailey cut her off; gesturing to Arizona who had walked ahead on the off chance Mark was hiding on the floor still. “Seems like something good came out of all that happened.”
“Oh,” Callie blushed. “She’s definitely the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“Looks good on you Torres.” Bailey smiled and stepped on to the elevator.
Author: nerdgirlwalking
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: R eventually
Summary: Its what you do, you face forward you make plans. How do Callie and Arizona move on from the events in the finale and what happens when some unexpected visitors come to town?
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.
Part 1: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/3188.html#cutid1
Part 2: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/3549.html#cutid1
Part 3: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/3600.html#cutid1
Part 4: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/4323.html#cutid1
Part 5: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/4520.html#cutid1
Part 6: http://nerdgirlwalking.livejournal.com/4610.html#cutid1
Is the lawyer-bot ever going to stop talking? Callie wondered, looking at her watch for what felt like the billionth time in the last hour and a half.
The all staff meeting was an exercise in supreme ass covery. Civil suits were already being discussed. Patients and their families were crying emotional distress. The families of those who were lost wanted answers. The press was having a field day questioning the tactics of both hospital security and the city’s SWAT team. The board knew it had a PR and financial nightmare on its hands.
One of the various old white men in dark blue suits, who represented the hospital in the matter, stood at the podium droning on and on about non-disclosure clauses, insurance premiums, HIPPA and at one point, the best way to secure a bathroom door using surgical tape and a plunger. “Yeah, that’s very helpful after the fact.” Christina had muttered from the row behind them.
After one final diatribe on the hospital’s new and improved emergency evacuation plan, more revisions forthcoming, everyone was dismissed to the main lobby to pickup a packet of information which included instructions on setting up an interview with the hospital’s attorneys and Seattle PD, times for departmental meetings to be held over the next few days and a copy of the timetable Seattle PD had in place to finish processing the crime scene so that things could get up and running again. Department Heads were asked to meet in the eighth floor conference room for further briefing.
Callie had just collected her packet when a voice called her name. “Dr. Torres, Can I have a word with you?” Richard Webber asked gesturing to the small office located behind the visitor’s desk.
Callie nodded. “Of course Sir.”
The door had barely closed behind the pair when Dr. Webber began to speak. “I don’t have a lot of time here so I’m going to come out and say it. Dr. Chang has retired effective immediately. Apparently, the stress of coming to work just to be shot at is too much for him, even though I believe he was on the golf course all day on Thursday, and I am quoting him ‘401k issues be damned no amount of money is worth being shot at.’ The hospital needs a new Head of Orthopedics and I’m offering you the job.”
Callie looked over her shoulder to make certain she wasn’t being punked. Nope, Mark’s not standing behind me with strippers and a video camera. “Me, sir?”
Webber smiled. “Yes, you. While it’s true that you haven’t been an attending at this hospital for very long you and I both know who does and does not get paged for ortho consults. Your colleagues respect you. The nurses love you. Your cartilage research is brilliant. According to the staff of the ortho floor you basically run things anyway. And as someone once told me, you are a superstar with a scalpel. Yes, you’re young but Dr. Shepherd and I believe you’re a risk worth taking. That is unless you think I should speak with Dr. Reynolds.”
Callie violently shook her head. “No-no Sir.” Her eyes went wide. “I mean you shouldn’t speak with Dr. Reynolds Sir.”
“You accept the position?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Terrific. HR should have your new contracts ready by this afternoon and we’ve told the ortho staff to come back around four for a briefing. I have to speak with a few more people before the departmental conference.” He glanced down at his watch. “I’ll see you on the eighth floor in ten minutes.”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you Sir.”
When the door glided shut behind Webber, Callie couldn’t help but let out a joyous squeal and then she did a little jig. It didn’t jive with her badass image but what the hell, she was all alone and it wasn’t everyday that a huge promotion dropped in your lap. I can’t wait to tell Arizona. Hot celebration sex for me-eee!
Her thoughts were rudely interrupted as the office door was shoved open, banging against the wall behind it so hard Callie thought it might have left a dent. Mark Sloan charged right up to her, a worried frown on his face.
“Did you get fired?” He asked.
“What? No.”
“Its okay if you did. I hear Seattle Pres has some openings. Teddy’s made a couple of friends over there in the past few days. We can get someone to put in a good word for you.”
“I did not get fired Mark.”
Christina Yang chose that moment to slip into the room. “You totally just got canned didn’t you?”
Before Callie could respond the Grey sister’s stuck their heads in the door. “Oh my god Callie I just heard. Don’t worry Meredith is going to go to Derek. He won’t let Webber fire you again.”
“Hey did you guys hear that Webber just fired Torres…” Jackson Avery stopped short, noticing just who all was standing in the small room. “Uh hi, Dr. Torres. I um like your shoes. Did you know you just got fired? Please say you know you just got fired.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that? I did not get fired.”
Christina rolled her eyes. “Why the hell else would Webber drag you in here?”
“I got promoted.”
“Excuse me?”
“He just made me Head of Orthopedics.”
“The man’s fired you twice. Why would he put you in charge of a department?” She turned to look at Meredith, “Is he off the wagon again?”
“Christina!” Four voices cried.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence Yang.”
Christina shrugged, “What, I’m just saying.”
“Seriously, Callie?” Mark asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Seriously.” She nodded.
Letting out a whoop, Mark picked Callie up and swung her around the room, nearly knocking Christina over in the process. “This is super awesome!” He stopped cold and abruptly dropped Callie. It was all she could do to keep from falling on her ass.
“Mark what the hell?”
“I can’t believe I just said super awesome…” He replied, thoroughly disgusted with himself.
Lexie couldn’t help but smile at her ex’s antics. “Well, I think it’s awesome too.” From behind her, Meredith nodded in agreement.
“I should probably start sucking up to you more huh?” Avery smiled.
“This means you’ll be getting a raise right?” Christina asked.
“Uh probably.” Callie answered, not exactly sure where the resident was going with this line of questioning.
“So you could make rent on your own if you and Robbins ever choose to go overboard with the lesbian drama again?”
“I think so.” She decided not to add that her father had given back her trust fund the day before. I should probably let Arizona in on that one first.
“Good,” Christina said almost to herself and then turned and walked out of the room.
“What’s up with her?” Avery asked Meredith.
“Christina’s mind is a mysterious place. I find it best not to speculate on it’s inner workings.” She smiled and turned to Callie. “I’m happy for you Callie.” With that she too left the room, dragging Avery behind her.
Lexie looked down at her watch, “Didn’t Dr. Webber say that the meeting for the Department Heads was going to start at eleven fifteen?”
Mark nodded, “Yeah, think so.”
“Umm, you guys better get going then. It’s ten after.”
Mark waved the comment off, “We got plenty of time.”
Callie, however, was already streaking towards the door. “Haul ass Sloan, I’m not being late to my first meeting!”
As it was they slipped in the door mere moments before Dr. Webber. Arizona shot her a confused look from her seat beside Teddy. The blonde opened her mouth to speak but didn’t have time to ask her girlfriend what was going on as Dr. Webber was already raising his hand asking for the group’s attention. Callie just smiled and took a seat on the opposite side of the conference table between Mark and Dr. Parker from radiology.
“Before we get started,” Dr. Webber began. “I’m sure you all noticed a new face at the table. In light of Dr. Chang’s retirement, Dr. Torres is now Head of Ortho.”
“Woot,” Arizona cried, complete with raised, flailing arms.
“I’m sure everyone shares Dr. Robbins’ enthusiasm for our new colleague; however let’s refrain from any chest bumping. We have a lot to get through and not a lot of time to do it in people.” Dr. Webber grumbled, though the corner of his mouth turned up the tiniest bit.
Arizona, chagrined, slunk down in her seat. When Webber’s attention turned towards passing out massive folders to everyone, she winked and mouthed “wow” at Callie, who smiled brightly in return.
Before Callie knew it, three hours had passed and everyone was packing up, preparing to start getting their areas back in order. “Dr. Torres, how about you and Dr. Robbins go grab a bite to eat and then you meet me back here in about an hour so we can prep for your department meeting.” Dr. Webber smiled.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” She replied.
She looped her arm through Arizona’s and the pair made their way out of the room and towards the elevators. “Some surprise huh?” She asked the blonde as they stood waiting. Arizona just smiled and stared at the elevator doors.
“You know it’s traditional for friends and especially loved ones to congratulate someone when they get a huge promotion.” She said rocking back on her heels.
Again Arizona said nothing, staring at the elevator doors as if she could cause them to open through the power of her will alone.
The brunette was beginning to get annoyed. “Really Arizona, you seemed happy when Dr. Webber announced…” a loud ding and the force of her girlfriend shoving her into the now open elevator cut her sentence short.
“Okay, seriously Arizo…mphf…” Callie was once again interrupted, but she wasn’t about to complain this time as Arizona roughly pushed her against the back of the elevator and kissed her hard.
When oxygen became an absolute necessity, Arizona pulled her lips away to pant in Callie’s ear. “Do you have any idea how proud of you I am right now?” Her teeth nipped the lobe, her tongue darting out to soothe the tiny pain away. “Or how insanely hot it is to be dating a department head?”
Callie sighed, “I may know a little bit about that second one.” Her sighs soon turned to moans as Arizona trailed a line of wet sucking kisses down her throat while sliding her thigh between Callie’s.
“Arizona.” She whispered, grabbing the blonde’s hips and pulling her even closer.
“Hmmm…” Arizona pulled Callie’s shirt free from her slacks. Nimble hands quickly dived under fabric and teased soft skin as they slid higher. The brunette’s own hands were far from idle, one tangling in blonde waves and the other roaming the curves of her girlfriend’s ass. She pulled the blonde’s head up for another kiss.
They were so involved with each other that the ding signaling the opening of the elevator door failed to even register. Mark’s voice and the tell tale click of a camera phone a few moments later, however caused them to spring apart. “Jesus does love me! This year’s Christmas card will be the best one ever!” He wiggled the phone in his hand. “You ladies still planning on going down, because this thing’s got video.”
“Sloan!” Arizona growled, moving towards him the intent to shove his cell phone in a very uncomfortable place written all over her features. Fortunately for Mark, her right hand got tangled in Callie’s shirt causing her to stumble, giving him a huge head start.
“Should have worn your wheels today blondie!” He crowed in triumph.
Finally managing to exit the elevator, Arizona charged after him and smacked right into Miranda Bailey, as she was leaving one of the floor’s supply closets. “What the? Have you people no respect what so ever?”
Arizona’s shoulders slumped in defeat as she looked up and realized Mark was no where to be found. “Sorry Bailey. Dr. Sloan was being his usual charming self.” She said as she extended her hand to help the other surgeon off of the floor.
“Bad enough you people act like this hospital is a fraternity house on a normal day, now you got to be running through here like a bunch of idiots on spring break knocking people over, giggling like fools today of all days.” Bailey grumbled.
“You okay Bailey?” Callie asked now that she had readjusted her clothes and made her way over from the elevator.
Bailey grunted, “Oh I’m fine. How about you do me a favor and take little miss sunshine outta here before she breaks something?”
“No problem,” Callie agreed. Anything to avoid a full on Bailey rant. She turned to her girlfriend. “Come on speed racer, I still need to grab a bite before I meet with Webber.” She pointed down the hall towards the stairwell, “It’s probably safer if we take the stairs.”
Arizona smiled, “I really am sorry Miranda.”
Bailey just shook her head and walked in the opposite direction towards the elevators. The pair was almost to the stairs when she called out. “Torres?”
Callie stopped and turned towards her, “Yeah?”
“Congratulations…”
“Thanks! I still can’t believe Webber gave me the job.”
Bailey smiled as the elevator doors opened. “Hmmm, I heard you got fired.”
“Why does everyone…”
“I’m happy for you two.” Bailey cut her off; gesturing to Arizona who had walked ahead on the off chance Mark was hiding on the floor still. “Seems like something good came out of all that happened.”
“Oh,” Callie blushed. “She’s definitely the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“Looks good on you Torres.” Bailey smiled and stepped on to the elevator.