Just a little archive of stories I wrote under my pseudonym lilyme based on the shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse and Grey's Anatomy. Pairings are mostly Faith/Willow, Buffy/Faith and Callie/Arizona. Enjoy! ;)
Summary: Set sometime in New York. A cozy night between two old loves. Callie ponders something. Does trouble ensue?
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.
Merry Christmas, guys!
“Oh! Oh, right there! That's it... Ohh, God...” she moaned, as her body writhed on the living room couch. Her senses fully enraptured in the touches of strong, skilled hands.
It was a feeling she had long forgotten; and now she was growing dangerously addicted to it again.
“Shush, sweetie,” her companion admonished with a low chuckle. “You're gonna wake Sofia. Who knows what she'll think we're doing here”.
What they were doing was nothing spectacular, really. Just Callie massaging Arizona's foot after a long day at work.
A day that among other things had her standing at an operating table for ten hours straight.
It had put some strain on her today. Sometimes she found her foot hurting more than her residual limb. She wouldn't say there was an advantage to only having one foot. There couldn't ever possibly be. But she couldn't help but acknowledge that occasionally the superb prosthetic she wore and which was being well-maintained by Callie worked better than her own body.
“That girl sleeps like a rock. Just like her mother!” the blonde protested playfully, pointing out the adorable similarity the 12-year old shared with her birth mom. Nothing in the world could rouse those two once they were asleep. Which on the negative side of course bore the problem of getting them out of bed on a school or work day. “And can you blame me?” she inquired about her inability to stay quiet just now. “Your hands are magical”. Truthfully so, as she could feel her muscles relax significantly under Callie's expert touches.
The brunette chuckled at the compliment. “Admit you missed them,” she said knowingly, and put some extra effort into her ministrations.
“Not gonna lie,” Arizona sighed in agreement.
Seven years she had been without them. Seven years without Callie's divine hands. Without having Callie this near. Without being where she knew she belonged.
Of course she had missed this. Had missed her! And now that they were back together, sharing all these absolutely mundane moments of life with Callie again... it was heaven.
And Callie could only agree.
They both had been with other people through the years. Had loved other people. And even lived with other people for some time.
But nothing, no relationship had ever felt as right as this.
And she was so overwhelmed to be back with Arizona. So grateful for this new chance and their courage to actually let it happen.
She wanted to climb the highest mountain and shout out to the the entire world that Arizona Robbins was hers once again.
That she was once again her...
Huh...
“I'm wondering something,” she announced as the thought grew in her head.
“What?” Arizona encouraged and opened her eyes to look at the other woman. The fascination of watching Callie in though had never lessened. She often felt herself amused and aroused at the same time at the intense look Callie had when mulling things over, and the tiny crease her eyebrows formed at that.
The intense look with the creased eyebrows turned towards her “What... What are we exactly? The two of us?” the brunette spoke in all seriousness. What were they to each other, or to other people, in their new relationship?
And just like that Arizona's amusement faded. Callie's deep thinking sometimes conjured up... Where had that question just come from?
“We're... we're a couple. We're in a relationship,” Arizona frowned and leaned up on her elbows to look up at the woman, who not only currently held her foot, but also constantly her heart in her hands.
They were not yet living together again. Though they spent most nights together at Callie's place. Spending everyday life together and all these wonderful moments little that you could only have with that special someone.
The special someone that Callie truly was for her, despite everything they had to go through long years ago.
And of course spending this new stage of their lives with the person that was most special to both of them – Sofia. Their daughter had taken this development like the most normal thing in the world. Like it had been clear to her that this would happen again one day. That her parents would be together again one day.
And as clear as things were to Sofia and herself, Arizona thought they were clear to Callie too...
That the state of their relationship was nothing to question.
“No. I mean, yes! I...,” Callie shook her head at the confusion she was causing. That had come out way more serious and insecure than she had intended. “Of course we are,” she assured, stroking Arizona's shin in reassurance. “I just meant, what are we to each other? Like... am I your 'girlfriend'?” she stressed the word.
“Oh,” Arizona raised her eyebrows, finally the true reason behind Callie's question dawning on her.
True, they were many years older now than when they had first started dating. So maybe Callie didn't want to be referred to as her 'girlfriend' anymore.
“Well, you wanna be my middle-aged lady friend?” Arizona joked in mischief.
“Okay, that was enough foot rub for you,” Callie declared mock-offended, and dropped the extremity in question unceremoniously into her own lap.
“Hey, I'm sorry,” the blonde quickly apologized, sitting herself up fully, while Callie cleaned her foot as well as her own hands from remnants of massage oil. Arizona gained a bit of relief from the brunette's exaggerated pout. Because it showed her that she was not really miffed. Or if so, at least only a tiny bit. “I personally like calling you my girlfriend,” she argued.
Of course considering they had been married already, referring to each other as 'girlfriends' once more might at first seem strange. However, right now it was what they were, as far as conventional dating terminology was concerned.
“I could call you my partner, but that sounds like we're running a business together”, she grimaced, and Callie agreed. “But if you like it better, I'll gladly refer to you as my Care Bear, my Cuddle Monkey?” she tried and relaxed all the more when Callie smiled at this.
“Cuddle Monkey, huh?” Callie wondered, looking into Arizona's twinkling eyes.
“If that's what you like,” Arizona repeated.
“Okay, then you are... my Baby Blue Eyes,... my Sweet Cheeks,” she smirked, the back of her left hand moving up to track just those features of Arizona's pretty face. “My... Honey Buns?” Callie went on, knowing they were steering away from the intention of her original question, but this was fun.
“Oooh!” Arizona grinned at the implications of the last one. “Wait, wait, I know... my Kitty Kat,” Arizona tried terms herself, while busy grinning at the their affectionate and dorky attempts. “My Fluff Muffin...”
Callie guffawed at the last one. “Oh, my God,” slapping Arizona's leg affectionately.
At this the blonde couldn't resist and leaned in to kiss the amused cheek tenderly.
“Please don't call me 'Fluff Muffin' in public,” Callie lived out the rest of her chuckles and rested her head against Arizona's.
That was when the blonde remembered that they were looking for a term to use with other people.
“Well, how about 'My woman' for that purpose?” Arizona suggested and looked at the brunette expectantly.
“'My woman',” Callie let the word roll off her own tongue. While some people might perceive it as offensive using this to refer to your significant other, she'd actually prefer it over 'girlfriend'. May it be because it almost came close to another special term.
“What?” Arizona wondered intrigued, seeing that little flicker on Callie's face.
And Callie startled at the blonde's perception, having hoped Arizona wouldn't notice.
But then again they had known each other for over ten years. So, Arizona could read her like a book. “I...,” she began, almost not bringing herself to form the words. But Arizona's warm eyes and gentle dimples made her proceed with what was only the truth. “I always thought 'my wife' sounded beautiful”.
There.
There it was.
That fleeting thought that had crossed her mind for a second, maybe two.
It was a natural thing, considering what her and Arizona had been before.
But was it something they should ever be again?
Considering everything the thought of them as a couple alone should make them run.
And apparently Arizona had exactly that thought as she moved away from her, and looked about to fall off the couch in attempt to do so.
“Wait, d-don't go,“ Callie blurted, trying to stop her from running. Fearing she had just thrown everything they had rebuilt in the last years to the wolves.
“Not going,” Arizona reassured, as her hand reached an item on the floor. “I just feel like I want to wear some pants for this”. She pulled the piece on without putting her prosthetic on, indicating that she really was not planning on leaving.
“Okay,” the blonde exhaled deeply as she sat back up and faced Callie with a gentle and sincere look, and spoke softly, “Do you... Do you mean it?”
Callie gulped, as she pondered the question and how to reply.
As she wondered what she wanted her own answer to be.
As she wondered what Arizona might want her answer to be.
Did... was this something that Arizona wanted to be to her? Her face was so unreadable to her right now.
God, what had she just steered them into?
“I... do you want me to mean it?” she stalled.
“I... I'm,” Arizona stammered, most apparently unsure what to reply either. “Do you want me to want you to mean it?” she retorted. And despite the tension they both felt right now, the prospect of this game of avoiding an actual answer never ending made them both laugh wholeheartedly.
Callie slapped her hand onto Arizona's thigh and used the other to wipe her tears of laughter from her eyes.
And Arizona sat and watched her through her own joyful tears.
Finally the blonde clasped the hand on her thigh with both of hers. “Listen, Calliope,” she said lovingly, steering the conversation back to the elephant that had stumbled into the room. “I... I loved being your wife. I loved our marriage. The pride of being able to introduce you, this amazing woman, as my wife to other people. And...,” she sighed, “I hated how it all ended. That we hurt each other so much. That we weren't able to look at each other without disdain. And that was one of the most awful experiences in my life”.
She saw how Callie let her head sink and quickly continued.
“But I love the idea of us. Of experiencing all these moments with you, no matter how important or small. And I want us to have so many more, years, decades, heck, centuries together, alright?” she reassured.
“Yeah,” Callie smiled softly. She herself wanted nothing more than to grown old and wrinkly with Arizona. Cherish all the moments that could be ahead of them.
And maybe they should leave it at that.
Maybe they should do without labels and just focus on honoring what they had.
Hopefully decades of joy and love ahead of them.
Just when she had almost ended that topic for herself, Arizona surprised her, as she continued, “But I'm not saying no, you know”.
“What?” the brunette raised her eyebrows, not sure if she had understood correctly.
“I mean, not now. Because I think it's too early. ” she argued and Callie nodded in agreement. “But maybe in a year or two, we could talk about it again,” she promised. “Because it's not a horrible thought, per se. It's a thought that makes me grin with anticipation,” she confessed and did just that. “I just think we should give it time... Sound good?”
“Sounds perfect,” Callie signed deeply in contentment. Her fears of having ruined their new start by one scarily beautiful thought turning into delightful excitement.
“Besides for now...,” Arizona added with a look that soon made Callie excited for something else, “I like being your 'girlfriend'... or being your 'woman'...or, heck, Honey Buns. It's pretty, uh, it's pretty hot,” she grinned, as she casually climbed into Callie's lap.
“It's definitely hot,” the brunette agreed, as her hands instantly sought out the blonde's honey buns. “Come here,” she leaned up, desperate to taste some of that hotness. That fire and sass that had always been there with Arizona more than with anyone else she's been with.
And wife-y Arizona would never lose any of that. She knew from experience.
There were stories from their marriage. Stories you'd never believe if you only knew Arizona casually. Naughty stories that made her horny just thinking back on them.
Stories she would never let anyone else know, but was looking forward to fill an entire imagined book series with.
“What's that grin about?” Arizona asked challengingly, looking down into Callie's amused face.
“Think we can agree that you didn't really need those pants?” the brunette wondered, nestling at the waistband, ready to start writing.
The blonde chuckled at the welcome implications before leaning down and kissing her cheeky Fluff Muffin. “Play your cards right”.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: Set in 5x09. While trying to mend her nose, could a new colleague help her mend her heart?
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.
"So, this is the last area on this floor," Richard Webber, Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace hospital, pointed out the newest addition to his surgical staff, as they walked through the outpatient area of the hospital. "The post-anesthesia recovery. Adults. Um, children are one floor below. I guess that is where you will be more likely to find," he smiled at the woman with his arms contently in front of his chest.
He was happy – one could easily say relieved - to have found a surgeon for his pediatrics department, which had been fairly understaffed in the last months.
And this one wasn't just any surgeon.
Trained at Johns Hopkins' and even holding the position of Chief Resident during her last year of residency, the woman had been praised all over for the skills she had acquired within her specialty.
And what was also important – she was good with the kids. There were rumors of her even putting on some roller skate shoes to amuse her patients. He was not yet sure if he approved of this or not. He hadn't seen anything like that on her yet, since, including today, she had always worn street clothes.
But this would only be a tiny problem, if this rumor really were true.
The surgeon in question – Arizona Robbins by name - worked hard to memorize everything the chief was telling her, keep track of her surroundings and draw a map of the hospital in her mind. Luckily she had always worked in large hospitals, so she figured she would only need a few days to really find her way around here.
"How many outpatient surgeries do you have per year?" she inquired, wanting to get an idea of the figures. She was already impressed by the 1600 beds the hospital could provide in total. Out of which 140 were in Peds.
"Hm, all in all about 60.000, including 2.000 in Pediatrics," Webber gave her the average of the last years.
"Impressive," she smiled at him, as they came to a halt at the area's nurses station.
"Thank you," he nodded, proud of his hospital baby. "Um, now we could...," he began, thinking of something else to show her, but was interrupted, when...
"Oh, Chief, good. Can I have a minute?" Miranda Bailey, who Arizona already knew was the surgical Chief Resident at this hospital, came walking up towards them.
"Um, sure," he wavered for a moment, pulled out of his original thought. "Will you excuse me for a moment?" he directed his question at Dr. Robbins and followed Dr. Bailey out into the hall.
Arizona was unsure of what to do while the chief was gone. Since he likely wouldn't be long and she being new would likely lose her way wandering about, she figured she should just stay put.
Maybe she could chat up the residents and nurses here, getting to know her colleagues.
But then again... the lone resident that was present was currently busy with checking the vital signs on some of the patients. She figured it better not to disturb him.
So she just waited near the station.
Until a soft and initially indistinct sound reached her ears.
Soon she noticed that it was someone talking, or rather mumbling something.
Her eyes searched around and quickly found the probably source of the sound.
A brunette with a bandage on her nose.
And even though it was not her responsibility – she wasn't even officially working yet – the blonde was in doctor mode immediately, needing to make sure the woman was alright.
She walked up to the patient, who had her eyes closed and her brows furrowed. "Um, hi," she inquired in a low voice – trying not to startle the woman - and put a soft hand on her arm, "are you okay?"
But to no avail. The eyes – gorgeous deep brown eyes, Arizona noticed – shot open and the humming ended abruptly. Only to be followed by an uncertain gurgle.
"Sorry," the blonde apologized, "I just heard noises and was wondering..."
Callie Torres, the woman with the gorgeous eyes, for a moment wondered if she was hallucinating. If the nice pain killers she had been given made her see thing that weren't actually there. Like total strangers by her bed in the hospital's PACU. A doctor or nurse would be the norm, but this woman wore street clothes, so most likely didn't even work here.
But despite the mystery of how this woman even got in here unauthorized...she seemed trustworthy enough. Certainly looked it.
So, without thinking too much of it, Callie finally responded, "Oh, um, sure," the questioning look telling her that she must have taken quite some time to actually do so. "I was just... testing out my nose," she explained and felt a little embarrassed at having been caught. "It's new. Or, um, good as new?" she frowned, now even more embarrassed by the puzzling way she explained things. "A patient of mine broke it in the E.R. today".
"Oh!" Arizona's eyes shot up at this information, "you're a doctor?" she asked intrigued.
"Yes, I'm an ortho surgeon here. I'm actually here to fix bones, not get mine broken," she pouted and felt excited when the woman's lips formed a sympathetic expression.
"I hope it was an accident, and you don't have violent patients here beating doctors for no reason," Arizona joked... with a tiny bit of worry on her mind.
"No," Callie waved it aside, "it was an accident. I happened to stand in the wrong spot at the wrong time."
"Oh, good! Well, not good, because, well... ouch". Now it was Arizona's turn to frown. "What I meant to say is, I hope you'll get better soon," she said sincerely, and finally took a step back, realizing that as a doctor – and a total stranger – she was standing just a little too close to the bed.
"Thanks," Callie smiled, and couldn't help notice the attractiveness of the other woman. The little blush she was sporting now only highlighted this perfect face. From the sweet lips to the bright blue eyes and the light blush lingering on her face. This woman was nice to look at. And nice to talk to as well. She was easily someone Callie could imagine...
No!
She shouldn't go there. Not after the fiasco with the last blue-eyed blonde was barely two weeks in the past.
But then again, this seemed to be a very different blonde... On the cute side with a natural sparkle emanating from her...
No! Callie desperately needed to think of something else.
Luckily the other woman helped out, hopefully unaware of her thoughts. "So, um, what are the test results?" she inquired, as Callie didn't speak for several moments, obviously again in her own little world.
"Huh?" the brunette asked in confusion, but realized what Arizona meant when this one tapped her own nose as a hint. "Oh! Uh, no final results yet. Hard to say from the inside, I guess. I mean, do I sound funny?"
"Well, just a little," the other woman replied with a little shrug and a lot of dimples. "Then again, I have no idea how you normally sound. Maybe you really sound like Kermit the Frog trying to talk under water," she joked, before adding a little, "Sorry".
Callie snorted wholeheartedly at the comparison. An action she regretted as a sharp pain shot through her mending nose. "Hah... Ouch!" she squeaked, almost bringing her hand to touch her olfactory organ.
Arizona winced in sympathy, "Oh, my, God. I didn't mean...," she apologized. Something told her she should have known better than to make a broken nose laugh.
"It's okay," Callie played it down. "I don't mind the laugh. Maybe the painkillers are wearing off," she wondered.
The offhand comment did not go unnoticed by the blonde, who without second thought made a move to check Callie's chart. See what dose of medication she was on.
Callie saw this and immediately remembered that this woman likely was not authorized to do any kind of medical work around here. And certainly not inspect her patient information. "Um, I don't think you're supposed to do that," she pointed out with raised eyebrows, indicating the chart the woman was holding.
"Hm?" Arizona hummed distractedly, getting a read on the chart's figures. "Oh!" she exclaimed, suddenly realizing that her non-patient didn't even know who she was. "I'm so sorry, you're kind of right," she admitted, reaching into her pocket to produce her company ID, stating her name and soon position at this hospital. "But I'm a doctor too. Actually starting to work her in few days," she calmed her and handed the item off to the brunette. "And as a doctor, I have to make sure the patients are okay. Even if they're not mine," she smiled.
Callie felt somewhat relieved. So this stranger was legit after all. And even better would be a colleague of hers. In Peds, as the ID with the ridiculously good picture of the woman pointed out.
And...
"Yeah, okay," Callie lay her head back down on her pillow. "But I guess I'm still a little woozy. I could swear I just read your name as 'Arizona'...?" she wondered with raises eyebrows. Or maybe HR wrongly put her home state as her name...?
Said Arizona gave her a challenging yet amused look. "That's my name".
"Really," Callie more stated than asked, still incredulous as she handed the ID back to its owner. It was a pretty unusual name. But, then again, it could be worse. Her name could be Delaware or... Wyoming. Dr. Delaware Wyoming Robbins... Huh...
"Really, 'Calliope'...," the blonde returned to the woman, who seemed to entertain amusing thoughts. Arizona couldn't help but hint at the fact that she was not the only one with a fairly unusual name in this room.
The implication dawned on Callie and she mumbled, "Touché".
The blonde eyed the expression on Calliope's face. A beautiful face, which had a very beautiful name attached to it, if she was allowed to say so. And it suited what she had seen of the woman so far.
Not even the miffed expression at being called out could change that. And she couldn't help but release a wholehearted laugh at this.
Being brought out of her sulking state by this, Callie's eyes traces over Arizona's face again. Now there were even dimples to boot. Sparkling blue eyes, shiny blonde hair, sweet voice and now entrancing dimples. "You're really pretty," she said mesmerized.
Only seconds later noticing that she had actually said that out loud. "Oh, I didn't mean. I mean, I didn't..."
Being drawn to someone – which she by now helplessly and hopelessly was – was one thing. Admitting to it out loud by accident within minutes after meeting said someone was another.
And hitting on this person – a future colleague – could be problematic and could make working together very awkward from the start.
But then the other woman surprised her. Again blushing a little, but this time at this unexpected compliment. Before she sweetly returned. "You're really pretty too".
Callie perked up in relief. So, no awkwardness. Judging by the flirty smile, quite the opposite. "Wait till you see me without the bandage," she therefore dared to speak.
"I can't wait," the blonde returned, as they heard footsteps approaching them, belonging to the long forgotten Bailey and Webber. "Oh, Dr. Bailey, great. Could you or Dr. Sloan check if Dr. Torres is on sufficient pain medication? I see he is the surgeon on this case. Dr. Torres is having some discomfort," she said in a professional tone. While casually stroking Callie's arm, a move that did not go unnoticed by the other three people.
"Uh, sure," Bailey responded, a little surprised by the situation and closeness of the two women.
"Thanks!" Arizona returned and handed over the chart to the chief resident. "I'll see you two around?" she smiled, catching the dreamy look Calliope's eyes sent her one last time, before heading over to Dr. Webber to continue their hospital tour.
Bailey looked after the newcomer for a moment, before she turned her attention to Callie. "Is everything alright?"
"Kinda," Callie returned, not really answering to the matter Bailey was hinting at. But rather the more obvious one. "I seem to have a thing for blondes," she smirked, enjoying this fluttery feeling the blonde gave her. This feeling better than any painkiller.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilpictures aka me ;))
Summary: Set sometime after 16x16. Callie and Arizona receive some upsetting news. But it is their place to be upset about it?
Characters: Callie/Arizona, Sofia
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.
About to enter the house, Callie was startled by her energetic daughter yanking open the front door and jumping out.
"Hi, Mama!" Sofia gifted her mother with a sideways hug, her head already on an entirely different matter, "I'm gonna feed the chicken and see, if they have any eggs for breakfast!"
"Okay," Callie smiled at the eagerness of her offspring and went inside. How anyone genetically related to her could be this perky in the morning, was a mystery to her. She herself most of the time was as cranky as a bear at this time of day.
But she knew whose notoriously good morning mood had rubbed off on the girl and soon found the perkiness personified in the kitchen of the house that kind of resembled this attitude as well. With its light colors, flowery decorations and overall pretty girly atmosphere.
It was the house Arizona had chosen to live in, and it fit her like a shoe. Including the coop full of chicken she had always dreamed of.
Callie had a mixed relationship with the fowl. The rooster of the bunch, King Louie, always tried to peck her, but only her. The chicks, Dolores, Selma and Agneta were nice enough, though. And the smallest of them, little Betty, seemed pretty fond of her and came fluttering over whenever she neared the coop. Which itself was a rare event, but if she did, she always found herself giggling at the little thing's antics.
The chicken owner smiled as she took notice of the woman's presence. "Hi! Did you get everything?" the blonde wondered, as she bustled about the kitchen.
"Uh, yeah, I did," Callie replied and held up two paper bags with freshly baked goods. "Even got some raspberry cream cheese danish". She knew they were Arizona's favorites, but not always available... because they were a lot of other people's favorite as well.
"Aww, you're so sweet," Arizona gushed, as she followed Callie into the dining room, where the brunette was arranging the assorted roll, croissants and danish on the table.
Since Arizona had relocated to New York as well, this Sunday breakfast was their weekly ritual. With their always busy schedules, caught between school, work and research, Sunday was often the only day that all three of them had off.
And they made sure to make the most of it. Callie bringing goods from the bakery, Sofia fetching eggs and Arizona preparing them a yummy breakfast they'd enjoy in all length together and talk about what was happening in their lives right now. Things Sofia was doing in school, talks about their projects at work and everything else they had on their minds.
And from the pensive look Callie wore on her face this morning, Arizona knew there was something massive on her mind right now.
"You look... kinda perturbed," Arizona tried carefully as she watched the brunette from the entrance to the room. She had known Callie long enough to notice that furrow in her brow. Even having been divorced for years she had never lost that ability to read her. Where other people maybe even saw a neutral expression, she could detect the slightest disturbance in her mood.
"Hm?" Callie looked up at the alarmed woman, smiling lightly at the blond emotion detector. Always on the lookout for the well-being of the people around her. A trait Callie had never failed to appreciate - even during their rockier phases. And now that they were on good terms again and she had Arizona as a constant presence in her life once more, she rarely hesitated to express her thoughts. "Oh, I just got a mail from Mer this morning. About things happening in Seattle and stuff".
"Huh," Arizona nodded at the explanation. They still kept in contact with their friends on the West Coast, as much as time and distance allowed.
Arizona still held pretty close bonds with April. April, who had settled in nicely with Matthew, Harriet, Ruby and their newborn son Philip and was living an uneventful and simple life.
And both of them still heard regularly from Teddy, Meredith and the others. But news from that front often more or less equaled a soap opera. A not necessarily well-written soap opera with too much what-the-heck drama and too many you've-got-to-be-kidding-me twists and turns for the worse. It would actually be funny to witness the ridiculousness of it all, if it wasn't happening in real life.
"Is something wrong?" Arizona subsequently wondered, and pushed herself off the door frame as Callie pulled out her phone, apparently willing to let her read the mail as well.
The brunette handed her phone after a few taps and Arizona began reading unusually long text, bordering on a rant she had received from Meredith.
And then she watched as Arizona read it, expecting to find the same emotions she had felt overcoming the blonde. Emotions of disbelief and a good part of anger.
After walking the length of the living room a few times while studying the text intensely, the blonde retreated to the couch, her face still surprisingly neutral. Eventually she let the phone sink into her lap and spoke softly, "Well... that's a major plot twist," her eyes still on the words written.
Callie was confused by Arizona's calmness. "Wh... That's all you're gonna say to that?" she asked as she sat next to the blonde.
"Well...," Arizona muttered, confronted with upset Callie, "as his mentor, I hope he finds a hospital that can really appreciate the outstanding doctor he's become," she spoke with a little sentiment, as she thought back on the years she had trained the man Meredith's elaborate text was about in peds.
Alex Karev had without a warning decided to leave behind Seattle and everything he had there to start a new life in the middle of nowhere. Or – as it was officially called - Kansas.
A move that in itself would be difficult to understand, since he had a promising career set in Seattle. But apparently there were reasons not in anyone else's control.
"As his friend...," she continued with a shrug, "I hope he'll find all the happiness he deserves. Though I have to say that ditching Jo via letter is so...," she shook her head, and finally Callie could see some emotion bubbling up in her, "God, I feel so awful for her. Believe me, if I had a brick right now, I'd hit him in the head from here!"
"Yeah!" Callie sighed, relieved that she herself wasn't just overreacting about all this, but that his behavior towards Jo really was a low blow.
Callie had seen him grow, witnessed the transformation from a fairly douchy intern who didn't particularly care about the women he slept with to not only a well-respected surgeon but also a man who had truly learned to invest into his relationships and cherish them.
And she knew that Arizona had witnessed it all even closer, having spent years working with him side by side on a daily basis. It had to be a letdown. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched the blonde's grip tighten around her phone as the woman's thoughts now clearly circled around this upsetting new development. Carefully she wrangled the device out of the tense fingers before it met its fate as a substitute brick.
Arizona looked at the brunette and saw the mildly warning look telling her to let her phone live and released it with a faint smile. "It's a load of crap," she summed up her thoughts about Alex and Jo. Jo, who had also become a much beloved friend to her over the years. Their wedding... or rather all the mishaps happening on the day of their wedding... were among the last active memories she had of Seattle, with her and Sofia having left later that night to come to New York. Now she thought that maybe all the hindrances that day had been a sign for them. That some Powers that Be didn't think they belonged together. And rather wanted him in someone else's arms. "But... I don't know... if Izzie makes him happy..."
Immediately Callie scoffed beside her, and Arizona pressed her lips together. She knew Izzie was a sore spot for Callie. Understandably, after all the humiliation she has had to face back at the hospital in Seattle because of her. And that didn't even only involve Izzie sleeping with George.
And then there was everything else... "The way she's treated Alex... I mean, she's left him in debt with her hospital bills and just disappeared. That's not what you do. I know how long it's taken him to get out of that and get over her. And now he's going back to the person who's hurt him more than anyone?" she shook her head before letting herself sink against the backrest of the couch. "I don't see why. Think he's just doing it for the kids?" she wondered about the twins that Izzie has apparently given birth to five years ago.
She looked expectantly at Arizona, who had turned towards her and sat with her leg bent, her head braced on her fist and her face... sporting two raised eyebrows and a pensive look.
Callie countered the expression with a soft "What...?", unsure of what it was supposed to tell her.
"You know... that a lot of that is exactly what can be said about us, right?" Arizona voiced her thoughts carefully.
"What...!?" Callie repeated, though fairly shriller now, startled at the statement her girlfriend suddenly confronted her with. "We're not... I...," she stammered as she sat up, afraid that Arizona still held a grudge against her. Even though she had reassured her that she didn't.
"Easy, sweetie...," Arizona tried to calm her with a hand to her thigh. She knew what Callie wanted to say. "I'm don't mean the fight over Sofia's custody. Though it was... really painful for all of us," she exhaled deeply, thinking back on it.
And Callie bowed her head, not able to look the blonde into the eye. Because she knew she was the main cause for all that pain, having had her lawyer throw the worst accusations at her then ex in court.
"I...," Arizona continued, "there are the things that let up to that... The way I treated you after my amputation. The way I yelled at you, threw things at you, verbally and literally... It was a low that I never thought I could reach. But then... I cheated on you. And I realized I could go even lower. And I will forever hate myself for that," her voice trembled.
Callie looked back up at the blonde, who was obviously struggling to keep her emotions in check as she remembered that time. That time she had broken her ever-so-supportive wife. And Callie remembered too. It was something that still hurt her deeply.
"That you were even willing to start new with me then... after the damage I've done... it was more than I could have hoped for," Arizona began to sob, as her tears finally overwhelmed her, and Callie cupped her hand in comfort, wanting to show her that everything was okay now.
Only to have Arizona's train of thought steer back to where it had taken off. "But I guess we weren't ready then and it consequently ended in divorce... with all its unfortunate consequences. And a lot of people would say that it all should have ended there. That we are just no good for each other".
"But who are they to judge?" Callie protested, her face a whirl of confusion and fear, still not sure where Arizona was going with this.
No one else had a saying in their being together. Yes, part of her was scarred from the betrayal. And she knew Arizona was still reeling from the custody battle too... among other things. But they had learned to cope over the years. And had even learned to heal.
And when the blonde turned her hands in Callie's to clasp them with a teary smile and replied "That's what I mean," Callie finally realized her intentions. "We've made mistakes. It's blatantly obvious, and we both know it. But... the moment Sof and I landed in New York, and I saw you standing there, smiling impossibly wide not at her, but at me... I just...I knew it had been the right decision," Arizona remembered the first time she had seen the brunette after over a year of having only communicated via texts and phone calls. "That I was coming home".
And while Callie had changed, most obviously her hair style, now cut short and shaved on the sides, she was still the same woman Arizona had fallen in love with way, way back in Seattle.
Callie smiled at this, remembering how elated she had been when Arizona had told her, Sofia would come back to New York. That she would finally be with her daughter again. And she remembered her nervousness at hearing that Arizona would accompany her. Unsure of how the blonde stood towards her. After all, Arizona was giving up her established life because Callie had fled to the East Coast to pursue a relationship that had failed after only seven months. It could be cause for resentment.
But seeing Arizona again in person and hearing how excited she was, it had calmed her. And listening to her tell her about everything she had planned for her new life and showing true interest in everything the brunette had experienced in New York so far... Callie had known it would be good.
As it turned out better than good.
While their main priority was Sofia and the girl's well-being in her old, new, old life in New York, this priority had inevitably drawn Callie and Arizona closer again. In the first two months in New York they had spent more time together than in the two years between their separation and Callie moving to New York.
First as parents, then as friends.
And at some point the friendly parents had remembered what they had once loved about the other. And still loved.
Of course there had been trepidation about starting anew. After all, they had already screwed up massively and made life impossibly hard on so many people. Especially Sofia.
But with exactly that past, they were wiser now and knew what it took to make it work. Talking to each other, listening to what the other woman was saying, and also get help from outside, if necessary.
And so far they were doing extremely well.
Arizona's heart smiled as she saw Callie relax visibly. Now that it was clear to the brunette that they weren't in any trouble. That this was the opposite of trouble.
She cupped Callie's cheek. "I still you so much. More than ever before," she reassured Callie. "You make me happier than anyone else ever could. Despite what other people might think. They aren't important. We are. We belong together. And there's really no one else I'd want to spend my life with".
"I love you too," Callie whimpered and leaned forward to engulf her love in a fierce hug, so grateful to have Arizona back in her life. Despite all the evils that had happened to them and that they had partly afflicted on each other. But Arizona was right. They belonged together, despite their past. "And I'm so happy to have you back," she continued, and received reassuring kisses to her cheek.
It was only two months ago that Callie and Arizona had moved into Arizona's dream house. And while the situation was still somewhat new, and she was still getting used to its girly charm and the pecking of King Louie, she never wanted to leave this place anymore,
Because it held her love. It held her life. Her dream.
"So... Alex and Izzie... think you can handle it?" Arizona questioned as she eventually released the brunette.
"Hm," Callie pondered, "if she makes him happy, I guess" she simply returned, Arizona's reasoning that an outsider's opinion to this couple was not that relevant still in her ear. "Plus, it's not like I have to interact with her. Kansas is far enough, luckily. Though I have to say, I'd love to meet the kids".
Arizona laughed at this. "I know! If his genes hit through, they're probably pretty..."
"... grumpy, smart-ass and foul-mouthed?" Callie offered tongue-in-cheek.
"I was gonna say, quite a handful. But... yeah, that works," Arizona giggled. "But definitely adorable".
"Mami, Mama! I got some eggs!" Sofia came rushing inside with a little basket containing four eggs. "And I fed the chicken too. But Selma and King Louie weren't hungry. I think they were playing piggyback. Or they are making a baby chicken. Which is... eww...," she exclaimed.
The women laughed wholeheartedly at their girl. Sofia knew all about the birds and the bees, the roosters and the hens or the mamas and the daddies by now. And while she was fascinated by the concept of creating life, the way to make it happen pretty much appalled her.
Which Callie and Arizona were very okay with. At her age of eight, turning nine soon, they much preferred that attitude over too much curiosity about the act itself.
Eventually that would come, and they knew that in a few years from now they would be having a more serious talk about how human babies were made. Arizona had already joked that they'd probably decide over a party of Rock, Paper, Scissors about whether her or Callie would have to have that talk with their daughter.
But they were so happy they could experience Sofia grow up and learn new things every day together.
They had been given this new chance. And they worked every day to cherish this chance, despite outside opinions.
They wanted to be their best together. And they wanted to be their best for their kid.
And that made them understand Alex' motivations. His need to be with his kids. And his need to be together with the woman he had learned to love again despite their past.
And despite ambivalent thoughts they had on it all, they wished him all the best.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: It was a quiet night. No fireworks, no party. Just them. But that didn’t make the outcome of this night any less spectacular.
Characters: Callie/Arizona
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show “Grey’s Anatomy”. They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.
She had to admit it. They were getting lazy.
Preferring to spend the night at home on their comfy and inviting couch rather than go out and party.
But they deserved this quiet time after yet another eventful year. The clinic Arizona had opened with Nicole Herman seven years ago had made itself a name as the most innovative and extensive institute for women’s health in the United States. And with growing prestige and success had come the decision to move to a bigger location this year.
And Callie, for four years the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at New York’s most renowned hospital, had this year gotten the recognition she deserved. Had been rewarded with the Burlingame Award for further developing the cartilage project she had begun way back in Seattle.
Arizona could not be any prouder of her girlfriend, who currently lay nestled into her arms as they were cuddled up under a blanket, watching a random greatest hits show with songs from many decates ago. From back when music was still good.
It was one of those shows that were typical for the last night of the year. The night tv stations hardly chose to invest in anything spectacularly exciting. But then again, when did tv stations ever show anything exciting nowadays anymore?
She chuckled as she looked down at the brunette, whose closed eyes indicated just how fascinated she seemed by the program. “Don’t you dare fall asleep on me before the year is over,” Arizona amusedly admonished her and tapped her nose with the tip of her finger.
Confronted with this accusation, Callie blinked her droopy eyes open and smiled at the blonde hovering over her and making her face her fingers’ playground. “Just resting,” she argued, even though her sleep-raspy voice easily betrayed her. “Enjoying the quietness of the house”.
“Uh-hm,” Arizona nodded slowly at the meagre excuse, and leaned in to kiss Callie’s temple lightly. But there was some truth in it. Their teenage daughter was spending this night at a party at her friend’s house. Strictly chaperoned by the friend’s parents… at least they hoped so. They knew her friend Danielle and her parents, so they were actually confident everything was fine. And Sofia was a good and well-behaved kid, who hardly gave her parents any trouble.
So, it was indeed quieter than most nights. Definitely quieter than the New Year’s eves of past years. No pondering if they should head to Times Square to watch the ball drop at midnight. No gatherings at someone’s house that you often wished you could leave before the year was over. No, tonight it was really just them. And it was perfection.
Arizona had hoped for a night like this. Happy that Callie had agreed to this less action-packed plan.
Not that Arizona hadn’t planned anything for tonight. She had big plans, actually. And she figured it was time now. Before Callie truly fell asleep and snored her way into the new year. Which itself would be endearing… but not tonight.
“We’re nearing midnight. You up for some champagne?” she wondered, and immediately more life came into Callie’s body.
“Sounds good,” the brunette nodded and watched as Arizona crawled out from behind her and slipped on her prosthetic with ease.
Before Callie could protest and offer to get the champagne herself, the blonde had already disappeared from the room.
Returning a good three minutes later with two glasses filled with the sparkly liquid… and an oddly nervous look on her face.
Callie frowned, wondering what had happened between leaving the room and pouring them each a celebratory glass.
But as soon as Arizona put of the glasses before her, it became clear.
Warily she looked at her girlfriend, who sat down next to her.
This one saw the reaction and began to panic, “I know it’s a kitschy movie thing, but I thought it’s still too cute to pass up on. Especially since the last time I didn’t even have one for you,” she chuckled.
An amusement interrupted by Callie getting up with an incredulous, “Yo’ve got to be kidding me,” when Arizona’s words seemed to confirm her suspicions regarding her plan.
Arizona watched dumbfoundedly as it was Callie’s turn to disappear from sight.
That was… really unexpected.
Really not what she had hoped for.
Was it the ring? Was it not what Callie liked?
Or… was something else the problem?
They hadn’t talked about the possibility since getting back together five years ago. Happy just living their lives together as a loving couple. Without anything official to proclaim their union to the world.
And now that she was faced with Callie’s reaction, she felt that she should have left it this way instead of now possibly losing her girlfriend and the love of her life.
She took the glass containing the white-gold engagement ring with a one carat diamond, fished the item out and gulped down the liquid to calm her nerves. The other glass following seconds later. Courage - so she could go look for Callie.
Who obviously didn’t want to marry her. Maybe too scarred by her earlier marriages. Or their earlier marriage.
Dammit, she really should have considered this, Arizona figured.
As she stood to walk towards where her not-fiancée and possibly now-not-even-girlfriend-anymore had ran off to, Callie suddenly returned.
With a smile on her face… that confused Arizona more than anything.
“Okay, before you completely freak out,” the brunette stated, her face growing more apologetic as she saw the lingering insecurity, “yes. Yes! I absolutely want to marry you!” she affirmed and walked towards Arizona, who stood with the ring held dumbly between her fingers.
Callie wanted to marry her. Callie wanted to marry her, her brain registered. But then why the great escape a mere minutes ago?
The brunette finally explained her actions as she brought forth the hand that Arizona noticed had until now been hidden behind her back. A hand that revealed a velvety black box, that upon Callie opening it to her, mesmerized Arizona with its shiny content. Platinum with a sapphire in heart shape.
“You…,” Arizona started and began to smile. Suddenly Callie’s earlier ‘You’ve got to be kidding me’, made a lot more sense.
“I had actually planned to bring this to you tomorrow morning. You know, breakfast in bed. A big tray full of all your favorite treats. A rose and… this box,” Callie smirked as she took the ring from the box and took Arizona free hand with the other. “I have long thought about this,” she assured her love. “And I had my doubts, because I’ve failed. We’ve failed, you know?” she admitted, and Arizona nodded slowly. “But we’re not the same people anymore. We’ve grown and we take our time and we try to make sure our decisions are the right ones. And this decision is right. Or,” she rolled her eyes at her own wording, “to make this a little more romantic: I love you, Arizona Robbins. And I’ve never been more sure about anyone. You’re the love of my life, and were from the first time you kissed me in Joe’s bathroom. And you make me so tremendously happy. So… will you make me even happier by marrying me?”
Arizona looked between the two rings that were so different, yet so beautiful in their own way. Just like the two of them. And then her eyes met Callie’s anticipating ones. “This has been my dream for so long. Not the thought of marriage itself, because I know marriage can go wrong. But life with you… spending my life with you, even if it’s the most normal and uneventful nights,” she laughed. “Life with you, hopefully until we’re hundred… that’s my dream. And I had that feeling from early on. From the moment I saw you try not to break down crying at the bar, I knew I wanted to make you smile and forget your sorrows. I know I’ve been a cause for some… for a lot of them in the past. But we survived this. Not intact and not together, but we survived,” she gulped, as she clasped Callie’s hand stronger in hers. “But surviving means, we didn’t die from it, even if it left scars. I’m…. I’m so happy that I still manage to make you smile. That you still trust your heart with me. And I want to keep it this way forever. I love you more than ever before, Calliope. And I want nothing more than to marry you,” she nodded as her eyes welled up.
Callie barely noticed, her own eyesight a mess of tears. “Oh, my God, I love you,” she gulped and kissed her now fiancée lovingly, and soon registered the funny ring dance their hands holding the engagement ring intended for the other were performing between them, trembling in excitement. “Give me your hand,” she ordered and slipped her ring onto Arizona’s finger, squealing lightly when it fit just perfectly.
Arizona followed suit and gave Callie the ring that five minutes ago she had thought she would have to return. Or throw into the ocean together with her crushed heart. She sighed at the two newly decorated hands clasped in loving union. “I love it,” she grinned at her ring, and then at Callie. “And I love you,” she hugged Callie with everything she had. Not ever wanting to let her go again.
Callie hummed into the embrace, holding onto her fiancée. Her third fiancée; or second, depending on how you counted. But never had she been more certain about taking this step and about the person she was taking this step with.
“So, do you actually like your ring? Because part of panicked me thought you found it bug-ugly, when you ran out,” she perceived Arizona’s muffled voice, as thus one was busy burying her face in her taller fiancée’s inviting neck.
Callie chuckled, using the opportunity to inspect her ring. More classic than the one she had bought for Arizona, but definitely just right. “This is exactly what I always wanted my ring to look like,” she promised as the sound of an incoming call on Arizona’s phone forced them apart.
They frowned, wondering who it could be. Checking, they saw it was an incoming call from Sofia.
Arizona picked up, “Sweetie, what is it?” she wondered, panicking a little, wondering if something was wrong.
“'What is it’?” the girl on the other line wondered. “It’s the new year,” the girl explained. “Happy New Year!”
The women checked the clock. Indeed it was four minutes past midnight, and Sofia was calling to send them wishes for the new year. Just as they had agreed on just before the teen had left the house earlier.
“Oh, it is,” Callie gasped, startled by the fact that they had missed it. And that she didn’t even have to be asleep to miss it. “Happy New Year, sweetie!” she greeted and Arizona soon followed.
“Wait… you didn’t know…?” Sofia wondered, suspicious of the fact. “Oh, God, do I even want to know why you didn’t know?” she inquired, a myriad of scenarios springing to mind. The worst ones not what you really want to imagine your parents doing when they are alone.
“Don’t be silly,” Callie admonished. “But… we’ve been doing something. Well, your mother just did something”.
“Wait, no, your mother just did something!” Arizona added and only intensified Sofia’s confusion.
And that was how Sofia learned of her mothers’ engagement. Something that – spending everyday life with the love birds – she had seen coming. And was more than supportive of. And more than happy that they had never given up on their love for each other.
A love that the three of them were certain would hold forever.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: Late Season 11. Can two people deeply hurt by events passed overcome their own inihibitions to put a smile on the face of the person they both love most?
Characters: Callie, Arizona, Sofia
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.
Hand in hand they walked along the hallway of their house to the living room.
A room that at this time of year resembled a wonderland full of streamers and stars, Santa figures and little elves, twinkly lights and knickknacks of all sorts. And let's not forget the Christmas tree that in its flamboyant festivity dominated it all.
It was the season again. The time to celebrate a few quiet days with your loved ones and look back on the year that has passed.
Honestly... this year had been one she would rather forget. The bad had outweighed the good by far.
Derek had died – leaving her wondering when fate would finally stop taking her friends long before their time. Meredith was still God knows where as a result of wanting to deal with this loss on her own.
And on the most personal level... her second marriage had failed this year. And she was still trying to cope.
This divorce was the hardest decision she ever had to make. She loved Arizona. Had always loved her, even when she had hated her.
And she would forever love her, no matter how they would go through the rest of their life. Wherever and to whom it would lead them. She knew that it gave them both the chance to be free and be the best they could be. And if that meant spending their lives apart to accomplish that, then it had to be this way.
One thing was certain, however. They would always share a deep connection. Especially since they were both parents. To a little girl that was still too young to fully comprehend the changes in her family.
As much as they tried to shield Sofia from the harshness of the break-up, it naturally still was bound to have an impact on her. Sofia had noticed that her parents were behaving differently with each other. And it was hard and confusing.
Especially at times like these.
She looked at Sofia, who was walking beside her in unusual quietness. A somberness on her face that did not fit a four-year old. "Are you excited to see what Santa brought you?"
"Um-hm," Sofia returned as they reached the living room. Which indeed held various presents of all shapes and sizes, ready to be unwrapped.
The girl had written a list to Santa. Well, more like drawn pictures of what she wished for. And she was confident that Santa had laid out most of what she wanted under the tree. Maybe more.
But one wish Santa didn't seem to have managed to fulfill – this was made clear with even just a minute glance around the room.
Callie noticed the lost look, and it tore at her heart. In her position as one of Santa's secret helpers she had of course read the list. Read that one wish that – considering this year's events – seemed impossible to realize.
Or had seemed that way at the first moment. But after a few days of mulling on it, she had understood that it would be doable.
And a ring on the door would in a few seconds make this wish come true.
"Wanna see who's at the door?" Callie asked her daughter and gave her her most encouraging smile. And when Sofia still seemed sceptical, she added, "Maybe one of Santa's presents is late".
Sofia's face slowly lightened at the suggestion and she walked to the door.
To greet... "Mami!" she squealed as soon as she had managed to pull the door open and see the blonde outside.
Different than her and Mama, who were both still wearing their fluffy Christmas pyjamas – Sofia's being bright red with little Santas and snowmen, Callie's a more muted dark gray with snow flakes on them – Arizona's open jacket revealed a blue sweater with a red-nosed Rudolph on the front. Plus, she wore a Christmas hat and held a moderately-sized bag, presumably containing more presents.
Of course Arizona knew the list, Callie having slipped it into her locker at the attendings's lounge. Currently both of them were hardly speaking, and mostly just communicating through short messages sent by phone. Which was awful, and took a lot of joy out of the hunt for presents for their girl.
Callie still remembered last year when they both had excitedly opened the letter together and had had a blast trying to decipher what the little drawings were meant to depict.
But not this year.
This year Callie had nervously called her the night after slipping her the letter. Glad that Arizona had picked up, seeing as the contact info on the blonde's phone now probably didn't list her as "Calliope" anymore, but more as "That bitch that tore my heart to pieces". And talking had been awkward at first. Talks that used to be so easy now sometimes were more like pulling teeth, especially where details about the divorce were concerned.
But to Callie's relief, the conversation had grown lighter after a few moments, after the talk had come to the wish list. For Arizona it had been immediately clear that they could not deny Sofia this wish.
The wish of spending Christmas morning together. The three of them. As a family.
"Merry Christmas, sweetie!" she grinned as Sofia ran into her arms. The girl excited beyond words that this wish was coming true.
Arizona and Callie shared a little smile as well.
Of course there were fears of this sending the wrong message to Sofia. Sending false hope.
But divorced parents spending time together on Christmas in a friendly way could actually be good.
"Mama, Mami is here!" Sofia nearly shouted in excitement, as she pulled her mother inside the house.
"Hey," Callie greeted Arizona with a soft voice. Thankful that she had been willing to come, despite everything.
But there seemed to be no trace of animosity on the blonde as she replied a gentle "Hi. Merry Christmas". She actually was happy to be here, even if the house held some sad memories of new hope going down the drain. But it was way better than staring at a dismal and only half-decorated tree at Alex' place and pitying herself. And spending time with her baby girl was always worth it.
"M-Merry Christmas," Callie stuttered, still unsure if Arizona had properly accepted the fact that she would be a part of this time spent with her daughter as well. But Arizona put a calming hand on her arm before any nervousness could flare up.
"So, you know, Santa dropped some of his presents at my place," she addressed Sofia, who was still grinning widely. "Guess he forgot that we would all be celebrating together," Arizona explained, as she placed the presents she had in her bag next to Callie's.
They had talked about who bought what. Because going out and buying things together would definitely be too much right now.
But as they sat down on the couch and watched Sofia excitedly go through her presents from Santa, they were confident that eventually they would find a normal routine with each other.
One where they could talk normally and calmly with each other. And spend time in the same room without a sense of sadness or anger.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary:This is how could 7x17 have played out without the catastrophic car crash and a few tweaks to the storyline
Character: Arizona/Callie
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!
It was a sunny Saturday in spring as a lone black car made its way along a freeway near Seattle. Its passengers were Callie and Arizona, the blonde steering the car along the street safely, while bemusedly listening to Callie talking to her best friend on the phone.
Callie sucked in an excited breath, the following giggle only temporarily distracting her girlfriend behind the wheel. "She's moving back in?!" she squealed in excitement, waiting for Mark's affirmative answer before mildly slapping Arizona's arm with the back of her hand. "She's moving back in!"
"Yeah, yeah, I heard it the first time," the blonde laughed at the ecstatic brunette next to her, before raising her voice a little so that the man on the other end of the line could hear her. "Good for you, Mark!"
He had gotten back together with Lexie a few months ago, and naturally he was over the moon about it. The fact that the resident apparently had decided to take this next step in their newly blossomed relationship was of course the icing on the cake.
Callie was so happy him. And Arizona had to admit that she wasn't too sad about it either. He wasn't looking at her boobs anymore... as far as she knew. At least they had the bedroom to themselves again, which was a big plus.
But Arizona acknowledged that the man had helped her a lot on the last months. Their little Italian dinner date to prove Callie that she could get along with her best friend had been a turning point. They still weren't exactly on best-buddy-basis, but they were getting along pretty okay.
That took a lot of strain out of her relationship with Callie. And it had positive side effects too. After all, it had been Mark who finally had convinced Callie to let Arizona paint her bat cave. Or rather their bat cave.
So much had happened in the last year. Breaking up over disagreements about babies. Getting back together after staring into the eyes of death. Officially moving in together. Cristina and Owen moving into their own home. And Arizona... winning the Carter-Madison grant.
An event that had almost torn them apart again. Callie had been conflicted about being happy for the peds surgeon and being devastated because she knew that the original plan meant that her girlfriend, the outstanding peds surgeon would have to go to Africa for three years. To help establish a hospital in Malawi and save lives thousands of miles way from her.
But the blonde heart and soul had been equally as twisted.
This grant. She had applied for it over three years ago. Back when she had still been single. More than ready to commit to the ones who needed it most. And not ready to commit herself to a serious relationship.
It was her dream. Or... it had been. Had been for so long. Then Callie had come along and had turned her world upside down. And now suddenly faced with making a decision between Africa and Callie... she had known she would choose the latter.
She hadn't given up on Africa entirely, however. She was overseeing most things from Seattle with occasional trips to Malawi to help out.
It wasn't her original dream anymore. It wasn't three years in Africa doing what she knew she was born to do. But her vision of it all still remained.
And now she had even more. Her old dream. And her new ones. Which now even included baby showers.
… Okay, that one was a bit of a stretch. She still hated those.
But still she had organized one yesterday. With the help of Mark, who had a lot more feel when it came to that stuff, surprisingly. Scrapbook station, onesie decorating, whatever. It didn't matter to her, as long as Callie was happy.
And Callie had been happy about this. So she had been happy as well. Even though she could have lived without that balloon stuffed under her scrubs and that little tiara on her head that read "momma".
But seeing that huge smile on Callie's face had totally been worth it.
For Callie she would do anything. For Callie, and their baby.
Their baby. That thought still brought the silliest of smiles to her face.
With a couple of trips to L.A and the help of Addison, their baby was finally on the way. Neither of them had thought that it would work on the first try, but it had. And if the baby stayed on schedule, in 108 days they would finally be 'momma' and... well, okay, they had names to discuss.
Speaking of which... Arizona already knew that they were having a little girl. Doing ultrasounds often in her daily work, she could easily tell from the check-ups she's been to with Callie. But she didn't want to spoil her girlfriend's fun, since they had agreed on not wanting to know the baby's sex before birth... officially.
And Arizona had had enough fun secretly buying a few girls' clothes in the last weeks, and she could already imagine this little girl with Callie's black hair and big brown eyes one day wearing that insanely cute pink Minnie Mouse sweater.
Callie's adorable laugh at something Mark had said on the other line drew her out of that thought. "No, Mark, we don't need you to go paint shopping for our nursery yet. And we don't need either blue or pink," she chuckled at his latest effort to learn the secret kept between Arizona and the baby himself.
He had been desperate to find out. But it wasn't like he had any say in this matter – and Arizona had absolutely no intention on letting him in on her knowledge either. In the end he didn't care if in four months he'd be the godfather of a little boy or a little girl, that was pretty certain. "But I'm sure you can convince Lexie to go shopping with you for the apartment," Arizona provided as Callie readily held the phone's speaker to her. "You know how she loves to decorate".
"Hey, you wanna ask her right now?" Callie suggested with raised eyebrows. "Bet you're bored with your whacky neighbors gone already, huh?" she teased the man once more. "Yeah, we'll be fine those three days," she confirmed to an obvious question about the trip they were engaged in right now. "Okay, bye for now, Love you," she spoke before ending the call.
"Aww, you kinda choked him off there," Arizona pouted as she overtook a truck parked on the side of the road with ease.
"He'll live," the brunette chuckled. "And now...," she held up the phone ceremoniously so that her girlfriend could see out of the corner of her eye that...
"Did you just turn off your phone?" the blonde asked a little confused. Callie Torres was not someone who shut off her phone. Callie Torres was a phone addict.
"I did," the proclaimed addict smiled contently. "Or else he'd be calling again in half an hour. You know how he is".
"But you told him we'd be fine," Arizona argued, not even sure why. Not having Mark call constantly had its perks, she had to admit. "He's probably gonna worry when your phone goes straight to voice mail".
"All things taken into consideration," Callie calmed her, fully understanding this train of thought. "I left a message on my voice mail that tells every caller where we'll be and what I'll do to you over and over once we get there. Nasty, naughty things..."
"You what!?" Arizona exclaimed and nearly brought the car to a screeching halt. In panic. In arousal.
She felt the sudden need to call Callie's phone to hear her formulate what they were about to do over and over. Hot. Terrifying. Terrifyingly hot.
Her brain was really indecisive on this.
"Kidding!" Callie laughed. "It just tells everyone that we'll be gone for a few days".
"Oh," Arizona nodded in thanks for the clarification. But the thought of the nasties and naughties remained.
They hadn't done a lot of that in the last weeks. The changes of Callie's body often making her feel uncomfortable despite the effort Arizona put in showing her how desirable she was for her.
And she knew that at least some of this tension originated in the stress Callie felt herself going through. With trying to be her best at work and nurturing their unborn baby at the same time.
So, Arizona had arranged for them both to get some time off and had booked them a few days in a cozy B&B two hours away from Seattle to cool down and relax.
And obviously this had this welcome effect of Callie's libido reappearing. "So... it's just gonna be you and me?" she gave Callie her most radiant smile.
"You and me," Callie confirmed with a big smile of her own. "And, oh! And the baby," she laughed.
"Are they kicking you?" the blonde asked as she watched Callie put her hands on her growing belly.
"No, but we're definitely awake," her girlfriend returned. It had already been four weeks since the movements of the baby had become noticeable for Callie but it never once failed to amaze her.
"Good morning, baby," Arizona called out softly and put her hand on the side of Callie's tummy in greeting.
Their baby. She still had to realize that in the next days it'd be just Callie, the baby and herself. And no one to disturb them. She reached for her own phone lying on the dashboard and handed it to Callie. "You know what you have to do," she told her and Callie nodded with a happy expression before proceeding to put a message on Arizona's voice mail as well and shutting it off.
Meanwhile Arizona was on the lookout for a very specific spot on the side of the road. There was something she had planned. Something that was way bigger than a trip to a B&B. Something that was very important to her. And could change her life... their lives forever.
She slowed down the car gradually, getting them ready for what she had planned.
Callie noticed her girlfriend's actions and sent her a questioning glance sideways, which Arizona answered. "Do you, um, do you want to pull over for a bit?" she got out, glad that she had almost managed to keep that shaking out of her voice. She had practiced this scenario in her head over and over. Still it did little to calm her nervousness.
The brunette cocked an eyebrow at her. "Do you need to pee?" she teased lightly, "Because I thought I was the one with the crazy bladder..."
Arizona smiled at the amused figure sitting next to her. She had learned early on during Callie's pregnancy that joking about the challenges this brought to the brunette's body was not a wise action. But laughing along the jokes Callie made herself was safe. Well, at least most of the time. "No, I just thought you'd want to relax your legs for a minute, maybe?"
"No, that's okay, and we're only thirty something minutes away. I'll be okay," she felt a warmth spread through her at Arizona's apparent concern. She had never been one to let herself be coddled; but there had been moments lately where she enjoyed the care and attention.
Arizona faltered for a moment. She hadn't anticipated a possible denial to her suggestion. Which she now realized was pretty stupid considering that Callie wasn't always predictable. Never had been. "Well, come on, honey," she cooed, "just for a few minutes... our room at the B&B won't be ready for a couple of hours anyway."
"Okay...," Callie scrunched her eyebrows at the blonde's weird behavior... and sudden need for a rest. And she was about to complain about them having hit the road so early if their room wasn't even ready for them. But...
"I have sandwiches," Arizona redirected her thoughts before that could happen.
Okay, that was a game changer. She hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, and it was already hitting 12 pm. Now, if only...
"I packed some peanut butter ones as well," Arizona confessed and suddenly Callie was more than ready for that little break.
Arizona knew about her pregnancy cravings. And she had hoped that Callie's taste buds would eventually switch to something a little more... healthy like pickles, but Callie still stuck to her beloved peanut butter. However, they had an agreement. A peanut butter sandwich only twice a week.
Or apparently on special occasions like this one.
A couple of minutes later their picnic blanket was spread out under a tree that overlooked a beautiful valley in the Seattle area. Callie was seated on a pillow Arizona had thankfully brought along for her comfort and was leaning against the tree, for the moment content with enjoying the view. The picnic basket containing their food sat beside her still untouched.
The blonde had told her to sit tight while she went back to the car to get a thermos with tea and a bottle of water.
If she was being honest, heading back to the car to retrieve said liquids had been an excuse. They could easily have carried those with them on the first trip.
But she wanted, needed a few moments to herself. To collect herself, go over what she wanted to say.
This was going to be one of the most important moments... in their lives. And she wanted it to be perfect.
'Perfect'.
She repeated this word over and over in her head on the way back.
Until she rounded the tree and... felt the need to slap the back of her own head in good measure.
Maybe she shouldn't have left the basket in Callie's care.
Maybe she shouldn't have admitted to having packed her woman's current favorite food.
But certainly she should not have stored the tiny velvet box Callie now held between trembling fingers beneath said yummy goodness.
"Okay, okay... don't freak out. Don't freak out," she blubbered, at this moment not even sure which one of them she was trying to calm down. She deposited the bottle of water and the thermos on their blanket and dropped down in front of Callie, taking the little box from clammy hands. "I... wow... I thought you'd be sitting up higher with that pillow and all," she laughed nervously as Callie just continued to stare at her with an expression like a fish on land.
Arizona fidgeted around for a moment before dismissing the plan of getting up on one knee – the dress she had chosen to wear today making that practically impossible, anyway. One more thing she could have done differently in retrospect. So she sat back on her calves ad just looked at Callie for a moment.
Callie.
Her Callie. Her Calliope.
She was the one for her.
And now she wanted to make it official.
"Calliope... I love you more than anything," she started out slowly, this thought in her mind now clearer than it had ever been before. "You're the most amazing woman I've met in my entire life. And now you're giving me the most amazing thing in the world. You and our baby – you make me happier than I ever thought I could be." She reached out and grabbed Callie's hand with hers. Soothing Callie who still looked like she was going to hyperventilate any moment. And encouraging herself to continue. "You're... You're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. The one I want to wake up to every morning and the one I want to go to sleep with every night. And I am so grateful that I get to be with you".
She halted for a moment and took in a big, trembling breath in preparation for what would be next. "But I want more," she nodded her head with conviction. "I want to see you walking towards me in your wedding dress. I want to hear your vows. I want to be able to call you my wife. And in forty years from now, when our ten kids have finally left the house, I want to sit on our porch and hold your hand. And look back on all these wonderful moments we've had together. And I don't want to regret never having asked. So... Calliope Iphigenia Torres," she retracted her hand from Callie's to open the small black velvet box and reveal the plain white gold ring with a half carat diamond, "will you marry me?"
Seconds passed where she could hear nothing but the wind rustling through the trees and her fast beating heart.
And Callie looked... freeze-framed. Like someone had just pressed pause during the most important movie scene. Her gorgeous black dark eyes wide open in shock and her mouth still agape.
Arizona began to worry. Surely her love's neither verbal nor non-verbal response couldn't be interpreted as a good sign, right?
But why did Callie fail to give her the desired reaction?
Was it the ring? Had Callie opened the box before her return and just found the ring too appalling for words? She had known the ring would be an issue. She knew Callie didn't like anything too girly in jewelry. She had considered asking Mark for help. After all, he knew her best. But she also knew that he couldn't keep a secret. So she had confided in Teddy instead.
Had their idea been so way off?
Or did Callie simply not want to get married? Arizona had once dropped a casual comment about marrying before the baby was born. Callie had just shrugged at that. But Arizona had always thought that this would be important to her. With her catholic background and all.
Or was she just too scarred from her first marriage to take that step again? Once bitten, twice shy?
Or... did Callie want to get married... but didn't want to marry her?
Arizona's heart sank at that. It was definitely a thought worth dwelling on for a moment.
She could name reasons for an objection Callie might have to marrying her. But... no! She shook her head. "I'd... I'd be lying if I said that there weren't bumps in our road. We've had them and chances are we'll encounter some in the future. But-"
"You... You want to marry me?" the onset of a terrible babble rant was interrupted by a brunette having finally found her voice again.
"I... I do?" Arizona returned, not meaning for it to sound like a question but at this moment totally helpless.
Callie's expression slowly transformed into a smile. She had never thought she'd hear those words again. Would find someone willing to commit to her with everything they had. It was just so overwhelming. Especially since it was Arizona.
Not that she hadn't thought this would be a possibility in the future. But she had always imagined that she's be the one to ask. To catch the little butterfly that lightened up her life.
But now that it had happened this way... it was even more...
"Yes," she husked out.
… perfect.
"W-What?" Arizona inquired, not believing her ears of all a sudden.
"Yes," Callie spoke louder, her smile growing, "I'll... marry you".
And that was where Arizona's baby blues lit up again and her grin got so wide it threatened to split her face in two. She laughed incredulously as tears formed in her eyes and she leaned up to embrace Callie in the happiest of hugs she had ever given. On her cheeks she could feel the wetness of Callie's own joyous tears as her fiancee held her close.
Her fiancee.
She wanted to shout this out to the entire world. Calliope Torres was her fiancée!
Loosening the hug, she leaned back up to capture Callie's already awaiting lips in a tender kiss. "I love you," she whispered, letting their lips meet repeatedly.
"I love you too," Callie replied, softly cupping Arizona's cheeks in her hands and simply looking at her. "I love you so much, you don't even know it," she shook her head. It was true. She hadn't loved anyone this much before. Except their baby.
"I think I get the idea," Arizona chuckled and pecked her again.
Callie grinned at her soon-to-be-wife, and suddenly remembered something blatantly important, "Arizona Robbins... will you give me my ring?"
"Oh!" Arizona exclaimed, the box laying dumbly in her hand almost forgotten. She took the item and slid it onto Callie's ring finger, sighing in relief when it fit just perfectly.
"It's beautiful," Callie whispered, on the verge of crying again. "Thank you".
Arizona clasped the ring-decorated hand, at the brunette's teary expression having trouble holding her own emotions in check. "We're getting married," she whispered almost as incredulously as Callie had been before.
Her fiancèe brought their joint hands to her lips and gave Arizona's a soft, confirming kiss. "We're getting married," she confirmed with a smile and held their hands close to her chest.
Arizona laughed as her thumb caressed Callie's fingers. "Think we'll manage to get married before the baby is born?" the blonde asked. Feeling now more than before than they should address this topic.
"Hm," Callie pursed her lips. She certainly wanted to get married to Arizona as soon as possible. And that was not because she felt the need for the baby to be born into marriage. It was simply because she could hardly wait any longer.
But knowing that the due date was only a few months away, and knowing how much planning would go into creating the wedding the two of them wanted – the dresses alone – four months felt like a pretty short amount of time. "Well, we can certainly try," she chuckled as she brought their intertwined hands to lay in her lap. "Maybe the baby will come out the same day. It happens," she bemusedly.
"Oh!" Arizona laughed. "That'd be a plus. We'd never forget our anniversary," she joked. "And we'd have an amazing story to tell her- … or him," she quickly caught herself, fearing that she had just spilt that little secret of their baby being actually a baby girl.
But Callie hadn't noticed. Momentarily distracted by a sudden movement in her womb. "Hello, there," she giggled as her hand moved to her tummy. "I think they heard us talking about them". She said softly and smiled as Arizona perked up instantly and lay down to press her ear and hands to her belly. "Hi, there, my pretty baby," she cooed softly. "Did you hear? Your mamas are getting married".
Callie caressed Arizona's hair as this one continued to talk to their baby. Arizona loved this tiny, tiny person inside her so much. It was ridiculous how often they could be found in positions like this lately. Especially since the baby had started kicking. Callie loved feeling this too. Though she wasn't always a fan – especially not at night.
But the thought of the baby brought her back to something Arizona had said minutes ago. "So, do you still want those ten kids? Despite my hormone waves and all?"
"Yes!" Arizona said enthusiastically. "And more!"
"Oookay," Callie laughed amused but a teeny bit overwhelmed at the same time. "Let me get this one out first, then we can talk about having more kids, okay?"
"Okay," Arizona nodded as her hand was met with a tiny movement from inside Callie. "And maybe you won't have to do it all by yourself. Our ten plus kids..."
An audible gasp escaped Callie as her hand grasped the blonde's shoulder in wonder. Was she... "Arizona Robbins, are you suggesting that..."
"Shush...," the other woman interrupted, "... before I change my mind".
A new bout of tears made its way down Callie's cheek as she held her fiancee in her arms who in her turn held their baby as best as she could.
Arizona could see their future years shaping out in front of her eyes. Married. With tons of kids. And a house. And dogs. And chicken.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: Callie had seemed fine during their really enjoyable dinner. Arizona wondered what had suddenly changed. For her the night had been perfect. Except for one thing.
Characters: Arizona/Callie
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!
Callie was faintly saddened as she recapped the events of the last hours.
This evening had not panned out as she had planned.
At least not fully.
And as so often her line of work had been the rewarding, yet demanding culprit. Had gotten in the way of something bigger.
With Sofia invited to a sleepover at her friend's tonight, she had thought it the perfect opportunity to catch up with her ex-wife. To talk about the recent goings-on in their lives and so forth.
They had been friendly for the past two years. Which Callie was surely happy about.
But ever since her and Sofia moving back to Seattle, she had not yet found the time and space to really talk to Arizona. Quick chats the hospital, joint play dates and trips to the zoo or the beach hadn't provided her with the chance she had hoped for yet.
To talk about her motives of moving back here. Of course Sofia – who had never quite felt at home in New York – had been a very deciding factor. But she herself also still had a very strong pull to Seattle. And it wasn't just about her old hospital, her work and colleagues.
And therefore tonight had been somewhat of a … letdown?
No, now that was too strong a word. After all, one segment of her plans – their dinner – had still been doable, time-wise.
And it had been great. Amazing even. It certainly had helped that she had chosen Arizona's favorite little diner, rejoicing at the happy shine in the blonde's eyes once this one had found out where they would be going. And they had had a lengthy conversation about everything imaginable. It had been like old times.
However, Callie had hoped to ease her way into a different kind of conversation. But hadn't found the right approach.
She felt like she had just needed more time. So, if the evening had gone as planned, maybe...
Now it was late, close to midnight. And since both of them had to be at work in the morning again, she had decided to give Arizona a ride home instead and hope for another chance.
Arizona had her arms hanging loosely at her sides as she walked next to her. She noticed how Callie's hands were buried deep inside her leather jacket, and her feet sometimes made a move to kick an imaginary pebble.
The blonde knew they had been separated for years and were only starting to get to know each other closer again. But she felt she could still sense the basic mood her ex-wife was in. And thus she knew something was troubling the woman.
Callie had seemed fine during their really enjoyable dinner. She wondered what had suddenly changed.
For Arizona the night had been perfect except for one thing.
Reaching the pathway to her house, she was prepared for Callie saying her goodbyes. However, she was determined to not let her leave just yet.
She sat on Sofia's spacious net swing, which hung from a tree on the front lawn and patted the spot beside her. "Come sit with me for a minute".
Surprised, Callie's eyes wandered from the hanging seat to Arizona's encouraging smile and back. One could see she was wary. Not of the blonde, but rather the construction meant for kids to play on. "Really? Think this'll hold?"
Arizona laughed at the adorable apprehension. "Please! Three months ago, it held Alex, yours truly and three kids all at once. I think we'll be fine."
It had been a party at her house. And as soon as the kids had discovered the swing that nine year-old Sofia now sometimes already claimed she was too old for, there had been no stopping them. And somehow at one point little Bailey, Ellis and Harriet had been joined by Arizona and Alex. She couldn't even remember how it had come to this. But it had been hilarious. There were pictures of this too, if Callie needed any proof.
"Well," said woman shrugged, and albeit still somewhat skeptical neared the blonde and slowly sat down. Only relaxing when the item didn't give out after a few moments.
There was a minute of companionably silence as they looked at the sky and took in the quietness of the night. They used to enjoy nights like this together. Often taking Callie's trusty old Thunderbird to drive out to a cozy little spot in the hills outside Seattle that gave them a spectacular view of the city with its shiny lights, the sky with its twinkling stars and the Puget Sound, which reflected all this so beautifully.
Arizona had to admit she missed those days. That spot had never been the same without Callie and the Thunderbird. The Thunderbird was long gone, but Callie...
She cleared her throat and began, "I really enjoyed tonight".
"Good, I'm glad," Callie gave her a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Arizona was not perturbed. She had an inkling to what might have Callie down and she was preparing to fix it.
"Especially that you brought me to 'Le Petit France'. And have you seen the waiter? He totally reminded me of O'Malley!"
"Oh, my God, yes!" Now Callie produced a real smile. With his mannerisms and looks, he really came close to the late George. "Even the voice. Ignoring the obvious fake French accent, that is," she giggled.
"Yeah, that was terrible," Arizona nodded her head in amusement, readily soaking up Callie's now visibly more upbeat mood. She observed the brunette's lips tugged up in delight and the remnant of the laughter they had just shared visible around the edges of her eyes. The woman was beautiful, that for Arizona had always been a fact. And she had often spent long moments just watching her. And definitely could feel herself wanting to again.
"Callie," she softly continued, hoping not to scare Callie with her next question. Or worse, make that mood disappear. But she felt that she wouldn't. "I'm gonna ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me, okay?"
The brunette perked up, hoping and fearing she knew what question would be coming. "Okay".
Arizona searched Callie's eyes. "Did we...," she began, and her heart beat faster. "Did we have a date tonight?"
There was only one answer she wanted to hear.
"Um," Callie stalled, not surprised by the question she had somewhat expected, yet still feeling unprepared. She gauged what Arizona might want the answer to be. After all, she did not know if they were seeing eye to eye on this particular subject. Understandably after everything they had gone through.
But Arizona had asked her to be honest. And she knew that she needed... wanted to be just that.
So she finally replied. "Yes, we did".
She observed Arizona's expression closely, and noticed the hint of a smile and the faint creasing of the blonde's lovely trademark dimples.
"And I'm sorry it was so short and... plain ordinary," she went on encouraged. "I actually had other plans".
She had had various options laid out for what to do after their dinner. Depending on how much time they had and how they were feeling. She knew Arizona's leg sometimes still troubled her after a long day at work.
They could have gone to the movies, watch a surprise black and white oldie. Arizona used to love old classics. And that probably hadn't changed.
They could have gone late night shopping at Seattle's new and gigantic 24/7 candy store... Something that sweet tooth Arizona surely would have enjoyed. It had sections entirely with pink candy or rainbow and unicorn candy. And even one section not appropriate for children.
Or they could have gone to the skating rink. Even with her prosthetic, Arizona could still out skate her any day, having remastered her skills. While Callie herself was always more or less in danger of breaking her butt.
Callie had made up so many scenarios in her head about how this night could lead them to get closer, initiate some body contact or some suggestive banter. To get an idea of Arizona's possible feelings towards her.
The good old 'put your arm around her shoulder' in the cinema had come to mind. A 'letting Arizona save her from falling' in the skating rink. Or making her own decorations on a gingerbread heart in the store.
Most of these more obvious than subtle. But Callie figured it was still better than just asking her if she wanted to date.
Arizona shook her head, but not at Callie's admission. "Nothing we do together will ever be plain ordinary," she smirked at Callie's hopeful expression. "And I'm glad it was a date. I've wanted to ask you out for a while now".
The jitters had kept her from actually doing it. But she was so happy Callie had dared to take this step.
"Yeah?" Callie couldn't stop a single joyful tear from rolling down her cheek.
"Yes!" Arizona returned vehemently and wiped the tear away with her thumb.
Callie grabbed the gentle hand and held it between hers in her lap. Words could not describe how happy she was right now.
Of course she was not naive. They had some serious talking to do in regards to how their dating should go, which goals they had and if things were going well, when and how they should tell Sofia about it.
But for now the happiness prevailed.
Arizona watched her, her thoughts not much different than Callie's. But she knew they were going to figure it out this time and actually make it work.
"So, um, if I remember correctly, first dates tend to have a very specific ending," Arizona joked, not wanting Callie to lapse into too much mulling. And also because it really was a tradition of sorts.
"Hm," Callie hummed, playing along, "I think I know what you mean," she agreed with a slow nod.
Arizona moved in, more than anything needing to feel Callie's lips on hers again.
Short from reaching her goal, she perceived a low creaking, at first not able to locate it or say what it was. It sounded like something tearing-
Within seconds she felt herself being pulled off the swing before the rope snapped and sent one side of their seat crashing to the ground.
Callie had her by the waist securely, making sure she had solid ground beneath her feet.
"It holds, alright," the brunette remarked sarcastically; yet her amusement was audible.
"Well... ooops," Arizona just shrugged, inspecting the broken swing.
"I have to say I feel a little offended," Callie pulled an according face. That thing had held Arizona, Alex and three kids, and now couldn't handle just the two of them?
The blonde giggled, "Just wait how miffed Sofia will feel when we tell her that her moms broke her favorite toy".
"You sure it's not rather your favorite toy?" Callie countered, since apparently her date counterpart enjoyed this things quite a lot herself.
"Maybe that too," Arizona readily admitted. "Will you buy me a new one?" she pouted.
Callie didn't answer, just laughed out wholeheartedly and finally moved in to receive her reward for a somewhat still perfect night.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: Today had been the first day Arizona had taken care of Baby Sofia alone. And Callie couldn't wait to see how the day had gone. Just a little one-shot for Mother's Day.
Characters: Callie/Arizona
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.
Callie put her ear to the door, and tried to listen to what was going on behind it. But not a sound was to be heard.
And she did not know if that was a good sign or a bad one.
As softly as possible she opened the door to her apartment. Curious to see in what condition she would find it in.
Anything from the eerily silent aftermath of a destructive tornado to a happy companionable cuddle party on the couch was possible.
Today had been the first day her wife Arizona had taken care of their four month-old Sofia by herself.
Until recently they had always had at least a double routine looking after their daughter. Initially with Mark and Arizona both taking time off, since Callie as well had still needed some assistance during her recovery from the car crash. Then up until the wedding those two had taken turns staying home with Callie and their girl.
Last week had been Mark's big week. The first week he was alone with baby Sofia throughout the day while Callie eased her way back into work and Arizona operated on the kids Alex had had flown in from Malawi.
And to say the man's week had been... chaotic at times was an understatement. While he played it cool whenever bringing their baby to the hospital to have the nurses swoon over her and told everyone how smooth parenting was going for him, his apartment told a different story.
Mark was a tidy man, but in that short span of a few days his flat had been turned upside town. And he hadn't gotten much sleep either.
But overall he had told them that we was really happy about his one on one quality time with his daughter.
So now Callie couldn't wait to see how Arizona's first day went and what she would report.
Making a step into the apartment she was surprised about the limited amount of disorder. A few baby bottles stood on the coffee table, a heap of dirty clothes, most belonging to Arizona, sat on the floor near their bedroom door, and a few toys, rattles and plushies, were strewn about here and there.
All in all... it seemed Arizona had everything pretty much under control.
"Hi," she softly called out to the blonde who stood folding a blanket she had used to snuggle up under with Sofia on the couch.
"Hey," Arizona turned towards Callie to receive a welcome kiss and a gentle hug in greeting.
Arizona looked good. A bit tired but good, the brunette noted. Her hair was in a messy bun and she obviously had by now resorted to some shabbier clothes that weren't in danger of formula or vomit ruining them. But Callie was undeniably attracted to her anyway.
Callie observed the happy smile tugging at the woman's lips. An expression she often found now that they were married and also parents to the most adorable girl in the world. And whenever thinking about this, Callie felt the same sentiment invade her features. "Is Sofia asleep already?" she wondered due to the lack of the aforementioned adorable baby in the living room.
"Yeah," Arizona sighed, a little wistfulness with a lot of relief mixed in her voice. "I managed to get her to sleep half an hour ago".
Callie giggled. True. It wasn't always that easy to get her to sleep. Or get her to sleep for longer than a couple of hours at a time. "I'm gonna check for a moment, okay?" she returned, going in for another kiss.
"Sure," Arizona nodded with a smirk, knowing Callie longed for her daily baby dosage.
Even if that only consisted of combing her fingers through the soft, barely there baby hair and kissing her sleeping daughter's cheek, she needed this to end her day. And Callie did just that.
"Night, baby," she whispered as she exited Sofia's room again after a few minutes of watching the tiny human sleep contently.
She headed into the bedroom where Arizona had disappeared into.
"We're good, she's still asleep," she informed, barely catching a glimpse of Arizona, as this one maneuvered the heap of dirty clothes into the hamper in the bathroom.
"Good," Arizona reciprocated, walking back into the other room where Callie was getting ready to change into something more comfy, having already worked her boots off her feet. "I'm gonna clean up the living room a bit. Are you hungry? I can make you something..."
She stopped as Callie shook her head with a smile.
"I'm good, thanks." The brunette held out her hand to signal her to stay. "Come here a minute, sweetie," she ordered and let herself sink down to lay on her back on the bed, waiting for her wife to snuggle up with her.
She could see the blonde had worked herself all day and deserved at least a few moments of rest.
Arizona readily accepted the invitation, placed the baby phone on the bed and cuddled into the embrace the brunette provided. Callie really gave the best snuggles on any person in the world, as far as she was concerned. "Mmmm, this is nice," she purred, positioning the other woman's arm around her shoulder and entwining their fingers.
"Mm," Callie readily agreed as she enjoyed the closeness of Arizona's body. "Tell me about your day. How'd it go?"
"Well, um," the blonde pondered where to begin her tale, "I've been pooped on and spit on twice today," she chuckled at the earlier mishaps. "And we made a scene in the check-out-line at the grocery store because it simply took too long for her liking." She had nearly performed a rain dance to calm the grouching girl strapped onto her chest. To no avail. "But we played a lot too. She literally never gets tired of peekaboo. And I never get tired of watching her smile," she reported as an actual yawn escaped her. Never getting tired of baby smiles was one thing. But that didn't mean never getting tired at all. Yet summing it up, she could really say she has had one of the best days of her life.
Callie smiled at the potpourri of events and emotions going on. She really couldn't wait for it to be her solo turn, but at the same time she was a bit scared.
"Oh, and she doesn't like her fennel tea," Arizona added and informed her wife of a more difficult topic. She really wanted Sofia to drink it because it was good for all sorts of ailments a tiny body could have.
"Hm, just like her mommy," Callie snickered and squeezed Arizona's hand nestled in hers.
"Hm?" the blonde wondered.
"Your mom told me about your ability to smell fennel through the bottle as a baby. Little Arizona never opened her mouth to that either".
"Right, okay," Arizona laughed. "So, she's got this from me," she accepted rather proudly.
"Yeah, we'll just blame you," Callie joked. "Any plans for tomorrow?"
"I'm thinking...," Arizona yawned once more. "I'm thinking about taking her to the park. Watch some duckies and doggies," she suggested. "But that might me more for me than for her."
"That sounds nice, regardless," Callie agreed. She knew that Arizona did not only like chicken, but all sorts of animals.
"Anyway, how did your day go?" the blonde wondered, looking up at her wife. Callie was slowly taking up work again, and Arizona knew she was very excited about the new challenges and was eager to share.
"It was great," Callie responded. "I worked with Hunt and Webber on a patient who had fallen from a scaffold fourteen feet. Ruptured spleen, broken collar bone, both arms broken in several places. It didn't look good. He almost died on us twice," she cringed, "but we saved him. Webber could even save his spleen. We'll see how the next days will go. Little Grey is watching his vitals," she concluded, despite everything actually satisfied with the man's outlook. "Oh, and you won't believe what Bailey told me".
She waited for a response of interest from her partner... but it didn't come.
She frowned and looked down to where... Arizona had fallen asleep. With her head on her shoulder and her body heaving relaxed breaths.
In the end obviously entirely exhausted by her first solo mommy day.
Callie smiled lovingly and kissed the top of her head, "Night, mommy," she whispered.
And as she realized that Arizona's position made it impossible for her to get up without disturbing the deserved sleep of her wife, she decided that maybe getting some sleep herself was not the worst idea.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: It's a meet-up between old friends to celebrate. But suddenly there is more to celebrate than some of them had been aware of.
Character: Arizona/Callie, Bailey
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!
If it was possible to get a muscle cramp from shaking too many hands, Miranda Bailey was close to it. Her hand was hurting. Overused by numerous people congratulating her on her tonight's success.
She really hadn't thought she'd win.
Of course she had hoped she would. Confident enough in her 'Trailblazer' that has seen much praise from various journals and specialists in recent years.
But actually being able to call the prestigious Burgate Award for medical innovations her own – an award that would open doors worldwide for her - it blew her mind still.
Shaking what felt like the thousandth hand tonight in the crowded ballroom, she startled a little when out of nowhere she felt a hand on her shoulder.
She turned and came to face with not only one but two old acquaintances. Or friends, rather.
"Bailey!" Arizona's excited voice sounded as the blonde hugged her fiercely. "Congratulations! I'm so proud of you".
"Thank you," Bailey smiled as Arizona released her, and immediately felt herself being pulled into another strong embrace.
"I knew you would win this," Callie praised her. "Well deserved".
"Thanks. I didn't know you'd be here," she said to the two women she hadn't seen in person for years now. Callie even far longer than Arizona.
"Please! The Burgate Award being held in New York and Miranda Bailey as the most promising nominee. You really think we were gonna miss this?!" Arizona wondered, almost a little offended that Bailey thought they wouldn't come. Wouldn't care enough to do so?
Sure, their talks had become fewer and further between. This is what happens when people live on opposite sides of the county and are busy with their respective and very successful careers. But they still knew about the important events. And wouldn't dare not to attend, if time allowed.
Just when Bailey was about to vigorously deny the assumption, a tall graying man approached them. "Dr. Bailey, the most sought after woman of the evening. I hope you're enjoying the night," he smiled benevolently at her and only then realized that the woman apparently had just been in the middle of a conversation. "Oh, pardon my manners. I'm Robert Earl, CEO of Marsters Med Tech Development. I'm Dr. Bailey's business partner," he introduced himself and held out his hand out to Callie.
"Dr. Callie Torres, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Fairmont Medical Hospital in New York," the brunette returned and shook the proffered hand.
"Oh, Dr. Torres. I've read an article on your recent breakthrough in the development of exoskeletons. It's really quite impressive. We should have a talk someday".
"I'd love to. Thank you," the brunette said, smiling brightly in anticipation and turned his attention to the no less impressive woman to her right. "This is my wife, Dr. Arizona Robbins. Head of Practical Education and Surgery at Robbins Herman Center for Women's Health".
"We both used to work with Dr. Bailey back in Seattle," Arizona provided, just in case he was wondering about their connection to Bailey, and proceeded to shake his hand in greeting as well.
Robert Earl raised his eyebrows in amazement at this information, "So much medical genius in one spot. And Dr. Robbins, of course your name rings a bell as well. There's a lot of admirable talk about the work you're doing. I've..."
Bailey suddenly stopped following the conversation her business partner and former colleague were engaging in, as her mind skipped back to what Callie had just said.
Particularly a word she had used.
'Wife!'
Was this... ?
Her eyes went from one to the other as she tried to make sense of this.
Were Callie and Arizona married...? Again?
It didn't seem like a slip of the tongue born out of habit. The two of them having long been divorced before. Something certainly painfully painfully imprinted in both their brains. So...?
Callie noticed the astounded look and realized she had just dropped an enormous bomb on her long-time friend.
Her ears turned red under the scrutinizing look that flicked between her and her love, who was still eagerly engaged in her talk with Bailey's business associate.
"Okay, well, I won't keep you any longer. It was really nice to meeting you two," he addressed Bailey's former colleagues once more. "Dr. Bailey, we'll talk in the coming days. Enjoy yourselves".
With that he headed off and left his business partner staring at the other women in wonder.
"You're... You're married? For how long?" she demanded to know with a hint of accusation. Accusation of being left in the dark about this. She had barely known they were dating again. And now this...?
Arizona only now caught on to what Callie and Bailey had been silently discussing and frowned at their former chief's reaction.
"Um, three months...," Callie slowly admitted, unsure of how to read Bailey. She didn't seem too chipper about the revelation.
But only because... "Why didn't you say anything!? I would have loved to be at your wedding! At least show me the rings," she pouted and grabbed their respective hands to inspect. Two simple, yet elegant white gold and platinum bands with three tiny diamonds embedded in each.
Arizona relaxed visibly at Bailey's appreciative nod. At the rings and apparently at them as spouses once again. "It was a very private ceremony. Just us and Sofia. It was just for us," she admitted.
And Callie grabbed the blonde's hand that Bailey finally released. "Yeah, we had the big flashy wedding. And in the end it didn't hold, because maybe we married too soon. This time it was very small, but long thought out. And it will be forever," she promised her wife with a smile.
Arizona nodded in agreement. It was true to their first marriage - specifically the proposal - had been rushed and had come out of nowhere. And while she would never say that she regretted their first time married – the approach it had not been ideal. Had been the epitome of catastrophic. And she would always feel guilt about that. This time the proposal had been more expected. Both knowing that it was what they both longed for. So when Callie had went down on one knee at a romantic restaurant, it had been her dream – their dream - come true.
They were relieved that Bailey accepted them. Aware that not everyone of their old companions would be so positive. Having witnessed how it all had gone to proverbial hell.
It was a reason why most of their Seattle friends didn't know. But this moment right here gave them hope. And maybe they'd soon let the others know as well.
"Well," Bailey smiled at the content bliss emanating from the not-so-newlyweds. She also was confident that this would last. For her friends she really wanted it to. "Congratulations," she exclaimed and hugged the two of them. "But at least let me buy you a drink. Celebrate."
"No, we're buying," Callie argued, "It's your big night, after all".
And the woman of the night just shrugged. "Fine with me".
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: Curiosity about the connection of eggs, bunnies and Easter leads to a little confusion, a fair amount of embarassment and an unexpected talk two parents had secretly hoped for.
Characters: Callie/Arizona, Sofia
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.
A/N: Happy late Easter! ;)
She stalked her terrain. On the hunt for some treats she just knew lay hidden, waiting to be discovered by her keen eyes.
Her basket was already full to the brim, a clear sign on how successful her raid was.
And with a squeal of joy she realized that she was still not done. "Found one more!" the little girl exclaimed and held up yet another colorfully painted egg for her parents to see.
Her parents, Callie and Arizona, by name, were sitting on a bench nearer to the house, and enjoyed watching their four year-old rascal run around the garden. On the prowl for Easter eggs and other goodies they had stashed away for her for this special day.
Special for two reasons. One it being Easter Sunday of course. And two, it was the first Easter they got to spend in their new house.
They had bought it three months ago. A beautiful one-story home from the mid-seventies. With big windows, a wooden facade in light fawn, a dark roof on the outside. And a spacious kitchen, a dining room, two living rooms, four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the inside.
It was located in one of Seattle's quieter areas, in a small neighborhood community close to Blyth Park.
Arizona had been so over the moon when Callie had agreed to buy this gem. She had feared it would be way harder to convince her wife to move out of her bat cave. By now partly beige-tinted, but still with an appeal a little too edgy for Arizona's taste.
Yes, admittedly, the apartment had its perks. The most obvious one being that it was literally right across the street from the hospital, and therefore allowed for an insanely short commute.
But Arizona had always wanted to someday live somewhere with a little more room, and a lot more green, Callie knew.
And so when they had visited the house and she had seen the over-excited faces of her wife and daughter at the idea of living here – even though it was a good thirty minutes away from work and preschool – the brunette had not hesitated one second. The happiness of her family by far outweighing the sorrow of losing her first real home in Seattle. Her hideout in the basement at Seattle Grace, the time she had stayed with George at Meredith's and the months she had crashed on Cristina's couch not really counting.
They had adapted to their new surroundings nicely, using this new start to really design the inside of the house together. The little squabbles about the wall-colors by now a tradition with her wife Callie held really dear. At least the walls weren't beige anymore, but rather a mix of other... pastel colors. Not really Callie's style, still, but she was getting used to it. She had been able to carry through some of her wishes in furniture, at least. The living room and hallway with the dark mahogany shelves, sideboards and bureaus almost exclusively her idea and a nice contrast to the light walls.
Plus Arizona had allowed her to color their master bedroom's walls in a ruby tone. The blonde willingly admitted that this gave the room a really intimate atmosphere. And that made the room one easily of their favorites.
Sofia's favorite was naturally her own room. Decorated just as pastel-y and brightly as her Mami Arizona would have fashioned the entire house, if one had let her.
The house was their joined project; they were all very proud of it. And as far as space was concerned, they couldn't have done better. The backyard with adjoining garden alone was almost as big as the living room of the apartment had been.
Thus it was clearly a feature little Sofia enjoyed very much about the new habitat. Understandably. It had a swing, a small slide, a little sandbox and in general plenty of room to explore and do fun activities.
Like Easter egg hunting.
"Here!" they heard Sofia's little voice as another egg went into her little container.
"Good, baby," Arizona shouted over. "Come here a sec and show us, how full your basket is, okay?" she proposed and the little girl obliged, spurting over with her yellow and rose summer dress flowing in April's already warm air.
Callie wore a dress quite similar – albeit in light-blue and yellow. Her two girls had given it to her for her last birthday. And despite usually preferring much darker colors herself, the brunette had chosen this day to wear it – knowing Sofia and Arizona would love it.
She took the basket and counted the contents, adding them to the things already laid out on the wooden crate next to the bench. Making sure their daughter had found all things hidden in the garden.
She wasn't too fond of the idea of stumbling across a rotting and smelling egg in a month or so. Or finding one of the other presents overlooked, withered and worn by often unstable spring weather.
"This looks great, sweetie. You found it all," she smiled in satisfaction and hugged her mini-me to her.
"Oh, wait up," Arizona interrupted. Almost unnoticed by the duo she had disappeared into the house. "Mr. and Mrs. Bunny told us that one of their friends is pretty lonely and wants to live with you," she announced and conjured up a medium-sized bunny plushie from behind her back. All equipped with its own bag full of eggs hanging from its shoulder.
Callie looked at her wife in amused disbelief. Actually they had an agreement to cut back on the stuffed animals a little. Seeing as how Sofia's bed was already so full the girl herself hardly fit in with them anymore.
With the four year-old refusing to give away even just one of the animals and demanding they all sleep in her bed, it was starting to become a problem.
Scratch the starting to. It already was a problem.
But apparently Arizona hadn't been able to resist the cuteness of this one. And against better judgment Callie had to agree that it was adorable.
"Oh, thank you!" Sofia rejoiced and hugged her mom before inspecting the bunny.
"Are you happy, baby?" Callie asked as Sofia marched back to the crate to add her new friend to the wild arrangement of candy eggs and real ones, a few toys – including a little space shuttle and a Barbie – and some crayons and colored pencils, so she could live out her artsy nature. Seeing as there wasn't enough room for her plushie, however, she opted to keep hugging it instead.
"Yes!" the girl answered vigorously to the question, but soon her parents noticed her lip protruding in contemplation.
Having had the honor of raising her for four years now, Callie and Arizona knew that some sort of question was growing in the young mind always thirsty for knowledge.
The age of four was the inquisitive one. And Sofia asked a lot of things. Rarely anything unimportant. So the women were keen to know what was going on inside her head her this time.
"What is it?" Arizona decided to address the matter.
The little one thought for a moment if she could find the answer herself. But soon accepted that it was not possible. "Why do we have eggs and bunnies for Easter?" the girl queried and her face portrayed true puzzlement out of lack of logical connection of the three things.
"That's a good question," Arizona agreed, encouraging the four year-old's curious mind. And also stalling, since she was busy thinking about the perfect and most child-oriented explanation.
Her wife was already one step further and began, "Well, you see, they're symbols of fertility."
"What's 'fertly'?" Sofia immediately chimed in and squinted her eyes at the adult, having never heard that difficult word.
Arizona inwardly chuckled at her wife's approach, which seemed better suited for a kid a few years older. At least vocabulary-wise. "It means, like, new life," she decided to help out a little. "You know how in spring everything starts to grow again? All the trees get new leaves and the flowers grow blossoms?" she tried and Sofia nodded.
Callie smiled at the assistance. Picking up Sofia and seating her on her lap, she continued on this more promising route. "And a lot of animals have babies in spring. Like bunnies, for example".
"Oh, okay," Sofia bobbed her little head at her parents' statements.
However, "And the bunny babies grow in eggs?" the connection between the colorful objects and the hippy-hoppy animal was still up for debate, as the clever follow-up of the preschooler reminded them.
Because why else would bunnies have eggs, if they weren't theirs?
"Um," it was Callie who stalled this time. It was getting a little complicated. And technically bunnies in eggs wasn't even all wrong, since that was where the tiny embryos started to develop. "Well, these eggs the bunny gets from some really nice hens, who want to make kids happy. And the bunny paints them, so they look pretty".
"Uh-huh," Sofia agreed, looking down down at her plushie and the plushie eggs in the basket, processing the information. "And the baby bunnies?"
"Oh, right," her mom remembered the question about them growing in eggs. "Um, they sort of grow in eggs too. But a different kind of egg. A lot of babies come from eggs," she concluded, her face growing desperate at her funky explanation of life. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Arizona by now full on stifling a laugh at the truthful, but for a little child likely misleading exchange.
"And human babies? They come from eggs too?" Sofia ruminated further.
And Callie just moved her head in a half-nod-half-shake, glad that Sofia's eyes were focused elsewhere. "From a very special type of egg, yeah," she confirmed and silently prayed to the Easter Bunny that this would be it about this particular topicfor now.
Because this parent was clearly not prepared for The Talk just yet. Having figured it'd be a couple more years.
Of course Sofia's inquisitiveness and her own floundering over the correct way to explain it had brought them here, so she had to blame herself.
To Callie's dismay, Detective Sofia Robbins Sloan Torres was far from done. "But how does the baby get into the egg? Like... like, chicken... not all chicken eggs have babies".
Sofia knew this first hand. Due to Arizona's wish they were considering getting a coop and some chicken. And had recently visited a little chicken farm to see if it was really a thing for them. The farmer had explained a lot about the animals and eggs to her, so Sofia knew that most eggs didn't hold babies. The process of getting the baby chicken into the egg, however, had not been discussed. And right now Callie wished it was different.
She cleared her throat. "I'm sure Mami can explain," she deflected the responsibility of enlightening their daughter and got up, placing Sofia in her previous spot on befuddled Arizona's side. "She's a baby doctor. She knows all about this. I'll be right out with the cake, okay?"
"Yes!" Sofia squealed in anticipation of the cake Mama had promised they'd have after the hunt. And at the prospect of a really good explanation from her Mami Arizona, who was a veritable baby doctor by now. Having started a successful fellowship in fetal medicine almost a year ago. So as Sofia understood it, she was now an expert on tiny unborn babies as well as big kids like herself.
The expert in question stared at her wife in a flight of despair at the obvious attempt to escape and mouthed a 'smooth move' to the the overwhelmed woman, who hastened to get inside.
Sofia failed to catch the exchange, and looked at her "Mami?" expectantly.
"Uh, well, you see...," she cleared her throat, hugging Sofia to her. She met the intense dark eyes that reminded her of Callie every day. "If, um... if two adults... or two chicken love each other very much, they might... cuddle... a lot," she smirked, agreeing with herself that this wasn't too bad of a start. "And a some point that might lead to a baby, because they love babies. Baby's are always great, you know?" she admitted and kissed the girl's head.
"And the cuddling helps make the baby?" Sofia followed and nestled into her mom's arm.
"Uh-huh," Arizona agreed, satisfied with calling the actual process 'adult cuddling' for now. That's all Sofia needed to know at her age. "The grown-ups cuddle and a part of each get into the egg to make a baby. With chicken, the mama lays the eggs early on and the little chicken grow outside the mama. That's why they have this hard shell to protect them. And when they're ready, they break the egg and slip out. With human babies, they start out as eggs too, but then the egg shell gets thinner and thinner, as the baby grows, until there is just a fragile skin left. That's why human babies stay in their mom's belly until they're ready to be born, alright? She protects them that way".
To that Sofia hummed her enthusiastic consent. That human babies grow in the belly, she already knew. Having been to work with Mami a couple of times. And also from some of her parents' friends, who had grown babies in bellies.
"So, humans only lay the egg once the baby wants to come out," Sofia concluded.
"Sort of, yeah," Arizona pinched the bridge of her nose when Sofia wasn't looking. Why, oh, why had Callie started this whole humans and eggs thing? God knows what Sofia really imagined went on inside a pregnant woman, and during birth.
If the time was ripe for a more detailed version of The Talk, she definitely would not let her coward of a wife flee the scene. They would do that one together.
But at least their daughter seemed content enough. As far as the few moments of silence indicated.
"So, Mama and Daddy cuddled a lot and then I got into the egg?" Sofia asked.
"That's right," Arizona returned. Strange how answering this question suddenly felt so easy in comparison to the conversation of the last minutes.
And truth be told, by now she was far past the circumstances of Sofia's conception. As unorthodox as it was, she would not change one bit about her daughter's story. Sofia was growing up in the best family ever, if she was allowed to judge.
"But now only you cuddle Mama, right? And you love her very much?"
"Absolutely," the blonde found herself readily agreeing to the state of their relationship. Her mind ready to dwell on moments of this bliss.
So ready, in fact, that she nearly missed the next mental leap of Sofia's mind. "Can you try to cuddle Mama really tight so she can lay more baby eggs?"
"Can...," Arizona's thoughts came to a screeching halt.
"Can you... Can I... what?!" Callie equally surprised voice sounded from the back door of the house in confusion.
Sofia climbed off the bench and neared Mama to explain. "Mami said that cuddling makes a baby in the egg. Can you lay a baby egg so I can have a baby brother like Bailey?"
"Oh," Callie realized, now caught up to the train of thought. But this didn't mean she wasn't at a loss of what to say. Perplex she looked between her excited daughter, hugging into her side and waiting for an answer, and her flustered wife, who was trying to blend in with the bench she was still occupying. Even though her white shorts and shirt matched the color of said piece of furniture, her beet-red face still made her stick out. "I... uhh, well... maybe," she returned diplomatically. "But, look, cake is ready," she changed the subject and showed Sofia the tray she was holding. With plates, cups and a thermos full of tea. And not to forget Sofia's favorite strawberry cheese cake".
"Yay!" the girl shouted, with that her focus on the cuddle-produced babies in eggs seemingly deterred for now.
"Alright. Go wash your hands, sweetie," she ordered and Sofia was already on her way to do as asked.
As soon as she was gone, Callie turned her attention towards her wife. "I was gone for a whole three minutes...," she teased, walking down the few steps of the porch and setting out the table in the garden for them.
"In my defense... I didn't make the egg thing any worse. It's not like you gave me a good start...," the blonde protested.
And the inquiry for a sibling had caught her equally off guard as it must have her wife.
"True," Callie blushed at the playful accusation. "But the cuddles?" she cocked an eyebrow in amusement, "Can you imagine her spreading her new knowledge in preschool?"
"I'd rather not," Arizona grinned as she watched her wife finish up and deposit the tray on the ground. "Maybe we should warn her teacher about it". Before incomplete knowledge leads to total confusion of a young generation of Seattleites.
At this, Callie laughed wholeheartedly. "Oh, God, Mark is gonna love this so much," she said and used the opportunity to sit on Arizona's vacant lap, smiling at the sight and feel of her own legs brushing against the blonde's. Arizona's legs always significantly paler than her naturally tan ones. But the April sun gave them a subtle freckling.
The other woman laughed along, leaning her head against her wife's chest, as Callie draped one arm around her shoulder. Her own arms instinctively moving around Callie's waist. "So true. I can already hear his comments on that. Wonder how he would have gone about this".
Mark was absent for Sofia's first big egg hunt at her mothers' house. Which in any other situation would be a big affront to their daughter.
But he had an excuse.
A really good one.
He was on his honeymoon with Lexie in Curacao. The two of them having gotten married two weeks ago.
They hadn't heard a lot from them since the wedding. God knows what they were doing and how busy he was cuddling Lexie.
His baby mamas were really happy for him. And Sofia was excited to have yet another mom.
And who knows, maybe they were planning on a sibling for Sofia already. Mark definitely open to the idea.
"But, Calliope, honey, could you... um," Arizona bit her lip as she looked up at her woman, trying to gain her attention from where Callie was absently stroking her arm.
The brunette turned her head and Arizona was able to lock eyes with her. Her beautiful wife and mother of her child. She really was her dream come true. A dream that had long not included children. But now that she was experiencing the joy of motherhood, it was something she wouldn't want to miss.
"Could you…," she grasped the strong hand on her arm and entwined their fingers. "Could you imagine laying more baby eggs in the future?" she finally dared to formulate her thought and felt her pulse quickening in expectation of the answer.
The realization that Sofia herself was actually mulling the idea and wanted a sibling was working in the blonde's mind. Not for the first time making her think about this matter.
Callie raised her eyebrows. Not at the wording, which would seriously become an inside joke for their family for all eternity. But at the question itself.
They hadn't talked about this. With so much happening in their lives, their careers right now.
But things were going so great in that respect and they had a really stable relationship. And now they had this amazing house, with a couple of spare rooms they had right now planned out as offices or a play room for Sofia plus a guest room.
Yet of course they could be used in other ways as well.
Callie looked at her wife, who five years ago had been so adamant about not ever wanting kids. But now she seemed serious about this.
Could this really in the future for them? More babies?
It certainly had been her dream growing up. Maybe not ten kids, but something like three or four always having played out in her imagination of her future.
Naturally her little self had not lost too many thoughts on the carrying a baby around in you for a whole long while. She thought back on her pregnancy with Sofia. Remembering the nine and a half months full of hormonal mood swings, swollen feet and stretch marks. Stupid fights over tiny, tiny things her pregnant brain thought up.
Not to mention the grand finale with almost thirty hours of labor.
But there were the good parts too. Arizona caring for her throughout it all with devotion. Talking to their baby in the belly for hours, and content to just hold her tight whenever Callie did not at all feel ready to make love to her – which had often been the case. And then holding her hand straight through the thirty aforementioned hours. Never leaving her side.
It had been a wonderful journey.
And the outcome of it all... This tiny adorable hatchling with the alert mind and beautiful imagination. The girl they had already had so many incredible moments with – from first words and first steps. To the girl drawing pictures for them that were completely adorable and completely unrecognizable. To hours filled with laughter and rarely a moment of quietness in their lives.
With a prospect of having more of that, her decision was clear. "I absolutely want to" she said sincerely and whimpered a little as she noticed Arizona's emotional tears at her reply.
"Really? Oh, God, I love you so much," the blonde whispered and leaned up to kiss Callie in promise of some more babies.
"I love you too," Callie returned and held her wife close to her chest as they both tried to get their tears under control.
Arizona saw their house fill with more Callie-shaped wonders. Wanting this to happen as soon as possible. And who knew, maybe she could even imagine adding a mini-Arizona as well. Callie certainly would not object.
"We're ready," Sofia announced her return, unaware as to what her proposal had lead her mothers' hearts to. They watched their first-born sit at the table with her new friend, the Easter Bunny plushie.
"We're ready too," Mama Callie decided, grabbing Mami Arizona's hand to lead her to the table.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: Arizona really had different plans for tonight. Certainly not lying in bed dressed warmly from head to toe, willing to get better. She wanted to go on a date tonight. And not just any date. For her it was probably the most important date of her life.
Character: Arizona/Callie
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!
She groaned in annoyance as she felt yet another wave hit her. A wave of uncontrollable sneezing that was soon followed by unavoidable phlegmy coughing.
She hated being sick on any given day. But today she hated it even more.
She should have known yesterday. Had known it yesterday, in fact. Arizona Robbins knew when she was getting sick. Always had. And unfortunately this time had been no exception.
All the cough syrups and ointments hadn't helped so far to keep this wretched cold at bay, despite her best efforts and most positive hopes.
Arizona really had different plans for tonight. Certainly not lying in bed dressed warmly from head to toe, willing to get better.
She wanted to go on a date tonight. And not just any date. For her it was probably the most important date of her life.
She was forty-five years old. She had had so many dates in her life. But this one was special. Tremble-with-nervousness-and-excitement special. Or at least it was supposed to be like that.
But now she was barely able to stand up straight. Had barely found it in her to put on some nicer clothes and try to disguise her body's actual state with make-up.
She had pondered calling the other woman to let her know tonight would have to be canceled. And had actually pressed the button, but then had immediately hung up – imagining the disappointment of her counterpart at the cancellation.
A disappointment that would have equaled her own.
No, she could do this. She wanted this! She really did. And feeling bad because of her cold was nothing compared to feeling bad due to letting her love interest down.
This would be okay, she nodded to herself as she heard the door bell ring. A little later than expected, but it didn't matter.
She was glad that her date hadn't gotten cold feel. And neither had she herself.
Which really wasn't that easy. Even proposing this night had made her break out into sweats. Because she knew that if the proposition would have been denied... a lot of what had been built up in recent months... recent years... would have come crumbling down around them.
She opened the front door to see an accordingly dressed brunette before her. A thin black coat covering a probably very stunning dress. Her hair in wavy curls around her face – just as she liked it – and the eye-liner and lipstick were accentuating her face perfectly. In short, this woman was gorgeous.
Which was not surprising. Callie Torres was always gorgeous.
"Hi," Callie greeted as soon as the door opened. "I'm sorry, my surgery went a little long. I hope I didn't keep you wai...," she stopped her explanation when she took in Arizona's appearance. Black boots and elegant black pants, a dark red sweater and a cute ponytail. A woolly dark gray scarf around her neck and her face pale despite the blonde's best efforts to dab her sickness away with make-up, the nose appearing painfully sore from excessive clean. "Hey, what's the matter?" she said gently as Arizona invited her in.
"Nothing!" this one croaked and immediately felt betrayed by her own voice. "Just a little cold," her strained chords barely brought out, and she groaned inwardly at this. "I felt it coming yesterday. Should have known".
And it was all the explanation Callie needed. "Oh, no, poor thing," she cringed in sympathy, and took off her coat, indicating they would stay at Arizona's.
The blonde frowned at this. "It's fine. I really wanna go. And you look... ugh, so beautiful," she stressed, as she finally saw Callie's dress. Black with half length sleeves and ending just above her knees, showing off those amazing legs. She really did not want to ruin this for them, though she knew her strength would not last for an entire date. "I can do this. Maybe... Maybe we'll have just a little meal in a nice restaurant before you bring me back home?" she offered before a new blast of coughs hit her.
"No," Callie shook her head, just as Arizona had managed to pull her jacket on in mental preparation to drag her sick body outside.
"No?" Arizona croaked. "But this was supposed to be our date night," she protested meekly. Their first date night in years. The date that might lead to Calzona 2.0 or Calzona 5.0 – whatever. Definitely the best and final version – if things went well.
And now that Callie was here looking like this... the blonde wanted this date to happen even more. She wanted to give Callie the date she deserved.
"I know, sweetie, but no," the brunette returned with a gentle smile as she pulled the jacket off the sickly woman's shoulders and hung it on the rack again. "You need to be in bed and rest. Doctor's orders," she gave her a stern look over her shoulder.
The blonde pressed her lips together. "But I... I don't want you having come here for nothing...," she protested.
"Who says that?" Callie immediately countered. "We'll just have our date here. I'll make us some very delicious chicken soup that you'd pay thirty dollars for at the restaurant anyway and serve it to you in bed. Then if needed, I'll give you all the medical aid your cold needs... like, um, rubbing your chest, if we dare to," she winked and Arizona could feel her cheeks flush. And while it could easily be blamed on her sickness, she much more fathomed her excitement about her date's suggestion to be the trigger. "We can watch some Netflix together... and if you want to... you can pass out in my arms from exhaustion while I softly stroke your hair," Callie offered her altered, but no less alluring plans for tonight.
Arizona looked at her with wide, bleary eyes. This sounded absolutely heavenly. "Really?" she asked to make sure Callie meant it. Because who would offer that kind of treatment on the first date?
A person that loves you in every situation and wanted to take care of you forever. "Really," Callie nodded and grasped the blonde's scarf, protective pulling it closer around this one's neck and leaned in to put a gentle kiss against her temple. "I'd love to".
Arizona sighed at the contrast of the still somewhat colder spring weather lips against her hot skin, "Thank you". And she could already feel herself getting better.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: They had an agreement. An understandable one initially. But Arizona felt it was time to change something about it. Will Callie be brave enough to agree?
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended! All mistakes are mine.
A noise could be heard outside.
A little bird that had to be sitting somewhere near the window and was chirping animatedly.
It didn't even take a look, but only a trained ear to figure out what kind of bird was singing its song to the world here.
When she was little, her dad had taught her enough about birds to be able to identify this one as a starling. Most likely using the quiet of the early morning hours to tell the other critters in the area that this was his place and they better stayed away.
Interestingly enough his chirps sounded like a car.
But that was not that surprising.
Growing up in a big city, sounds like these were very natural and familiar to these little guys. And maybe the birdie even liked them.
She, however... didn't.
Okay, the little guy's song was fine. But not when it was waking her from a content sleep!
Callie Torres loved her sleep.
Craved it.
And even though this was better than being woken up by her pager in the middle of the night... this was really not ideal.
She went to cover her free ear with her pillow to shut out the sounds of nature and maybe try to go back to sleep. But not only did she now find that there was a weight on her pillow; she also found that she herself was being pinned down by the waist.
Callie blinked her eyes open and took in the pale arm curled around her body over the thin sheet securely, the person attached to the possessive arm pressed lightly into her back.
This was unusual. She was not really used to being the little spoon. Which was not to say that she didn't welcome this novelty. It felt oddly pleasant. Scratch the oddly. It felt amazingly pleasant.
She turned carefully and soon caught sight of the most beautiful woman to ever step foot into her life and into her heart.
The sleeping face was completely serene. Only the perfectly shaped nose twitching once or twice in an involuntary way, as the woman dreamt. The lips slightly parted as breath whisked in an out. The trace of dimples, deepened by decades of smiles framing them in just the right way. The eyes that held so much love behind the currently closed lids. Closed lids adorned by eyelashes that were so accentuated by the soft beam of morning sun that she could easily try and count them.
And then she realized.
Morning bird sounds outside.
Morning sun filtering in.
"Crap...Crap, crap, crap," she whispered, her voice a low mumble, as she carefully untangled herself on her way to scramble out of bed and get dressed.
She found her panties and bra and quickly put them on. Grabbing her pants, she has no chance than to watch her keys tumble out and fall to the floor with a metallic thud.
Instantly she heard stirring behind her and cringed.
"Hey... What's going on?" wondered the sleepy voice and she turned towards the woman who looked surprised to find her out of bed.
"I fell asleep! I need...," she pointed towards the door, hoping her lover would understand their secret agreement.
Arizona knew about this the agreement. This stupid agreement. "You were gonna leave without saying goodbye?" she questioned, and Callie could see the hurt look in her eyes.
"No!" the brunette instantly negated, as she, still struggling with her pants, bent down to kiss the other woman. "I was gonna wake you when I was done dressing. Because you know... you and me and nakedness? It would be too distracting to follow through with this scheme."
"Right...," Arizona shook her head with a wry smile as Callie continued to look for her clothes, still needing her shoes, socks and, most importantly, her shirt.
"And you know I have to leave before Sofia wakes up, so..."
"I let you sleep," the blonde's voice behind her sounded again, and Callie, having just slipped into one of her shoes, turned back to Arizona to question this when the woman's very absent outfit came into view and made her go weak in the knees.
"See, distracting nakedness...," she grinned. So distracting in fact that she almost missed the tiny detail of Arizona only standing on her right foot. Not having put her prosthetic on yet. "Whoa! Come here!" she rushed to grab her around the waist in worry. "What are you doing?"
"I can hold my own pretty good," the blonde calmed her with amused eyes, as she still gratefully found support in Callie's arms. "Did you hear what I said?" she wondered, making Callie think hard about what had been on her mind before the nakedness.
"Sleep...?" she questioned and Arizona nodded, looking deep into the soulful eyes.
"When I noticed you had fallen asleep after our little 'get together'", the blonde smirked, "I wanted to wake you. But... you just looked so peaceful and happy. Sleeping in my arms with that adorable smile of yours. So... I didn't want to send you out into the cold and lonely night. Plus, I know how you despise being woken in the middle of the night, so...," she shrugged her shoulders, playing like she didn't have a choice anyway.
"But...," the other woman wanted to argue. They were dating for three months now. Sleeping together for two. At both their places. Yet until now neither of them had spent the night. One of them going home after - always. It's what they were doing. What they had agreed on. For now.
And there was a reason.
"But... what if Sofia sees me here? We didn't talk to her yet. And... she's gonna have questions...," she argued.
"Then let her ask, Calliope," Arizona returned encouragingly. "We have to tell her someday."
"I know," Callie agreed. "It's just..."
"You're scared," Arizona guessed. "And believe me, I am too," she nodded understandingly and put her hand on her lover's back in support. "But... we're so happy right now. And we're on a good way, right?"
Arizona smiled at the eager agreement to their current state. The state of bliss and ecstasy. But she knew they could still do better.
"I want to spend every possible minute with you," she emphasized as she let her hand move up and her fingers play with the brunette's hair. "I don't want to keep on sneaking into your house when Sofia is asleep to be with you and then leave very early in the morning so she doesn't catch us. And I don't want you to sneak in and out either. I want to wake up with you every morning. See your adorable grumpy face when the alarm goes off far too early for your liking."
Callie smiled at this. It sounded so good. So, so good.
"And I want all of us to eat breakfast together again. Laugh and talk together. Get Sofia ready for her school day. See you off to work with a little kiss. Simply... be a family again. It's my biggest wish," the blonde concluded with tears forming.
Callie exhaled deeply at the words. Her own tears threatening to spill. Arizona had laid out all her arguments. And none of them were refutable.
If only it wasn't for her tiny little voice of fear plagueing her with all sorts of scenarions of how this could go wrong again. Could drag them all down the abyss again.
One could call it the voice of reason. But it could also be the voice of holding back.
She looked into Arizona's intensely hopeful eyes. And she realized that this voice in her head would always be there. She just had to prove it wrong.
Because... she really did not want to miss out on the best possible future she could have with Arizona.
"Okay," Callie finally nodded with a gulp.
"Okay?" Arizona repeated, making sure. Her eyes searching Callie's face, memorizing every bit of her slowly opening up to the idea.
"Okay!" came the more vehement affirmation.
"Yes!" Arizona rejoiced and kissed her new... old lover... life partner... once more. "Oh, I love you!" she whispered, realizing it was the first time since getting back together that she had said this.
"I love you too," Callie felt a tear escape her eye as she held Arizona close.
Holding onto this next terrifying, yet so exciting step for them.
"I guess it's time to do this," the other woman resolved, as they heard rustling from the direction of their daughter's room. The eleven year old slowly waking up herself.
"But maybe not like this," Callie motioned to her disheveled appearance and the blonde's completely undressed deliciousness.
"Agreed," Arizona laughed as Callie helped her sit down on the bed and continued the hunt for their clothes.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: Set in New York. Was it wise to be clinging to the past, to memories of an old them? Or should it all have been abandoned long ago?
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!All mistakes are mine.
A/N: Happy Valentine’s Day to all Calzona shippers!
There were things that she wasn't very good at.
And didn't like doing very much.
Organizing her closets and dressers was surprisingly such a thing.
She found that she sucked at keeping everything in its intended place, with shirts and pants roaming out to find themselves new spots to live in.
This happened whenever she had too much space to go around. Not because her closets were so huge they could fit an entire apartment block. But because she was using the room that was meant for two with the clothes of only one person.
Too much empty space that made clothes wander in desperate need for companionship, trying to compensate a loss.
But her clothes didn't have to suffer much longer. And today Callie had some much loathed reorganizing to do. For a very good reason.
"Sorry it's such a mess in here," she said to the approaching footsteps behind her, as she stood on the tips of her toes, rearranging her sweaters on the topmost shelf of her closet. "I didn't find the time to get everything ready".
"Come on, it's okay," the other woman said with an audible chuckle in her voice, as she carried a box into the bedroom. She found it endearing how anxious Callie could become over something like this. On any given day, the brunette's home probably looked way tidier than your average person's.
And even though she currently spent way more time than usual in her research lab at Heartmond Hospital in New York to get the finishing touches on her exoskeleton project, which was bound to revolutionize the world of medicine, her home in no way resembled a place of angst-inducing disorder and chaos.
And that could also be said about her wardrobe.
"So, um, I've got socks and underwear in this one. At least the box says so," the woman laughed as she placed said item on the ground. She was not always a hundred per cent certain which items had made their way into which box in the last steps of packing.
After Callie had asked her after four months of dating if she wanted to move in with her, she had not hesitated for one second.
There were so many advantages. Callie's apartment had more space than the one she herself had been able to find upon moving to New York a year ago. It was much closer to both their work places. And moving in together meant saving a lot of money.
But these were only the cold, economic facts.
What was even better was the prospect of them living together.
Again.
After all these years.
There certainly were jitters to be had about this step, considering their past.
But this was a new them. And this new them definitely deserved a new start into a home life together.
"Mm, sounds enticing," Callie laughed in return, referring to parts of the presumed content of the box.
She was so excited to be sharing her home with Arizona again. As was Sofia, who had been very open their rekindling relationship from the start and couldn't wait for them all to be living together again.
For now this apartment was perfect for the three of them. Barring the fact that they could hardly fit any of Arizona's furniture, so several things had to go into storage for the time being.
At some point they would probably start looking for a bigger place to accommodate them all, but that was not a priority right now.
"So, you said second drawer from top, right?" the blonde tried to recall as to where Callie had told her to stow her undergarments and went ahead to open said drawer.
Callie, temporarily distracted by her own task, only noticed with delay that Arizona did not remember all that correctly. And was about to open...
"Oh, no, wait, not that one," Callie hurried over with a movement of her hand that was to say Arizona should stop what she was doing.
But it was already too late.
And Arizona came face to face with... nothing much suspicious, really.
It was Callie's sock drawer.
"Hmm, nothing I haven't seen before," the blonde smirked, confused by the adorably abashed redness suddenly grazing Callie's features.
She turned her attention back the drawer, and on second glance noticed a black velvety box, about eight by ten inches sitting next to the assortment of socks on the right side of the drawer.
"It is about this?" she questioned. "If it's toys, you really don't have to worry," she shrugged seductively at her lover. "We're all humans. And it's not like we didn't use some before. Don't see why we shouldn't again sometime."
Callie was temporarily baffled by Arizona's alluring suggestion, and guffawed in amusement. "No, that... they're actually over there," she roughly pointed towards the nightstand, which was also equipped with several drawers.
"Valuable information," Arizona nodded in delight, while her hand subconsciously traced the smooth the surface of the mysterious box.
She had to admit... she was pretty curious to get to know more about the content. Solely due to Callie's peculiar reaction. But she wasn't going to push it. They each deserved their secrets – even living together, of course.
She was about to shut the drawer when Callie suddenly spoke. "Okay, you know what? Go ahead. Open it," she smiled cautiously, not having missed the woman's interest in this.
It was not something she was ashamed of or tried to hide. It just was something... she wasn't sure how Arizona would react to.
Chances were she would eventually see it anyway, and it was something... really, really not bad.
So why not do it now? Couldn't be weirder now than it would be at a later point, right?
"You sure?" Arizona wondered, wanting to reinforce Callie's permission.
"Yeah!" Callie nodded and sat on the bed to wait.
Arizona lifted the box from its hiding spot with tender hands, her curiosity piqued as she sat next to the brunette.
After a few moments of deliberation she removed the lid... and found herself perplex.
Because she caught sight of memorabilia of a time long years ago. And personal items she had almost forgotten even existed.
She found concert tickets from a Taylor Swift concert in 2010. The first concert she and Callie had went to together. It was their guilty pleasure. One they would certainly not admit to everyone.
She found one of the several scrap books she had made when she was a teen. This one being from the period she referred to as her punk rock era. It had little drawings, magazine clippings from singers and other celebrities she had fancied back then and even some poems the blonde had written. But most important of all it held pictures of her with unusually heavy eyeliner, dark t-shirts and ripped jeans. Once Callie had found this book, she had been unable to put it down. Mesmerized by Arizona's cuteness seeping through despite the appearance. And beyond fascinated by this unique insight into the mind of young Arizona. So fascinated that the blonde had not thought long about giving this book to Callie.
She found this really thick pair of knitted socks, which sported the most hideous green, gray, blue and red striped pattern ever. She had given it to Callie a few months into their relationship as a well-meant joke. Callie was the one with the ice cold feet in their relationship, and Arizona had often found herself fighting the urge to complain about icy toes against her calves whenever her lover held her as they slept. A part of her had feared that Callie would be insulted by this, but quite the contrary. She had worn them with joy, and even after the fabric had been ragged out from being worn God knows how many times, still had most obviously kept them.
She found a little jewelry box, which she didn't need to open to know that among other things it probably contained a heart necklace. A lot of people had laughed at them for wearing this matching items, but for them it had been their mutual show of love, belonging and care, and everyone laughing about it was just a fool who had never experienced this feeling.
And she found – to her utmost astonishment – tucked away at the bottom of the box – one of her old scrub caps. One in pastel tones that actually had butterflies on it. She had stopped wearing it shortly after coming to Seattle Grace, switching to a light pink one with little flowers instead. She thought she had thrown this old cap out. Actually remembered having put it on a pile Callie had prepared for the charity bin. But as it seemed now, the brunette had deemed it too valuable to be thrown out.
She sat with this box of 'her' in her lap. Of items that were not really the core of her being. Far from. But of pieces of her that apparently once had meant the world to someone. To Callie.
And maybe they still did.
"You kept all this," she stated as her fingers followed the patterns of her scrub cap.
And Callie sat beside her, worrying. Arizona didn't show any emotions that indicated how she thought about this... this... nostalgia? This desperate living in the past?
"I... I know... most of this didn't mean anything to you. The cap certainly didn't. Not like other surgeons who have their lucky caps. But I wanted to keep it. Because I saw you in it the day after the bathroom kiss. You were coming out of surgery. And you looked so proud and happy. I'll never forget that day. I think I fell in love with you right then."
This had actually been the first day she had seen her around the hospital at all. And while the cap itself was plain and unspectacular, it would forever remind her of the days she had met and gotten to know the blonde. Especially of the fact that she was not just an extraordinary human being, who went out of her way to dispel a total stranger's sorrow with a kiss – but also one of the most amazing doctors she had ever met.
Over the years items had been added, and they all meant no less to Callie.
But maybe more than they should have. Especially after they had broken up – for seemingly the final time.
And they probably meant more to her than Arizona was comfortable with.
"It's pathetic, I know," she cringed, and almost wished she had let Arizona assume the box contained adult toys for the time being.
"What? No!" Arizona was brought out of her own musings by Callie's evaluation and immediately calmed her with a vehement shake of her head. "No," she turned her body towards Callie, "it's really not. I find it sweet that you still have this. After all this time".
"So, you're not freaking out?" Callie questioned, somewhat relieved. She knew that to other people it probably seemed strange. And looked like a sign of being unable to let go.
Penny had certainly thought so when she had stumbled across the box while putting their clean underwear away.
Callie had to admit that it was a stupid place to stow something you didn't want your lover to find.
But maybe her subconsciousness didn't plan on it not being found by Penny. And maybe her reasoning about keeping it so that Sofia could have all this later – just like a pair of Arizona's wheely sneaks that sat in the back of her shoe drawer, somehow having made its way into her possession after the divorce – was really little more than easy to see through fib.
It had made Penny realize that Arizona still was much more to Callie than just the mother of her child.
It certainly had been a factor in their mutual decision to split up. And gave Callie the opportunity to try a new start with the woman still holding her heart.
The woman in question looked at her with a smirk that was tucked halfway between her teeth. Just like Callie remembered it when the blonde had something on her mind she wanted to share but also knew could mean trouble.
"What...?" Callie lured in amusement and tickled her fingers along the side of Arizona's thigh.
"I... uh, I might have kept a thing or two as well," she blushed.
"You did?" Callie queried surprised. Surprised that Arizona was just as much a nostalgic fool as she was.
"I still have the necklace too... And," the blonde began, her eyes coyly looking at the ceiling, "a couple of CDs we once made back then when people still had CD players," she laughed. They contained songs they had loved dancing to throughout the early years of their relationship. A wild mix of oldies and songs that had been brand new back then. They had used to dance for hours, only to end up in a heap of exhaustion and happiness.
"I think I still have a player somewhere," Callie wiggled her eyebrows, certainly not unhappy about the prospect of a little dance party. "What else?"
"Your kiddie Spanish book," she smiled lovingly. It was a book Callie – growing up bilingual – had learned to read with when she was little. At one point Callie had started teaching Arizona some Spanish, using this book among other things. And while it probably wasn't the best material to teach a foreign language to an adult, Arizona loved this book. It reminded her of lots of cozy hours snuggled together on the couch and studying. And it contained some doodles young Callie had made here and there of animals, flowers, people and whatever came to mind. "And, um, I have something else, and I hope you won't hate me for it," said the blonde and got up to leave the room, presumably to fetch the item.
Callie waited, wondering what it could possibly be.
She could hear rumbling... followed after a while by a bit of grumbling as apparently Arizona had trouble finding what she was looking for.
Then she heard a box or two crashing to the floor and became worried. "You okay?"
"Yup," Arizona announced and a few moments later emerged with a box that read...
"'Towels'?" Callie wondered.
"Hm? Uh, no," Arizona negated. "This is just the last box I packed, and it has some stuff in it I used till the last day like...," she opened the box and soon brought forth...
"Is that my sweater?!" The brunette exclaimed incredulously.
It was a garment so plain and simple. A normal woolen gray sweater. But it held so many memories for Arizona. She had loved cuddling with Callie wearing it and had during their time together sometimes worn it herself. And even during the difficult time of their divorce, Arizona's heart had wanted it. So she had snuck it out. And had frequently worn it herself since then. The sweater now being even more withered and having lost some amount of its original color. It was strange and nonsensical, but even after years of Callie wearing it last, Arizona found it still somehow smelled of her. And it always comforted her when she was having a bad day.
Arizona bit her lip, almost feeling she had to apologize. For taking this from Callie without asking.
At least the brunette didn't seem happy.
Long Moments later Callie's face twitched. "I knew I had seen it on you during that one video chat."
"Sorry?" Arizona said, hoping she could make amends somehow.
"Don't be," Callie returned and pulled Arizona into her lap. "It looks good on you".
"I know," the blonde returned cheekily as she put her arms around Callie. "So, um," she giggled as her lover used the opportune opportunity to kiss a long her neck. "Does it go on my pile or yours?"
"Sooner or later, it'll end up where it wants to anyway."
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: "If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. And if they don't, they never were". Everyone has probably heard this saying before. How could it apply to Calzona? Let's find out.
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!All mistakes are mine.
The doorbell rang, and Arizona hurried to greet the people waiting outside. For the first time in a long while certain that she'd be greeted with not only one but two smiles on her family's faces.
One on her little girl's, who was just almost always a ray of sunshine. Despite everything that had happened in her young life. A real trooper, never one with a sour look for long.
And presumably also a smile on her grown-up lookalike's face.
For almost one and a half months Callie had been depressed. Wounded. Defeated. By the circumstances of life.
They both had made mistakes. Had handled this custody situation all wrong.
But they had come to an agreement now. A friendly one. And certainly one they should have made before dragging all this out in court. It would have saved them a lot of additional sorrow.
However, she was willing to look past this.
They all deserved to be happy. Even if they had to split their happiness in two. And if starting a new life is what made Callie happy, then she'd let it happen. Even though she knew... she'd have a hard time without her. But that wasn't Callie's concern.
It shouldn't be.
Callie had moved on.
And she deserved to.
Brushing her own feeling aside, she opened door. And as expected she was greeted with two smiling faces. One as bright as expected. The other one a little more cautious, but it was still more than she had seen in recent months.
"Hey, you two," her own smile grew as Sofia came crashing into her arms, hugging her tightly after a long week of not having seen her mom. Arizona didn't even want to think about the near future when there might be months she'd have to handle with not seeing her little girl. But she knew that this had been the right decision.
"How was New York?" she asked Sofia as she held the door open for Callie to enter as well.
"Awesome! We saw the statue of Liberty and Empire State Building," Sofia stepped out of her arms to raise her arms way above her head. "It's this... tall! Taller than the Space Needle. And we made a boat tour in Central Park. And we went to see The Lion King musical!"
Both moms stood side by side, followings their daughter's excited explanation amusedly. The retelling ending only ending when Andrew Deluca made his way down the stairs.
"Andrew!" Sofia squealed and ran to greet him as well.
"Hey, munchkin," he tousled her hair a little, fully aware that Sofia ha-a-ated this. And as expected, the little brunette grumbled in disagreement but kept on grinning nonetheless. "Hey, Dr. Torres," the man greeted Callie as well, but Sofia was quick to recapture his attention.
"Andrew, can we go play in the backyard?" she tugged on the sleeve of his shirt. It was one of her favorite things to do when she was at Arizona's. She and Andrew often played ball together when he had the time.
"Oh, sure," he looked at the mothers to check if that was okay or if they had other plans. But they just nodded in agreement. "Come on," he led her out. "We bought some material for the tree house. Wanna go see?"
"Yeah!" Sofia exclaimed and the two of them were off within the blink of an eye.
"Tree house?" Callie wondered, turning her attention to Arizona.
"Uh, yeah," Arizona nodded and cleared her throat. "Sofia asked about this about half a year ago. And I thought why not? The backyard is big enough. Deluca volunteered to help us. But it's still in the planning stages. Sofia keeps changing the designs. The little architect is not fully satisfied yet," she laughed and Callie actually joined in.
Of course Arizona now knew that the tree house would see limited use once Sofia's temporary relocation to New York went down. But that would never stop them from going through with Sofia's actual plans.
She'd always have her own little house when she stayed with her.
"You want some coffee? I just made some," Arizona queried.
"Yeah, uh, thanks," Callie nodded and followed the blonde into the kitchen. "Um, I-I've been meaning to talk to you anyway".
"Right, sure," Arizona returned, more than happy to busy herself with preparing their cups of steamy hot beverage.
Truth be told, she didn't want to have this conversation.
Sure, she had given Callie the opportunity to leave Seattle and start a new life in New York. And had laid down the basic custody rules that actually made this possible.
But talking out the details... it would make this final. And Arizona was not ready for this.
Never would be.
She had her back to Callie and couldn't see that the brunette had yet to sit down. Right now standing about uncertain, biting her lip.
Arizona added one piece of sugar and a droplet of milk to Callie's coffee, still remembering how her ex-wife liked it. She herself needed a little more milk and a lot more sugar. Especially today.
"So, uh..," she spoke after it became clear that Callie wasn't about to begin this conversation herself, "did you... did you talk things out with Penny?"
"Um, I... we... didn't exactly go see her...," the other woman answered slowly, unsure how to really approach this topic. Which was a little more complicated than Arizona might expect.
Or a lot easier...?
But apparently a slowly presented answer didn't help in in the not startling Arizona department anyhow. With the two mugs in her hands, the unexpected reply made the blonde turn too quickly and she ended up spilling a good part of the contents on the floor and over her hands. "Wha-ow," she hissed, putting the mugs down and rushed to cool her hands under cold water.
"Oh, God, here, let me...," Callie instantly helped to clean the floor with kitchen towels before Arizona might slip and fall in this mess she had just brought forth.
Meanwhile the blonde recovered enough to let out a confused, "Come again?" She dabbed her hands dry with a towel and scrunched her eyebrows at the woman still wiping the floor.
"Um, we... didn't go see her...?" Callie reacted accordingly to Arizona's command, refusing to look up.
The blonde pursed her lips and cocked her head to the side, "Callie..." It sounded almost exasperated, but there was a hint of amusement, albeit uncertain, given the sudden turn of events.
"Okay, listen...," Callie slowly got up and wiped her hands before discarding the kitchen towels in the trash, "when we got on the plane, I was excited to go to see Penny. To start a new life with her," she smiled a little before she shook her head. "But then I looked at Sofia sleeping beside me... and I realized we would be starting a new life. In a new city, a new job, another woman."
"So... you got cold feet and came back?" Arizona ventured and crossed her arms before her chest, not wanting to believe that this was where Callie was going. This is what Callie had wanted. A new life in New York with...
It's what Callie had wanted. It's why Arizona had bought these tickets, putting her own feelings last to make Callie happy again.
The other woman pondered this for a moment. It was true that her nerves had gotten to her. It would have been a big step. A big change. And sitting there on the plane, she had had enough time picturing the coming years.
And the result had been just...
She looked Arizona in the eyes. "I didn't get cold feet. I... I tried picturing my life with Penny. I could see us being happy together one year from now. Two years..."
Arizona looked down, not able to actually watch Callie talk about her life with Penny. But apparently this wasn't what Callie was trying to say... right?
"But I realized... we wouldn't be enough," the brunette continued and Arizona looked at her once more.
Callie saw the doubting, insecure look, and knew that she had to erase that. "When I'm 90 and all wrinkly and gray-haired, I want you sitting beside me on the porch of our house. I want you to be snuggled up to me in a blanket, watching our great-grandchildren play in the yard. Cuddling our poor old dog and feeding the chicken."
There was the ghost of a smile on the blonde's face at that. So she continued, "I... I wanna have that with you. And all the stuff in the middle".
Then silence befell the room as Arizona eventually pressed her lips together and put their newly refilled mugs to the table, her back to Callie.
The brunette became uncertain due to the lack of response. And when her ex-wife turned with a shake of her head, her face crumbled.
She had feared that she would come back only to be rejected. And Arizona had every right to. They didn't have the prettiest of divorces, despite all the effort to separate on good terms. And the custody battle that... in hindsight... now seemed so unnecessary... might just have been the nail in the coffin. But her heart refused to let them be over for good.
"I... I know we did this all wrong. We had a chance to do it right...," she started , repeating Arizona's words from a week prior. And they still had the chance. She was sure of that. "We haven't been good for each other in a really long time. But... I can see it. I can see us be great again. We just need one more chance".
Arizona sighed. This... This was what she wanted. A new chance... A new start with Callie and Sofia. But she knew that it would not be that simple. They had a past. A really checkered one. And recent events hadn't helped.
Her heart was aching for Callie who was almost trembling in nervous anticipation. "We... We hurt each other deeply," she returned and noticed how Callie wanted to retreat back into herself at this seeming turn-down. However, she wasn't done, and gave her ex-wife an encouraging smile. "But I want this too, Callie, I really do. But we have a lot to figure out before that can happen."
Callie nodded, but for the first time since her return to Seattle a little relieved.
They had a chance. It might not happen now or tomorrow. But it would at some point. She was sure of it.
Arizona put a calming hand on Callie's arm and led them to the kitchen table to have a seat. And to process what exactly was just happening.
"Can I ask you a question?" she finally asked as they both had sipped their coffees in silence for a few minutes. Callie nodded. "What did you do then? One week..."
"Well," Callie smirked a little, still a little overwhelmed by the honest, yet positive words they had just exchanged, "you heard... Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building..."
Arizona shook her head in disbelieving amusement. "So, you two basically had a week of sightseeing. Holiday at my expense".
"Well, I paid for the hotel myself, and...," she protested until Arizona raised a quick eyebrow. "Sorry," she stopped with a cringe, but just a little, since Arizona didn't seem too mad about it.
"Maybe... we could go and see all this together someday," Arizona suggested and looked expectantly at Callie. "I always wanted to stand up there on Empire State Building." The brunette raised her eyebrows at this, and Arizona knew why. "I... I know I'm not good with heights, but if you're willing to hold my hand, I might just try it," she winked and gripped the brunette's hand as a promise.
The other woman smiled in anticipation of this trip that might happen someday.
Not because of the trip itself. But because it was a prospect of a life together.
Summary: It's Christmas Eve in New York, and Arizona is invited over to Callie's place. One gift is presented a little early. And it's more than welcome.
Character: Arizona/Callie, Sofia
Rating: K
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!
It was her first Christmas in New York. And despite the freezing cold on the East coast – something she had already despised while studying and working at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore – it was looking to be a good one.
Callie had invited her to spend Christmas Eve and morning with her and Sofia at her place. And considering how much time they had spent around and with each other lately, anything else would have been a big shock.
"It's really beautiful," Arizona smiled as she watched Callie climb off the ladder she had needed to put a star on top of the Christmas tree. The ornaments were as colorful and diverse as always, a wild mix of baubles, straw stars and little wooden figurines. Completed by Sofia's homemade masterpieces.
The tree clearly dominated the living room and would be its focus for the next few weeks. But the rest of the apartment followed closely behind in its Christmassy flair. With the three of them decorating the place into a winter wonderland. There were snowmen of all shapes and sizes placed methodically about the place. A few jolly Santas here and there, one of them having his obligatory reindeer friends with him. Twinkly lights strung everywhere across the apartment. And not to forget the smell of freshly baked cookies making their mouths water.
As an early present Arizona had given Sofia a plush reindeer and Callie an plush snowman. Just for fun, and for having her around, she claimed. And they both had found their temporary home on the living room couch.
Sofia had taken off to retrieve yet another box they needed to make this Christmas perfect. But eventually she returned empty-handed. "Mama, I can't find the stockings!"
"Oh, right. Hang on, I put them somewhere else," Callie smiled and followed their daughter to go look for the missing items.
And Arizona stood with her eyes fixed on the fireplace where soon the socks would hang and complete the winter decoration. And she remembered that she didn't have one at Callie's place anymore. At least it was very unlikely.
After the divorce Arizona had not taken the stocking into her belongings. Something seemingly so trivial like this the last thing on your mind in this situation. And with Callie's move to New York, in a normal course of events, hers would have been replaced by a sock for Penny. Callie most likely having made one for her too when was part of the family. The brunette loved to do these little things for her loved ones. Until the stocking too would have probably have disappeared with the redhead.
Arizona had to admit she was a little sad. Of course she could live without a sock. Having done so long years before and after Callie. But somehow it simply belonged to Christmas with Callie.
Maybe if they had time and material around the apartment, they could still make her a last minute impromptu one.
Just then Sofia came running back in with two stockings that as expected had the names 'Callie' and 'Sofia' written on them and went to the fireplace to attach them. They were as she remembered them. Sofia's light blue one with the big snowflake. And Callie's green one with the elegant reindeer.
"Need any help, sweetie?" she wondered and was about to walk up to assist when a strong arm grasped her around the waist from behind. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Callie giving her a warm smile. And what she also saw was an all too familiar sock reading her own name. Her red one with the four cute little Christmas trees. A little bit of glitter had been added to it in recent times, as had been to the others, she now noticed. But overall, it was still the same.
The surprise on her face was evident as she took the felt stocking into her hands. "You kept it," she stated more than asked.
"Of course," Callie returned, resting her chin on the blonde's shoulder. The item may not always have been with the others – meaning that one Christmas she had spent with Penny. But she had never dared to throw it out. Because in a way she had always known. Always believed. That one day... "This sock always belonged here. And you always belonged here."
The blonde smiled and happily accepted the little kiss Callie gave her on the cheek and neck.
And Callie could hardly suppress the tears at the at woman's joy. And she really meant it. They were a family. No matter what had happened them, there had never been a question in that. And as family Arizona had always been with her even if they had been physically and emotionally apart.
But now things were different, and she felt her words more than ever.
Thus her and Sofia had come to a decision that meant a big step for them. And they hoped Arizona would be as excited as they were at the idea.
"So, um, Santa has already put a little present in it for you," she explained and winked at Sofia, who was done hanging up the two socks that felt entirely incomplete without this third one, and now watched them excitedly.
And Arizona dug into the felt item, her hand soon coming into contact with something metallic. And upon pulling it up it turned out to be... a key. With a key ring and two charms. One with "NY Isn't That Bad" written on it and one with a big heart.
"I think we're ready for this," Callie began to explain. "We've been dating for months and been tiptoeing around each other with googly eyes for three months before that," she joked and Arizona laughed along at the all too true observation, disentangling herself from Callie's loving hold to be able to look at her lover. "And we're really doing great. We have so much fun with each other. And I want this all the time. I want you to be able to come to this apartment whenever you want so we can all be together like a family. And someday, if you're okay with it, I... we would be more than happy if you moved in with us."
And Arizona didn't need to think about this. She grasped Callie's chin and pulled her in for a kiss.
"Thank you," she smiled and bent down to give Sofia a little kiss as well. "I, uh," she cleared her throat as she played with the key a little, "I hope you'll still act surprised when you find find a key in one your presents tomorrow as well," she winked at Callie, making it clear that she had had a similar plan.
Though who knew how much time they would spend at Arizona's anyway. If the first time they got together was any indication, they'd be spending most of the time at Callie's anyway.
The brunette smirked at the revelation. "So, you're okay with this?"
"Definitely," the other woman returned. "And when it's the right time, I definitely want to move in with you".
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: Set in New York. Throughout the entire eight months of their relationship... they had not fought one single time. Always been the perfect harmonic couple that probably everyone who had ever been in a relationship aspired to. But tonight it had happened.
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!
She was unsure of what she would find upon pushing the door leading to the roof of her apartment building open.
It wasn't a place she went to that often. Having been here maybe two or three times since moving in.
But that was not the reason she was uncertain of what to expect.
The reason lay a good hour in the past now. And thinking back on it, she could only roll her eyes at herself. Or give herself a slap on the back of her head in disbelieve.
Because, really... it was a stupid reason.
A stupid fight about an everyday mishap.
And she was aware that a large part of the current situation – and the reason why she had to make her way up her in the late, late evening hours – was due to her overreaction about it.
Glancing around the roof, she did not find what she was looking for. But a feeling told her to look around the corner of the roof access.
And there she found her.
Arizona.
Sitting on an old, weather-worn metal box with her back against the wall. Looking over one of those typical vastly illuminated New York nights.
And... she was smoking. A sign that she was obviously stressed out.
"Hey," Callie said as carefully as she could as not to startle the blonde that until now hadn't taken notice of her presence.
But to no avail. Arizona jerked visibly, and looked between her and the half-smoked cigarette in her hand, hastening to stub it out.
Callie could see that this hadn't been the first one Arizona had consumed tonight.
"I'm sorry," the other woman said with a shaky voice, apologizing for this habit that overcame her in situations that affected her deeply.
Like this one.
"It's okay," the brunette placated and calmingly held out her hand in emphasis, despite Arizona not being able to see it, for right now her eyes were looking anywhere but at the other woman.
It was true that Callie hated smoking, and therefore naturally didn't approve of it in a partner. And it had lead to some discussion between her and Arizona years back.
But knowing these incidences were few and far between and that there was always a serious reason for when this happened, she had learned to accept it.
Of course preventing the events that led Arizona to live out her habit was preferable. But it wasn't always possible.
And tonight she played a big role in.. that not being possible.
"It's okay," she repeated, and this time referred to the situation at hand.
Yesterday she had asked Arizona to pick up some cocoa powder for the brownies she wanted to make for the festival at Sofia's school tomorrow. She had known Arizona would be done with work earlier today than she herself and would have more time to get the necessary item.
But the blonde had totally forgotten about it.
And when Callie had come home today at 10 pm to find out from Arizona – who had looked very guilty upon being reminded of the request – a discussion about something trivial had quickly deteriorated into a fight about not being reliable enough.
Callie couldn't even recall why it had gotten so out of hand. But the moment Arizona had stormed out of the apartment in an angry need to get away from her, she had known this night had taken an unintended turn.
When Arizona had failed to return to their apartment after a good forty minutes, Callie had become worried and had looked around the building. Praying Arizona hadn't gone far.
"Mrs...Mrs. Miller told me you went here," she informed as Arizona still wouldn't look at her. Their upstairs neighbor had stopped her and told her during her search. And while often times the older woman could a bit nosy and irritating, tonight Callie was thankful for her input. "Well, she's probably got something new to gossip about now," Callie shrugged jokingly as she shoved her hands into her sweat jacket pockets.
At her lover's presumption about their neighbor, Arizona briefly lifted her head to reveal a tiny smirk... and evidence that she was crying. And probably had been for a while.
"Hey...," Callie shook her head in anguish at the sight. Arizona crying was forever one of the most painful sights for her, "hey, don't. Look," she began as she neared her girlfriend, "I know this is bothering you. It's bothering me too. I'm sorry for what I said," she implored, and placed her hands on the blonde's upper arms gently. "I didn't mean it. And I really didn't mean to start a fight over this."
They had been together again for eight months now. For a little over a month living together in the apartment Callie had rented when moving to New York five years ago.
Throughout the entire eight months of their relationship... they had not fought one single time. Always been the perfect harmonic couple that probably everyone who had ever been in a relationship aspired to.
But tonight it had happened.
There was no going back and erasing this stupid event.
However, Callie also felt that there shouldn't be a need to go back.
"But chances are... we are gonna fight from time to time. It's normal for any couple, no matter how long they've been together or what they've been through long ago," Callie stressed, knowing Arizona very likely worried how fighting had eventually destroyed them the first few times. With their divorce and custody battle two very large memorials in their past.
But that was just it.
Their past.
They had had long talks about it.
And had come to terms with what had happened.
Now they were a new couple. A new and improved version that had learned from the past.
Which didn't mean that they were exempt from new and old everyday problems.
"Chances are we're gonna fight about stupid cocoa powder to make brownies again. About... I don't know... about forgetting to get that dress from the dry cleaner. About socks lying around. About which is the right way to hang the toilet paper," she laughed.
All these were arguments they had had in the far away past. Trivial things they back then had lived through. Had mastered. And would again.
She felt the coldness of Arizona's skin, as this one had been sitting out here only in her t-shirt for quite some time. She pulled off her sweat jacket and draped it around her girlfriend's shoulders.
"Chances are we're gonna fight about how to decorate once we get our very own New York town house eventually. Or about where to spend our honeymoon. Or what nursing home to move into when it's that time and we're still clear enough in our heads to make that decision," she concluded. She was serious about this woman, and about this new chance. And she needed Arizona to know.
Callie's words made Arizona finally look up into the soulful yet serious eyes.
A house. A wedding. And growing old together.
Callie had a vision of their future. A bright and promising future.
She gulped as a new set of tears threatened to overcome her. But this time it wasn't out of sorrow. It was because she wanted all this too. Needed this to happen.
But she was aware that it could go wrong again. And that little things could grow into big problems before you knew it.
"I just... I don't wanna ruin this," she confessed and grabbed Callie's right hand for comfort.
Callie shook her head with a little smile and used her free hand to comb a strand of hair behind Arizona's ear. "Don't even think you're ruining anything," she emphasized. "Tonight's stupidity is all on me. I had a rough day." A routine procedure at the hospital had led to the death of one of her patients due to a heart attack. "And again I'm very sorry. What's important is that we talk about it when something goes wrong between us, okay? Don't bottle it up. And if you need to go for a walk or a smoke to clear your head," she cupped Arizona's cheek and wiped off a last lingering tear, "then that's okay. Just... tell me where you're going, alright? I was a little worried".
"Okay," Arizona nodded and pulled Callie into a tight hug. The jacket threatened to slip from her shoulders in the process, but Callie grabbed the hood in time and pulled it over the blond head with a smirk.
"I love you. Never forget that," she sighed as she now too put her arms around Arizona and gave her a kiss on the cheek, the nausea of the cigarette smell evaporating from the blonde lessened by the certainty that a little fight like this would not break them.
"I love you too," Arizona returned and snuggled into Callie closer. "What are we gonna do about the brownies?" she mumbled into her partner's neck.
"Well, since chances are high Mrs. Miller knows exactly what we were fighting about, I might as well just ask her if she happens to have some cocoa around," Callie grinned as she released Arizona and helped her off the box.
Arizona laughed along and draped her arm around the the other woman.
"And if not, we'll change plans," Callie added. "I hear pound cake is delicious too," she teased and poked the blonde into her side as they made their way back to the roof access.
Arizona knew what she was referring to and which enormous relationship problems they had been facing then. Compared to that this little argument really was nothing.
Author: lilyme (aka. redslilstories aka. me ;))
Summary: There was something going on inside the hospital. Something thought long in the past. To some it was confusing, to some even scary. But overall it was... cute.
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show "Grey's Anatomy". They were created by Shonda Rhimes and belong to her and the ABC network. No copyright infringement intended!All mistakes are mine.
Miranda Bailey loved herself a rare, quiet day at the hospital. A day that gave her a little bit of time to breathe. To go see if everything around her surgical wards was in order and her staff was doing alright.
She found it important to catch a disturbance in the force very early on to prevent it growing into a huge mess.
On her tour she stopped on the third floor nurses station to ask for the nurses' attendance report of the last few months and the schedule for the next weeks. She wanted to see if there were necessary improvements to make and maybe some additional nurses needed – if budget allowed.
After a while Deluca sat down at the station with a pensive expression on his face, looking into the direction of the hallway he had just come from. But since his mulling didn't appear to be work-related, Bailey chose to not ask him about it just now, still busy with her work at hand.
Five minutes later, Schmitt came along, looking a little anxious.
'It's getting weirder', Bailey thought in amusement, as the young man halted at the station. From the looks of it with a task on his mind, but something seemed to be hindering him from following through with it.
And it possibly had something to do with the direction both the surgeons had just emerged from.
Before Bailey had a chance to inquire what was possibly going on around there...
"Hey, has anyone seen what Robbins is up to?" Meredith Grey neared them from around a different corner with a tablet in her hand.
"You saw that too?" Schmitt's head shot up from where he must have found the floor very fascinating until now. And immediately that spooked out look was back in place, Bailey noted.
Next to him, Deluca showed a look of interest and equal perturbedness.
Apparently he knew exactly what his colleague was talking about. But the two of them were alone with that.
"What?" Meredith's face scrunched in bewilderment.
"What?" Deluca and Schmitt returned as one, the younger man pinching his glasses closer to his face, Dr. Grey's confusion being likewise confusing to him.
"You didn't mean...?" Deluca continued, but when Meredith's face no sign of cluing in, he paused.
"I was just asking because I need her for a consult," she drew out in explanation. "What are you talking about?"
Bailey nodded along with the inquiry, her curiosity now piqued as well.
"Nothing," Deluca returned and Schmitt shook his head in non-verbal agreement.
But the women wouldn't have it. They needed to know what 'that' referred to.
"Schmitt... Deluca...," Bailey admonished them while Meredith crossed her arms and gave them her most intimidating look.
The intern finally caved, "I just caught her... them... in the attendings' lounge".
With all eyes now on Deluca, this one added. "And me in the elevator earlier".
"Okay," the Chief returned, "but what do you...," she prompted, still not following what the problem at hand actually was. Until... her eyebrows shot up as a possible scenario dawned on her.
"Oh, no!" Deluca negated, standing from his chair and holding out his arms emphatically. "Nothing like that. They were decent. Just really..."
"Cuddly and in love," Schmitt added.
"Who's the other one?" Bailey questioned further. It was none of her business and usually she kept out of any personal matter, but if it happened inside her hospital and affected the processes in it, she had to know.
The men just looked at each other. And Bailey and Meredith contemplated if it was someone unexpected.
Someone they wouldn't imagine cuddly and in love with Arizona Robbins.
At least... not anymore.
They exchanged a look. Could this really be? Had they really found their way back again? After years of separation and having lived themselves apart? The last one quite literally. Two people living in the States could hardly live further apart than those two had. Until recently.
"I think we should...," Meredith pointed into the direction, and Bailey cocked her head with an agreeing jut of her lip. They needed to see this for themselves.
They abandoned the baffled men and hurried off to the attendings' lounge.
Almost missing Schmitt's hesitantly begging voice that spoke. "Can you tell Dr. Torres Dr. Hunt is looking for her...?" Seemingly unheard by the two women, he turned and confessed to the Deluca, "She scares me".
He had a reason. Upon the news of her return, stories of everything Torres-related bas eventually also reached the interns. And had some effect.
Callie Torres... had an everlasting reputation at the hospital. Dating from years back where at times she could seem a bit intimidating and aloof. Plus there was also the stories of resident Torres always being the first to answer a page and showing up a mere minute after an emergency came in – no matter what time of day it was. To this day it was still a mystery to most people, how that was possible.
Deluca, who knew Torres enough to not be intimidated and especially knew the answer to this mystery from his roommate, meanwhile pondered a problem himself. "I might have to consider looking for a new place."
On their way to the mentioned location, Bailey and Grey were joined by Amelia Shepherd. "Hey, where's the fire?" she joked confronted with their determined pace.
"Possibly some rekindling in the attendings' lounge," Bailey returned and Amelia scrunched her face in confusion at the unexpected reply.
"What? I don't...," she wondered, but stopped, when they had reached their destination. And just like that found herself unable to voice more than a surprised, "Whoa...".
Because there they were. Still on the room. With Callie sitting on the sofa and Arizona relaxing in her lap, with her arm drawn around Callie's neck and its fingers lazily weaving through the long dark hair. In between she put sweet little kisses on the brunette's cheek and temple, while the other woman was apparently trying to work... as far as the tablet in her single free hand indicated. If she was actually being successful in that... was unclear.
The new arrivals watched through the open door. Not very sneaky of them, they knew. And not very sneaky of Torres and Robbins either.
But who knew if they even tried to keep it a secret.
"Uh-hum," Meredith cleared her throat to get their attention. "Hey, uh, Arizona, could you hop off? I kind of need you for a consult on Mrs. Cooper," she smirked, choosing not to comment on their cozy embrace just now, rather letting her face speak. Talking about this situation could come later.
Bailey on the other hand, opted to share her thoughts now. "It's good to see you back," she said in a genuine voice.
It counted for several reasons. Callie being back at the hospital certainly was an amazing development. Torres was still the most accomplished ortho surgeon she had ever known. And the two years spent in New York, while little successful on the relationship front, had not diminished any of that.
Quite the contrary.
And seeing Callie and Arizona back together was also something she didn't object. It always had been clear to her that those two belonged together, no matter what.
"Oh, and Schmitt said to say that Hunt is looking for you," she added, but had Callie confused for a moment. Confused and also slightly blushing from the continued attention of their three friends lingering in the doorway.
"Uh, 'Schmitt'?" she chose to distract herself. She still not entire caught up on the new interns and residents in the hospital. Given it was her second week back, it was not that bad, she hoped.
"'Glasses'," Amelia provided, having entirely forgotten what she had wanted to do before this interesting situation had turned up.
"Or 'Blood Bank'," Arizona added one more of the many nicknames the man was known by, as she stood up and offered Callie a hand. She smirked at her new old lover's tinted cheeks.
They had been dating for a while in secret. Having been in a long-distance-relationship for four months before Callie finally had the chance to move back to Seattle.
And of course then... with the prospect of them both working at Grey Sloan Memorial again, they had wondered about how to break the news of their newfound togetherness to their friends and colleagues.
This right here... was actually not the worst start.
"Oh... right!" the brunette realized. "I saw him through the window. Why didn't he tell me himself?"
"Um, well...," Amelia prompted to the enamored position they were just scrambling out of. With Arizona right now straightening the front of Callie's scrubs that had become a bit crumpled.
Bailey shooed her away with an amused hand on her arm, before turning back to the two lovers. "I guess he's heard all the intimidating rumors about you," she grinned at the oddness of all these stories being a stark contrast to what she was currently seeing here.
"Which is not the worst thing," Meredith shrugged as they waited for Callie and Arizona step out of the room.
One could see that the two of them were happy together. And no matter what the hospital rumor mill or anyone else would think about this, this was what really counted.
