AN: Is it just me or are the writers at Grey's destroying Callie and Arizona? Why can't they just let them talk about having kids like adults? I'm going to have to boycott the show if they keep it up. Anyway, enough ranting. Thanks to everyone for their kind words. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

This wasn't how she pictured things at all. She was supposed to come to Seattle, surprising both Arizona and Callie. They would go out for drinks or dinner or, preferably, sit around at Arizona's place so she could catch up with her best friend and get to know Callie from something other than pictures in e-mails. They weren't supposed to be in a hospital room with Callie recovering from a gunshot wound, Arizona crying her eyes out and her feeling absolutely helpless.

It had always been her responsibility as Arizona's best friend to make everything all right. She should have been able to do more than sit there rubbing circles on the blonde's back in the hopes it would make her feel better.

Her gaze shifted to Callie. Now there was a girl who took doing more to a whole new level. Not only did she save Arizona's life, she took a bullet in the process. She was willing to risk her life to keep Arizona safe. Jayme could feel her place as Arizona's protector slipping away.

And she couldn't be happier.

Arizona might not have realized it yet but Callie was the one. The woman she was going to spend the rest of her life with. Jayme had seen her in relationships before but never one like this. Her friend was completely and utterly, absolutely head over heels in love for the first time in her life.

The sound of a sniffle drew her from her thoughts as Arizona pulled back to look at her.

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" She furrowed her brow as she repeated the word. "For what?"

"Crying all over you."

"Please. You know I've always got your back Z." Jayme used her hand to wipe tears from her friend's cheeks. "This shirt needed washed anyway." The corner of her mouth turned up when the blonde chuckled. "Feeling better?"

Arizona nodded.

"Does that mean you can talk about what had you so upset?"

"I, uh…" Arizona sighed. "It's stupid."

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that?"

"Jayme…"

"I know I haven't been around for a while Z but you can still talk to me."

"I know."

"Then lay it on me."

"I've…" Arizona still hesitated. "I've been having nightmares." She spit it out like it was a dirty secret.

"Hey." Jayme gripped her chin to keep her from averting her gaze. "You've been through a lot. Nightmares are a normal reaction."

"Do you have them?" She regretted the question the moment it passed her lips. She had witnessed Owen struggle through therapy to cope with what he had seen overseas. What did she think she was doing, bringing up the subject with Jayme? Yes she wanted to help her friend but now was hardly the time. They had barely had a chance to stay hello to each other since she got home. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

"Stop apologizing. And the answer is yes. I have them all the time."

"Really?"

"Yeah. It's nothing to be ashamed of. They're freaky and scary but I think I would worry more if I didn't have them. Our subconscious mind has to deal with bad memories somehow. It's no different than having nice dreams about a good memory."

Arizona furrowed her brow. "I never thought about it that way."

"Neither did I until I talked to a councilor at one of the bases but what he said makes perfect sense. He also said talking about them helps. Do you want to give it a try?"

"Will you talk to me about yours?"

"Z…"

"I know you've experienced things I can't even imagine Jayme but I also know you didn't see that councilor voluntarily just like I know you won't go to another one now that you're home. You're going to need someone to talk to. Let me be that someone." She raised her eyebrows when Jayme opened her mouth to reply. "And before you say anything, if it gets to be too much or I don't think I handle what you're telling me I'll let you know. But you'll gloss over the details to spare me the worst of it anyway so that won't be an issue."

"I'll talk to you if I need to." A ghost of a grin played across Jayme's face at the look that got her. "Fine. You can be my future head shrinker. Now stop stalling and talk to me."

Arizona hesitated again. Did she really want to relive what she dreamed? If she did she would more than likely break down but if she didn't she wouldn't be holding up her end of the bargain. Besides, maybe Jayme was right. Maybe talking about her nightmares would help.

"I've had two now. The first one happened when Calliope was in surgery. I drifted off in a consult room and dreamed about her funeral. I was at the cemetery, on my way to the gravesite, when I saw her. I tried to get to her but ended up falling in her grave."

Jayme gave her a comforting squeeze. "And the second one?"

"I fell asleep here in her room sometime after Carlos and Rosa went down to dinner. I dreamed I was at the nurse's station getting coffee to stay awake in case she woke up again and she…" Her voice cracked. "She threw a blood clot that caused a massive heart attack and died while I was gone."

"You woke up just before we came in the room didn't you?"

Arizona nodded.

"No wonder you were so upset." Jayme pulled her close again so her head rested on her shoulder. "I want you to try something for me Z. I'm not saying it will work but maybe if you think about better times with Callie instead of what happened you'll stop having nightmares. I know it goes against everything you've learned as a doctor to not think in worst case scenarios but you have to remember that you're not her doctor. You're her girlfriend. Think happy thoughts instead of dreading what might happen next." She made a face. "And please tell me I didn't just sound like Peter Pan telling you to think happy thoughts."

"You didn't."

"Good. I wouldn't look good in green tights."

Arizona giggled. "Thanks Jayme. You have no idea what having you here right now means to me."

"Where else would I be?"

"I hope you know how much I love you."

Jayme nestled her cheek against the top of Arizona's head. "I love you too."

*************

Addison barely waited for the cab to stop before throwing a handful of money into the front seat with the driver and running for the hospital. She must have looked a sight in her high heels and wrinkled clothes but she didn't care. She had literally run out of the practice and to the airport as soon as she got the call about Callie.

She swallowed the lump in her throat, telling herself not to start crying again until she knew for sure what was going on. According to Mark Callie had made it through surgery and Bailey was optimistic about her condition. But she was also in the ICU on a ventilator which was never a good thing.

"Mark." She called out as she pushed through the doors and spotted him in the lobby.

"Addy." Mark welcomed her with a hug.

Addison barely returned the embrace before pushing away to look at him. "What the hell happened? How did some kid get into the ER with a gun? How's she doing? Is she all right? Is she still in the ICU?"

Mark held up his hands to stop her. "Slow down. I can't answer you if you keep throwing questions at me."

"Sorry." She ran a shaky hand through her hair. "Start with is she all right? Please tell me she's going to be OK."

"She's going to be OK."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Oh thank God."

Mark smiled. Addison loved Callie just as much as he did. That's why he didn't mind sharing the title of best friend with her. "She's out of the ICU and in a private room."

"And the vent?"

"Gone."

Addison visibly relaxed. "Has she woken up yet?"

"She did for a little while this afternoon but Bailey has her on some major pain meds right now so she's pretty out of it."

"Did you get a chance to see her when she was awake?"

"No." He sighed. "Arizona hogged her."

Addison grinned. "She's the girlfriend. She's allowed."

"Whatever. Do you want to go see her?"

"Do you have to ask?"

Mark put his hand on the small of her back as they walked toward the elevators, moving it once they were inside to hit the button for the fifth floor. "It might not be much of a visit. I looked in on them just a little while ago and both Callie and Arizona were out light a light."

"Has Arizona left her side?"

"No. Callie's parents got here this morning and keep trying to talk her into getting something to eat or going to Callie's apartment to rest but she won't do it. I'm afraid someone is going to have to literally drag her out of there. That's why I'm glad you're here."

"Why?"

"So you can drag her out of the room." He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"And I would want to do that because?"

"Because you're the one who moved to California. Besides," he smirked. "Chick fights are hot. You could totally take blondie."

Addison opened her mouth to tell him he was a pig but the elevator doors opened and she suddenly didn't care anymore. All she wanted was to get to Callie so she could see for herself that she was going to be all right.

She was so lost in thought that she ran into Mark's back when he came to a sudden stop in front of her. "What are you doing?!"

"Shhh!" He frowned as he peered through the window on the door.

"Why are you…" Her words were muffled as he put his hand over her mouth.

"What part of shhh don't you understand?" His frown deepened when she mumbled something against his palm. "I don't know what you just said but it didn't sound very nice."

Addison shoved his hand away. "What is wrong with you?"

Mark gestured toward the door. "Tell me what's wrong with that picture."

She did as she was told, frowning at what she saw. "Who is that woman?"

"I have no idea."

"And why is Arizona sitting on her lap?"

"That's what I'd like to know." He started to reach for the door handle.

"Wait a minute." Addison stopped him. "You can't just go in there with both barrels blazing."

"Why the hell not? Arizona is sitting on some strange woman's lap, looking awfully comfy I might add, while my best friend is lying in a hospital bed."

"Our best friend and I know it looks suspicious but I'm sure there's a logical explanation."

"What kind of explanation can there be? Callie was shot protecting Arizona and now she's sitting on some other woman's lap!"

"Shhh." Addison shushed him this time. "They'll hear you."

"Good."

"Stop that."

"No, she should stop that." Mark growled as Arizona put her head on the newcomer's shoulder.

Arizona opened her mouth to argue but couldn't find anything to say. There was no denying that Arizona looking too cozy for comfort. And the stranger was holding her a little to closely. She hated to admit it, but Mark was right. "Let's go."

"I hope you know how much I love you."

Arizona's words greeted them as they opened the door.

"I love you too."

"That will be just about enough of that!" Mark roared.

Arizona sprang out of Jayme's lap. "Mark?" She was surprised to see who was with him. "Addison? When did you get in town?"

"That's not important." Mark frowned at her. "Who the hell is that?"

Arizona matched his expression. "Excuse me?"

"I said," he pointed at Jayme. "Who the hell is that?"

Jayme climbed to her feet. "Don't talk to her like that."

"I wasn't talking to you."

"Well I was talking to you."

"Jayme, don't." Arizona put her hand on her friend's arm as she took a step toward Mark.

Mark's frown deepened, if that was possible. "Don't touch her."

"She'll touch whatever she wants." Jayme countered.

"I think we should all settle..."

"This is between her and I." Mark interrupted Addison.

"That's funny. I thought it was between you and Arizona."

"Jayme..."

"I've got this Z."

"Z?" Mark repeated the letter. "What's that, some kind of cutesy nickname?" He turned toward Arizona again. "Why does she have a cutesy nickname for you?"

"I've called her that for a long time." Jayme answered for Arizona.

"Just how long have you two been together?"

"Together?" Arizona raised her eyebrows. "We're not together."

Mark scoffed. "It sure seemed like it when you were sitting on her lap."

"She was comforting me."

"Is that what you call it?"

Jayme took a half step in front of Arizona. "I'm not going to tell you to watch how you talk to her again."

"She's right Mark." Addison agreed. "You're going too far."

Mark looked at her in disbelief. "Arizona is the one cheating on Callie and I'm going too far?"

"Yes." Addison nodded.

Arizona's mouth was hanging open. "I'm not cheating on Calliope."

"I'm her best friend." Jayme added.

"Yeah right." Mark's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Best friend with benefits maybe."

"No, she's really her best friend."

They all four turned toward the bed when they heard a new voice join the mix.

"Mark, Addison, I'd like you to meet Arizona's best friend, Jayme. Mark and Addison are my best friends." Callie grinned. "And you'll have to excuse Mark. He's an idiot."

Jayme returned her grin. "Most men are. It's a pleasure to finally meet you Callie."

"Likewise."

"She's your... The two of you aren't..." Mark mentally kicked himself. "I'm so sorry."

Arizona crossed her arms over her chest. "You should be."

"Callie." Addison went to her friend's side. "How are you feeling?"

Callie gripped her proffered hand. "Not much of anything right now thanks to the meds Bailey keeps pumping into me. What are you doing here?"

"You're lying in a hospital bed. Where else would I be?"

Callie switched her gaze to Mark. "You called her?"

He shrugged. "She deserved to know."

"Don't be too hard on him." Addison squeezed her hand.

"I'll let you get by with calling her but what were you doing accusing Arizona of cheating on me?"

"She was all snuggled up with another woman." Mark defended himself. "What was I supposed to think?"

"That I was upset over my girlfriend being shot." Arizona answered.

"I already said I was sorry."

"Not enough." Jayme piped in.

"So you're Arizona's best friend." Mark gave her a once over.

"Stop undressing her with your eyes." Arizona scolded him.

"I wasn't..."

"Yes you were." Callie cut him off. "You do it with everyone." She yawned.

"I'm going to go."

Callie frowned. "But you just got here."

"You need your rest. And I'm not going back to LA right away. I told everyone at the practice I had no idea how long I'd be gone so I'm yours for a while." Addison tucked Callie's hair behind her ear. "I'll come see you tomorrow."

"I'm gonna go too." Jayme turned to Arizona. "If I bring something up for you will you eat it?"

"Yes." Callie answered for her.

Jayme gave her an appreciative smirk. "I think we're going to get along just fine."

Callie smiled. "Me too."

"I guess I should go too." Mark sighed. "You're not too mad at me are you?"

"No, but I can't speak for Arizona." Callie shrugged her good shoulder when he gave her a look. "You should have chosen your battle more wisely."

"Yeah." Arizona stuck her tongue out at him as she hugged Jayme. "I'll see you in a little bit."

"You will." Jayme confirmed. "And remember what I told you if you start getting sleepy."

The corner of Arizona's mouth turned up. "I will."

"Was that pillow talk?"

Addison smacked Mark on the arm. "Come on. You're buying us dinner."

Mark frowned. "Us?"

"Me and Jayme." Addison pulled him toward the door. "It's the least you can do after what you did."

"Me? You came into the room too."

"Yeah but you're the one who ran your mouth." Jayme's words were the last to be heard as they left the room.

"I don't know if I like her being around Mark." Arizona watched them go.

"He's harmless." Callie yawned again. "And from what you've told me Jayme can take care of herself."

"You're right." Arizona pulled the chair closer to the bed.

"Don't sit there." Callie patted the bed. "Come up here."

"Calliope we can't..."

"I'm not going to try anything I just..." She looked into blue eyes. "I want to hold you."

"I don't think that's such a good idea. What if I hurt your shoulder?"

"You won't."

"What if Bailey comes in?"

"She went home for the night already."

"What if she makes a special trip back in to check on you?"

"I'm willing to risk it." Callie held out her good arm. "Now come on."

Arizona started to protest more but knew it was no good. She wanted to be held as much as Callie wanted to hold her. So she slipped off her shoes and climbed into the minuscule space next to her lover, coming to rest with her head on Callie's good shoulder and her arm around her waist.

"Now that's what I'm talking about." Callie nuzzled her. "You need to start taking care of yourself Arizona."

"I..."

"You're obviously not eating or Jayme wouldn't be bringing you food."

"But..."

"And you're clearly exhausted. So shut up and go to sleep."

"Did you lure me into bed with you just tell me to shut up?"

"Yes."

"Well I only have one thing to say."

Callie was almost out again. "What's that?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

In no time they were both asleep.