A/N: Awesome reviews, so thanks as always guys! Love how many of you want to see Lauren and Arizona together! Those that asked about seeing things from Callie's POV as well, that is on the cards for later chapters but will be from Arizona's for the next few.
The chapter would have been uploaded sooner but I was sulking about 'real-life' Calzona. Stray strong Calzona fans, stay strong.
Thanks to my wonderful girl for beta-ing
The sun filtering through the window made Arizona groan and roll over, stretching out her muscles that were still tight from training the day before. Peaking an eye open, she cursed herself when she saw it was barely nine; her natural body clock never let her get a lay in anymore; years of waking up for morning runs now imbedded into her brain. Deciding that she didn't feel like running this particular morning, she kicked off her covers and headed downstairs into the kitchen. 'Morning,' she greeted, seeing her Mom and Dad both already up and sat at the table.
'You're not going for a run kiddo?' Daniel asked, his eyes looking over his paper to his daughter.
'Don't feel like it,' Arizona replied. 'I'm still a bit tight from training.'
'Still...it's unlike you?' Daniel pressed.
'I just don't feel like it,' Arizona replied again. 'We out of milk?'
'On the table dear,' Barbara said, gesturing with her free hand.
Grabbing her bowl of lucky charms, Arizona headed around the table, sitting opposite her Mom as she poured the milk over her breakfast. Her eyes fixed on the bowl in front of her, Arizona missed the looks exchanged between her parents; glances filled with concern and questions.
'So, are you going to explain your behaviour last night Arizona?' Daniel spoke first, folding his newspaper in front of him and directing his gaze solely onto his daughter.
Arizona sighed; she had hoped that she wouldn't have to endure this kind of conversation, 'What about it?'
'I think you know what,' Daniel replied. 'I don't know what's gotten into you lately Arizona...but we don't go around slamming doors and shouting like you did last night. Your behaviour has been a little off lately.'
'Seriously?' Arizona responded, unable to stop herself. 'Can I just ask, have you had this same conversation with Tim?' Looking from her Mom to her Dad, she saw the answer plain on their faces; 'Exactly! Why is my behaviour in question when Tim's the one that's been an ass the entire summer and has more mood-swings than a pregnant woman!'
'Arizona!'
'What?! It's true!' Arizona replied, slamming her spoon down, her hunger forgotten. 'I'm fed up of my behaviour being in question all the time...I get awesome grades, I play soccer, I never break curfew or smoke or any of that crap...but the minute I have an off day I'm hauled for bad behaviour?' Standing up, Arizona threw her chair back and headed up to her room, ignoring the calls of her parents. Quickly changing into a pair of shorts and a hoodie, she headed back downstairs.
'Arizona Robbins, you get back in here now so we can finish this conversation!' Her Mom's voice sounded out.
'I changed my mind, I'm going for a run,' Arizona replied, not waiting to hear the answer as she slammed the door shut, instantly hitting her stride so she could get out of the sight of her house as soon as possible. As her feet hit the sidewalk she could feel her frustrations only increase; she was fed up of her parents; fed up of her brother and most of all, fed up of hiding who she truly was. Arizona knew that that was partly her own fault, her own fear stopping her; but she knew neither of her parents, or her brother, would understand; they were a military family through and through; having a gay daughter...well that just didn't fit the image. How could she expect her parents to react any differently to how Joanne's obviously had? Would her parents up and move them away? Or would Arizona find herself going to stay with some long-lost uncle in some far corner of the World?
'Arizona!'
Turning at the call of her name, Arizona was relieved to see that it was Lauren behind her, 'Hey!'
Lauren smiled, falling into stride next to Arizona as they continued running, 'I thought it was just me crazy enough to run early on a Saturday morning.'
Arizona smiled slightly, 'Nope, me too.'
'You ok?' Lauren asked, concern in her voice.
'Yeah, I'm ok,' Arizona replied, the smile she offered not quite hitting her eyes.
'You sure? Cause there's nothing like a good run to sound out all your problems,' Lauren continued.
'It's nothing,' Arizona replied with a shake of her head. She barely knew Lauren; she didn't want to suddenly unburden all her troubles on her.
'Ok,' Lauren replied simply, silence settling over them as they continued on their run.
Arizona looked to Lauren, 'What...that's it?'
'That's what?'
'You're not going to push for an answer?'
'Nope,' Lauren replied. 'If you don't want to talk about whatever is obviously bugging you, then that's your choice.'
Arizona nodded, 'Sorry...I'm just so used to everyone pushing for an answer...in the nicest way I suppose...'
'I'm not everyone,' Lauren replied. 'When my Mom died, people would ask me every day...like every minute of every day; are you ok? You're very quiet Lauren, are you sure you're ok? I felt like just yelling at them you know? Of course I'm not fucking ok, my Mom's fucking dead. But what good would that have done? I just needed time to...process I guess. Once I'd done that, I started answering them honestly; I told them that no, I wasn't ok. The hardest part is admitting to yourself when something's wrong...I guess I'm trying to say here that I get it.'
Arizona sighed; no matter what she was going through, it was nothing compared to what Lauren had been through with her Mom. Not knowing what else to say, Arizona asked, 'What makes you think something is wrong with me?'
'Your smile,' Lauren replied.
'My smile?'
Lauren nodded, 'You have dimples...really cute dimples I might add. When you smiled a minute ago they didn't pop. Your dimples always pop.' Arizona couldn't help the genuine smile that broke onto her face. 'See, there you go; dimples.'
Arizona laughed, 'Thanks Lauren.' Arizona didn't know what else to say; particularly caught up on the fact that Lauren had referred to her as cute...or to her dimples as cute...was that the same thing?!
'All I'm saying is, if you need someone to talk to...or just someone to run with in total silence...I'm game,' Lauren said. Arizona nodded, still unsure of what to say; she wasn't quite ready to voice all the emotions and thoughts swirling around, scared of how someone who barely knew her would react. 'But in the mean time, race you to the centre flag?'
Before Arizona could respond, Lauren had sped ahead of her, her turn in pace unlike anyone Arizona had seen before on the soccer team, 'Head start much?!' Arizona called as she instantly set off after the blonde, a full-dimpled smile firmly on her face.
X
Arizona stood in front of the Robbins household toying with the idea of just climbing the tree into her bedroom window rather than facing her parents. She'd been running with Lauren for two hours, Lauren's company firmly taking her mind off of her parents, her brother and all the other stuff as well. Eventually she'd conceded that she needed to go home and face the music, Lauren saying that she would be round later on as they had arranged with Teddy the day before. And there had been flirting; hand grazing, subtle touches, winks. Initially Arizona had thought she was making it all up in her head, but there was only so much that could be considered friendly gestures. The run had to end at some point though and after Arizona had typed her number into Lauren's phone 'just in case' she'd had to head home and to whatever waited for her.
Sighing, Arizona headed for the front door. She did feel a lot better than when she'd woken up; spending time with Lauren had calmed her down and put a smile on her face, she just hoped that her parents didn't come down to hard on her and undo all of that.
'Arizona, is that you?'
'Yup,' Arizona replied, the shout coming the minute she stepped inside. Kicking off her Nikes, she looked up to see her Mom standing in front of her, nodding once towards the living area. Following her through, Arizona saw that her Dad was now sat in his armchair, his gaze unreadable as she sat on the sofa waiting for one of them to say something.
'You know we don't storm out of this house like that Arizona,' her Dad said simply.
'I know, I'm sorry,' Arizona replied. 'I just had a bad day yesterday; I shouldn't have taken it out on you.'
'It's not just that Arizona...we're worried about you,' Barbara joined in.
'I'm fine Mom, seriously,' Arizona replied.
'You know you can talk to us about anything sweetheart?'
Arizona sighed, 'I know.' But she couldn't; not about this, not yet.
'Is there anything you want to talk to us about?' Daniel asked.
'No,' Arizona replied instantly. 'I'm fine, seriously. I'm sorry for storming out last night...and this morning.'
'Ok,' Daniel replied. 'You'd best go take a shower.'
'Right,' Arizona said, grateful that that was the end of that conversation. Realising she'd better ask, she said, 'Is it still ok for Lauren and Teddy to come around this afternoon?'
'Of course,' Barbara replied. 'Your brother is out all weekend...invite them to stay over if you like?'
Arizona nodded, 'Thanks Mom.' Pulling out her phone as she headed upstairs, Arizona typed out a quick text to Teddy and then Lauren when she realised she had already text her so that Arizona had her number. Heading into her room, Arizona realised what her Mom had said about her brother. She didn't need to ask where he was; it was probably his turn to meet the parents. That thought made her laugh out loud; Mr and Mrs Torres were renowned throughout the whole community as uptight and very hard to please.
Having a quick shower, Arizona came back into her room to new messages on her phone: 'Sorry Zo, I've got some meal with my parents and Uncle tonight :( still be able to come and kick around for a bit though, T x'Arizona flicked onto the second message she had waiting; 'Sounds awesome, have I got to fight Teddy for a bed?! L x'
Arizona didn't know whether she was more nervous or more excited about the fact that it was only going to be Lauren staying over. Teddy had told her about her Uncle being in town for the weekend, so it was her own fault for not remembering, telling her best friend that it was totally cool and they'd do it the following week. Hitting the reply button to Lauren she typed; 'Teddy's not staying over, she's got some family meal thing x.'
The reply was almost instant; 'So just you I have to fight with for a bed? ;) x'
Arizona bit her lip as she typed, 'I think my bed's big enough for the two of us! x'
'Woahh fast mover hey? ;) You usually invite girls back into your bed after only knowing them for a couple of days? x'
'Crap,' Arizona said, feeling stupid for what she'd sent. Typing a reply she said; 'Sorry, you can have the bed, I'll crash on the put out. x'
'Can't have that, I don't mind squeezing in the bed...although I should warn you my hands have a mind of their own sometimes ;) x'
Arizona was very glad in that moment that she was safely in her room with no one to see the blush that rapidly appeared on her face and neck. Staring at the text, she re-read it a hundred times over, making sure she hadn't misread the text. Trying to play it as cool as she possibly could, Arizona replied, 'I'm sure I can cope with your wandering hands ;) x'
'Oh I have no doubt Arizona, I'll see you later x'
'Look forward to it x'
Arizona sat down on her bed, any doubt she still had in her mind about whether Lauren had been flirting with her that morning had now totally disappeared. A nervous chuckle escaped her lips, the butterflies going mad in her stomach as she her mind went into overdrive as she thought about the evening ahead. 'Come on Robbins, you can be cool, play hard to get,' Arizona said aloud, rolling her eyes at herself as she did. 'Now I sound like my brother...be nice...be yourself...and seriously, stop talking to yourself.'
X
'Kiddo, Teddy's here!'
Arizona jumped up off her bed where she had been reading and headed down stairs just as her Mom was opening the door to reveal the smiling face of her best friend, 'Hey Mrs. Robbins!'
'How many times have I told you to call me Barbara Teddy!'
'Not enough apparently! Hey Arizona!' Teddy said, turning to her friend.
'Hey Teds,' Arizona replied, instantly grabbing her Nikes and grabbing Teddy's hand to drag her out the back.
'Woahhh, where's the fire?!'
'I'm saving you from my parents...we've not had a good morning,' Arizona mumbled her answer as she shut the back door behind them.
'Since when do you and your parents argue?'
'Since my parents decided to get on my back about the way I've been behaving lately,' Arizona said, running a stressed hand through her slightly tangled hair. 'Just because I didn't want to sit and play happy families all night with Callie and Tim...,' Arizona paused briefly. 'Like the day before yesterday, Tim and I talked like normal, I thought that I'd got my brother back...then last night him and Callie sat there ripping it out of Lauren when they don't even know her, Tim started to turn on me but I left before he had chance to finish. And still I'm the one that woke up this morning to a talk about my behaviour!'
Teddy watched as Arizona paced backwards and forwards in front of her, she had obviously worked herself up about this whole situation, needing to let it all out at Teddy, 'I always thought your brother was different.'
'Me too, me too,' Arizona said, sighing as she plonked herself down next to Teddy on the back steps.
'I'm sorry I can't stay tonight, I feel bad now it's obvious that you need a distraction,' Teddy said, reaching out and placing a comforting hand on Arizona's knee.
'Really, it's ok Teds,' Arizona replied honestly. 'Lauren is staying tonight.'
'Yeah?' Teddy asked, her eyebrows raised. 'Replacing me already?'
'No, no, God Teddy, no,' Arizona said, shoving Teddy playfully. 'No one could replace you as my best friend Teds.'
'I know, I was just messing...I'm secure in our relationship,' Teddy said, throwing Arizona a wink. 'You know if you need to get out next week you can gladly crash at mine anytime?'
'Thanks Teds,' Arizona replied. 'I dunno...I think I'm just going to have to start to get used to it, when Tim's not being a total dick, I can see that he actually really likes Callie...which means she's probably going to be sticking around.'
'That doesn't give them an excuse to belittle you or bitch about you and your friends Arizona, don't let them get off that easy,' Teddy replied.
Arizona smiled, her eyes drifting off to the horizon, glad that her aviators hid the truth in her eyes. She wanted to tell Teddy everything; she was her best friend, her sister; in so many ways she was her soul mate but this was something Arizona had shared with only one person before now. And that person had disappeared. Teddy always said she had her best friend's back, but would she with this? Would she hold her hand whilst she told her parents? Would she protect her from the whispers at school? Would she still be her best friend? Arizona sighed, her mind and her heart torn between taking the chance and telling Teddy or keeping it to herself a bit longer.
'You ok?' Teddy asked, breaking the silence.
'Yeah, why?' Arizona answered automatically.
'Dunno...you don't seem it,' Teddy said with a shrug. 'You sure it's just the stuff with your parents and brother?'
Arizona both nodded and shook her head at the same time, her head saying yes; her heart no.
'You know you can talk to me about anything Arizona?' Teddy said, recognising the internal struggle her best friend was obviously having.
'I know...I t-think,' Arizona replied, cursing when she hastily tried to wipe away the tears that had started to collect in her eyes.
'Heyyy, come on...' Teddy said, wrapping an arm around Arizona's shoulders. 'What's going on Arizona? You're worrying me now?'
'I-i-i w-want to tell y-you T-teddy...I j-just d-don't know...'
'Arizona, Lauren's here!' Barbara's voice came through the house, cutting Arizona's moment short.
'Shit,' Arizona said, quickly catching her breath and wiping at her eyes with the sleeves of her sweater.
'Wait, Arizona...what's going on? You were just about to tell me...'
'It's nothing Teds...' Arizona replied, all her confidence to tell her best friend having disappeared.
'It didn't sound like nothing,' Teddy said, blocking Arizona's path into the house.
'It's fine Teds, we'll catch up next week ok?' Arizona replied. Seeing that Teddy still wasn't budging, Arizona plastered a smile on her face, mustering all the perkiness she could, 'Seriously Teds, it was nothing...just more moaning about my asshole of a brother ok?'
'Yeah...I'm not buying that,' Teddy said. 'I'll let it go for now...but I want to know what you were about to tell me Arizona.'
Arizona thought about arguing, but she knew now that Teddy wouldn't drop it, and a frankly she loved her all the more for it, 'Ok, Tuesday night.'
'Arizona, did you not hear me?' Barbara came through the back door now, Lauren following behind.
'Sorry, Teddy and me were just lost in catching up,' Arizona said. 'Hey Lauren.'
'Hey Arizona, Teddy,' Lauren replied, stepping around Barbara and joining the other two on the grass.
'Well I'll leave you girls to it, just shout if you need anything,' Barbara said, shutting the door as she headed back into the house.
'Sorry I'm a bit late,' Lauren broke the silence that followed Barbara's exit.
'Teddy only just got here too,' Arizona said, offering a warm smile in Lauren's direction. As they all sat down to change into their boots for better grip, Arizona took the opportunity to fully appreciate the short and tank-top combo Lauren was wearing, very glad that she had her aviators on so she couldn't be caught staring. It was a warm day for the time of year and so all of them had chosen minimal clothing, knowing that they would be running around and working up even more of a sweat.
'You coming Arizona?' Teddy's voice broke though Arizona's thoughts, looking up to find both Teddy and Lauren stood looking down at her.
'Yeah, sorry,' Arizona replied, taking Teddy's hand and allowing herself to be pulled to her feet, shaking her head to try and rid any distracting thoughts as she tried to focus on the ball and the fact that it was meant to be in the back of the net.
X
If Arizona had any doubt left in her that she was gay, that soon disappeared after the last three hours she had just spent with Lauren. After about an hour, with the sun high in the sky and beating down, Lauren had removed her training top, existing in just a sports bra and her shorts thereafter. It took all the self control Arizona possessed to not just reach out and touch the bare skin now on show. That fact only increasing when Teddy would take her turn in the net and Arizona was pitted against Lauren. At first she thought it was just Lauren's style of playing; the fingers grazing along Arizona's back every now and then, the winks and the glances; then she realised that Lauren was just flirting with her; her hands becoming bolder when they got in particularly close quarters.
'Head!' Teddy's call came a second too late as her intended cross to Arizona instead smacked her in the side of the face. 'Jesus Christ Arizona what were you gawping at!'
Arizona rubbed the side of her face, fighting back the tears as the burning sensation took over her face, 'Sorry Teds, I thought I heard my Mom calling.' She covered her tracks quickly, although the incredulous look she received from her best friend told her that she wasn't fully believed.
'Everything ok?' Lauren's voice joined them now, jogging over from where she had been stood taking her turn in goal.
'Yeah, I thought I heard my Mom so Teddy's cross whacked me in the face,' Arizona explained quickly, not wanting Teddy to add her own thoughts on the situation.
'We should probably break,' Teddy said. 'I've got to head off.'
Arizona nodded, 'My calves are burning anyway.'
The trio headed back inside, Arizona disappointed when Lauren pulled her top back on as they walked. Grabbing juice and ice, the three of them sat around the table as they cooled off and discussed the upcoming match. Lauren was keen to know everything she could about the existing members of the team and the full details of what had happened last season. Teddy and Arizona recounted them as best as they could, both disgruntled when they had to tell the story of the final they lost.
'I really need to head off,' Teddy said. 'Please text me and keep me entertained tonight?'
Arizona chuckled, 'I thought you liked this Uncle?'
'I do,' Teddy replied. 'But now he's got a bitch that he brings with him...she doesn't leave his side so we all have to hear about her life and how in lurve she is with my Uncle...if she starts on her dream of going on X Factor then I'm sending you an emergency text and you are calling me to tell me that your cat died and you need the comfort of your best friend.'
'But I don't have a cat Teddy,' Arizona replied with a smile.
'I know that...but neither my parents, my uncle or his bitch do,' Teddy replied, a satisfied smile on her face at the plan she had formulated. 'You two have a good night, don't have too much fun without me.'
'Wouldn't dare Teds,' Arizona said with a smile.
'I'm quite tired actually,' Lauren added. 'Maybe just a film and an early night?'
Arizona glanced sideways, seeing the corner's of Lauren's mouth turned up slightly, a hint of a double meaning in her words, 'Yeah, Lauren's right, I'm pretty beat too.'
Teddy nodded, oblivious to the silent conversation that was passing between the two blondes, 'If I don't see you and your dead cat tonight, I'll see you both on Monday.'
'Have a good night Teds.'
'You too,' Teddy replied, already jogging down the path and into the waiting car of her parents.
Lauren and Arizona remained on the front step momentarily, watching as the tail-lights of Teddy's car faded off into the distance. 'So, an early night?' Lauren asked, a smirk now fully spread across her face.
Arizona smiled and shrugged slightly, 'Like I said, my calves are burning.'
'I can help with that,' Lauren replied, her voice low. Turning, she smiled when she saw the blush spread across Arizona's face, 'But for now I'm going to have a shower...'
Arizona nodded, clearing her throat she said, 'I'll see if Mom has got some dinner on the go, I'm hungry.'
Lauren smiled, Arizona watching as her eyes slowly raked over the entirety of Arizona's body, 'Oh me too, positively starving.'
X
'Dinner's ready girls!'
Barbara's shout came from downstairs, Arizona had been getting showered and changed in the family bathroom, leaving Lauren to use her ensuite, all the while she showered she had been trying to think of anything but Lauren. She had failed terribly. Pulling a clean pair of sweats and a tank top on quickly, Arizona headed out of the bathroom, finding Lauren to be just exiting her bedroom, 'You find everything ok?'
Lauren nodded, 'Yeah, thanks. What's for dinner?'
'By the smell of it I'd go for Momma's hotpot,' Arizona said as they headed down the stairs.
'It smells amazing,' Lauren said honestly.
'You wait till you taste it.'
Dinner actually went well; it was certainly a lot more enjoyable than the previous evening, Arizona found herself more relaxed then she had in a long time. Whether that was because of Lauren's presence or her brother's absence she wasn't quite sure. The conversation was easy and light; Daniel questioning Lauren briefly on their time in New York before Barbara took over the more mundane questions about school and what Lauren wanted to do with her life; both were surprised when Lauren informed them of her desire to become a fire-fighter, neither knowing what to say when she continued to explain her reasons for that career path.
'What was that?' Daniel cut in to the conversation, everyone around the table going silent in time to hear car doors banging and raised voices followed by footsteps hastily approaching the house. Before any of them could move, the front door flew open, a flustered Tim almost flying through, it soon becoming clear that he was actually being man-handled by the person who entered behind him.
'Papi please! This is ridiculous!'
Arizona would recognise that voice even in her sleep; Callie Torres was also adding to the already overflowing front room of the Robbins'.
'What the hell is going on here?' Daniel's voice was louder now, more authoritative as he rose to his feet.
'It's nothing Dad, don't get involved!' Tim said, his voice pleading with his Dad. At this point, the person who had hold of Tim stepped around so he was in full view; although he was slightly shorter than the taller frame of Tim, he was a man that instantly oozed confidence; his demeanour one that demanded respect. It didn't take long for Arizona to realise that it was Callie's Dad. Arizona met Lauren's eye across the table, raising her eyebrows and mouthing her apologies that their peaceful dinner had been interrupted. Lauren shook her head in response showing that it didn't matter.
'I said, what the hell is going on here?' Daniel repeated himself. 'And would you kindly take your hands off of my son?!'
Mr. Torres held Daniel's gaze for a second before he eventually released Tim from his grip, wiping his hands on his suit pants as if he'd just taken out the trash, though Arizona figured that wasn't something he'd done for many years. 'I apologise for barging into your home like this unannounced,' Mr. Torres spoke, his voice level. 'But you can imagine my...displeasure when I entered my Calliope's room to wish her goodnight only to find your son also in the room when he was not invited.'
'It's Colonel Robbins,' Daniel said instantly, causing both Arizona to roll her eyes.
'Papi please, let's just go?' Callie had now moved round further, her eyes flicking from her Dad to Daniel and then to Tim, Arizona could see the obvious fear and intense embarrassment in her eyes; their eyes meeting for a split second, Arizona trying to convey some reassurance in her gaze.
'Why don't I put the kettle on?' Barbara's soft voice interrupted them all, 'That way, we can all sit down like adults and have a conversation.'
Mr. Torres looked like that was the last thing he wanted to do, but still he said, 'That sounds like a good idea, shall we?'
Arizona watched as her Dad and Mr. Torres headed through to the living area taking seats opposite one another as Tim and Callie followed, each taking their own seat next to their respective parent.
'Why don't you two head upstairs?' Barbara said quietly to the two girls still sat at the table.
'Are you kidding? This is better than Oprah,' Arizona replied, fully intent on remaining at the table and watching the whole situation play out.
'Arizona Grace Robbins, you'll do as you're told and go upstairs!'
Arizona sighed, her Mom's tone of voice left no room for argument, particularly as she'd pulled out the middle name; that was practically unheard of. Heading away from the table, Arizona gave one more glance into the living room, surprised when she found her eyes again met with Callie's. Giving a small smile she gave a reassuring nod before following Lauren upstairs and into her room, leaving the door slightly ajar so that she could try and hear anything major that kicked off.
'Well that was intense,' Lauren said, sitting on Arizona's bed and crossing her legs underneath her.
'Yeah, sorry about that,' Arizona offered. 'Never a dull moment in the Robbins' household it would seem.'
'That was Callie's Dad?'
'I'm guessing so,' Arizona replied, sitting in her desk chair and crossing her legs so her feet rested on the edge of the bed. 'I've never met him before but from what he said it seems my brother has managed to piss off one of the most influential men in the city.'
'Ouch,' Lauren said. 'You think he'll come around?'
Arizona shrugged, 'Not a clue, but him dragging my brother in like that has seriously made my week.'
Lauren chuckled along with Arizona, 'Not been a good first week back?'
'No it has,' Arizona said quickly. 'Just too much of my brother in it to be honest, how about you?'
'It's been good,' Lauren replied. 'Different from New York...better I think.'
Arizona smiled, bending down to pick up an item of clothing she had dropped earlier that smile turned into a wince when her right calve gave way slightly beneath her.
Lauren jumped up from the bed and helped Arizona to her feet, 'Your calves?'
'Yeah,' Arizona replied. 'Serves me right for not stretching properly this afternoon.'
'Sit,' Lauren said simply. Arizona did as she was told, swallowing heavily when Lauren reached out and pulled Arizona's legs onto her lap. Rolling up the bottom of Arizona's sweats, Lauren placed her hands on the bare skin now exposed, her thumbs falling behind the leg and applying pressure on Arizona's calves.
'Owwww holy crap,' Arizona exclaimed as Lauren pressed down on a particularly sore spot.
'Suck it up,' Lauren said playfully. 'Give it a minute and it'll turn into good pain.'
Arizona laughed, 'There's such a thing?'
'Just wait,' Lauren replied, her eyes turning their focus on her hands and what they were doing to Arizona's legs.
'Owwww...owww...ohhh...that's good,' Arizona said, her cries of pain soon morphing into moans of pleasure as Lauren's movements eased the tight muscles, all thoughts of what was possibly happening downstairs forgotten.
'Why don't you lay on the bed on your front...that way I'll be able to get to more of your muscle?'
'I'm sold,' Arizona said, throwing herself onto the bed and crossing her arms in front of her. Lauren's hands immediately resumed their actions, Arizona becoming decreasingly responsible for the noises coming from her own mouth. 'God, where did you learn how to do this?'
'I don't know really,' Lauren said. 'I used to give my Mom a shoulder massage after a long day at work...I'm no professional.'
'You could've fooled me,' Arizona said, her eyes rolling into the back of her head. It wasn't just the fact that Lauren was working away the tightness in her muscles, it was the fact that that was mixed with the softness of her fingers gently gliding over Arizona's skin; a trail of goosebumps left in their wake.
'So what do you think the team's chances are this season?' Lauren asked, obviously wanting to fill the quiet with something, even though they'd already discussed this earlier with Teddy.
'I honestly think with the new additions this year we might come away with the trophy,' Arizona replied.
'Yeah?' Lauren asked.
'Yeah, last year we were missing the...I don't know...fizz I suppose,' Arizona said.
'Fizz?!' Lauren said, laughing.
'You know what I mean,' Arizona said, blushing slightly at the way Lauren laughed at her.
'You're cute when you blush,' Lauren said before she could stop herself. 'I mean your cute all the time...but...Jesus that was smooth.'
Arizona smiled, slightly relieved that it wasn't just her that was feeling nervous about the whole situation even though she still didn't know what to say, 'Thanks.' She said finally, needing to say something.
'Sorry...sometimes things just...come out of my mouth before my brain kicks in,' Lauren said, recognising Arizona's unease.
Arizona shook her head, mentally cursing herself as she pushed herself up so she was sitting on the bed, 'Don't apologise...I'm just...it's not you...I'm just not very good at...this.'
'You haven't told anyone have you?' Lauren said, catching Arizona off-guard.
'Told anyone what?' Arizona replied innocently.
'You know what...I can't say it for you,' Lauren replied meeting Arizona's eye.
'I don't know what you're...' Arizona went to pretend she didn't know what Lauren was talking about, further she went to deny it. But she didn't want to anymore, in front of Lauren she felt like she could be more herself than anyone else in her life, and that was mostly because she just knew. She knew what Arizona's 'secret' was; through the words had been left unsaid, the not-so-subtle glances and touches...Arizona knew that Lauren knew. But saying it out loud herself? That was a whole different level. She was ready, but she was also terrified of what would come after that. The minute she said it out loud there was no going back; was there any going back anyway? No. Arizona had known for some time now; deep down she had probably known for even longer than that. Taking a deep breath, Arizona looked to the wall as the two words she had been dying to voice for so long finally formed, 'I'm gay...shit...I'm gay...fuck...' Arizona didn't know whether she wanted to laugh or cry; so she did both.
Feeling a hand on her arm, Arizona looked through teary eyes at Lauren, unable to stop herself from dissolving further into tears as she leant into her shoulder, strong arms coming around her. The relief and the fear mixed together was just so much to deal with; she was gay. 'Shit, I'm sorry,' Arizona mumbled into Lauren's top, cursing herself for reacting like that in front of someone she liked how she liked Lauren.
'You know when I first realised I was gay, I locked myself in my room for three days,' Lauren said, a soothing hand running up and down Arizona's left arm as she still leant into Lauren's side. 'My Dad ended up breaking the door down because he thought I was trying to...do something drastic...it was about a year after Mom had died and I was terrified. My Dad's the most patriotic man I know, he is so old fashioned...I thought that he'd hate me...that he'd never understand. When I eventually told him, he just hugged me. He was so glad that it wasn't anything else...he told me that I was his daughter, he loved me, and nothing would ever change that. I cried on his shoulder for about five hours before he could actually get a word out of me...it's ok to cry...it's kind of a lot to take in right?'
Arizona just nodded, 'Thank you Lauren.'
'I didn't do anything,' Lauren replied. 'But, I've been where you are now.'
'I needed to say that,' Arizona said. 'I...um...you won't...'
'I did,' Arizona said with a small smile, finally pushing herself back up. 'I...um...you won't...'
'I won't say anything to anyone, no,' Lauren replied. 'I get it Arizona, I really do.'
Arizona nodded, grabbing a tissue off of her nightstand, she hastily wiped the tears away, letting out a hefty sigh as she sat back on the bed, 'I'm so scared.'
'I know,' Lauren said. 'And I know you need to tell other people...but just know that whether you do it tomorrow, or in a years' time...I'm here for you. If you want to talk about it...or whatever...just let me know yeah?'
Arizona nodded, her eyes drifting from Lauren's eyes to her lips and back again. Lauren's hand reached out first, her thumb gently wiping away the remainder of the tears that collected on Arizona's cheek, that one touch was all it took. Leaning forwards, Arizona gently pressed her lips against Lauren's, the kiss soft, slow, questioning and yet reassuring at the same time. When the definite sound of movement at the front door filtered through, Arizona pulled away from Lauren, remembering that her door was still ajar. A genuine dimpled smile spread across her face though as she met Lauren's gaze, 'Sorry.'
'Stop apologising,' Lauren said. 'Look can I be honest here Arizona?'
'Of course, I think we're safely in the realms of honesty now,' Arizona replied.
'Ok, good. I like you Arizona, but I get that you're still figuring this all out...so for now...just...what I'm saying is; I'm happy to just be your friend for now ok?'
Arizona nodded, biting her lip to stop any more tears from falling, 'Thank you.' Leaning forwards, she pressed another kiss to Lauren's lips before she got up to see what was going on, turning back she smiled as she said, 'And I um... I like you too.'
Smiling to herself, Arizona couldn't deny that she felt like she was on cloud nine; sure there was still a couple more hurdles to get over...massive hurdles...but she definitely felt like a massive weight had been lifted off of her shoulders now that someone knew. Peaking her head out her door, she saw Tim trudging up the stairs, 'You look like someone shot your puppy.'
Tim rolled his eyes, 'Don't even bother kid.'
Arizona shrugged, leaning against her doorframe, she saw how despondent her brother looked and she softened slightly, 'You ok?'
Tim just shrugged, 'Well I'm not dead or in hospital...which is kind of better than I expected when Carlos first caught hold of me...we weren't even doing anything! Literally, I was just...there...sitting...talking.'
'Talking, sure,' Arizona replied sarcastically.
'We were!' Tim replied, 'Callie wants to take it slow...which is kill-'
'Woahhhh, save me the gory details,' Arizona interrupted. She really didn't need to hear anything involving her brother and Callie, though hearing that Callie wanted to take things slow physically was...reassuring. 'He ban you from seeing her?'
'Sort've,' Tim replied. 'I mean obviously we'll see each other at school, but the deal is that whenever Cal is here or I'm over there that we're not left alone...that we're supervised.'
Arizona couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled up and escaped her, 'Well I'm sorry, but I won't be volunteering for escort duty.'
Tim rolled his eyes, 'Bite me.'
'Well as long as you're alive, I'm heading to bed.'
'Lauren's round yeah?'
'I hear my name,' Lauren called from inside, making her way to the door. 'Hey Tim.'
'Lauren,' Tim greeted. 'Right, I'll leave you two too it, I'm going to go and...'
'Lick your wounds?' Arizona finished for him.
Tim shook his head, 'You're loving this aren't you?'
'A little bit, yeah,' Arizona replied.
'I'll remember this when Dad or Mom first catch you and some bloke in the act...I won't be standing up for you...you remember that!' Tim called, already in his bedroom and shutting the door.
Arizona turned, closing and locking her own door behind her, 'So...should I make up the put up bed or...?'
'Arizona, you have a double bed...like I said before, I'm not here to jump your bones...I promise, I'll keep my hands to myself...mostly,' Lauren said, already settling herself underneath the duvet.
'Do you fancy watching a film or something?'
'Yeah sure, why not.'
'Any requests?'
'I'll let you choose,' Lauren replied.
'Ok ummm, eurgh Tim's been raiding my DVD's again, all the damn discs in the wrong cases...Miss Congeniality float your boat?'
'Sandra Bullock floats my boat,' Lauren replied.
Arizona laughed, putting the disc in the player as she moved round the room, switching the various lights off before climbing into the bed next to Lauren. Hitting the play button, Arizona settled underneath the covers, unsure of how to position herself; she didn't want to be over the top, but she also didn't want to be distant.
'You know you could always move over here a bit more,' Lauren's voice answered Arizona's internal question. Smiling sheepishly, she moved closer to Lauren, feeling butterflies in her stomach when an arm reached up and around her shoulders. Relaxing even more, Arizona fully rested her head against Lauren's shoulder, sighing as her eyes fixed on the screen across the room. The whole situation felt so natural; she had never been able to do this with Joanne; they had snuck around even more; hiding behind bushes and heading into the forest whenever they wanted to have some proper alone time. Lauren wasn't like that. She was out. She was confident and it seemed to Arizona that she really didn't care what people thought of her. She'd been dealt some cruel blows in her life and to have come through them had obviously made her the strong person she now appeared to be. Arizona looked up to her in that sense, but she also liked her massively; she was hot, really, really hot and she was kind, supportive and cheeky. Arizona just hoped that the little bubble they were in wasn't going to burst anytime soon.
