I've made a playlist on Spotify for this fanfic:
The best friend: playlist/0xAep7spzDexasFcFv7cMa?si=qQlVu79ZTVCIRNQ3yy6azw
Sitting on one of the stools in front of the counter that separates the kitchen from the living room, Merida reads the newspaper drinking tea, when Arizona comes down the stairs putting a coat over her:
— Oh, look who fell out of bed today... — the blonde comments approaching the Welsh and kisses her mouth. — Good morning, Mery.
— Good morning, my love. — Merida responds smiling and without taking her eyes off the newspaper. — Sleep well?
Looking curiously at Merida, Arizona enters the kitchen and begins to prepare things to eat:
— Yes, I slept very well. And you?
— Oh, yes, I slept too well. — Merida puts down the newspaper and winks at the blonde. — Could it be different? After last night, I believe I will sleep very well every day!
Letting out a silly chuckle, Arizona loves what she hears and prepares coffee in the machine:
— I agree with you... — she looks around the living room and kitchen, then looks at Merida. — Mery... you don't have a table... and I just noticed that now!
— No, I do not have. — the redhead responds calmly and turning the newspaper page. — Why?
— Well! Why?! Seriously — Arizona folds her arms. — How can you live without a table and chairs to sit and eat?
Finishing her tea, Merida sighs heavily and supports the newspaper on the counter:
— Well, because the aesthetic of this loft does not allow a table and chairs, as simple as that. Have you noticed that everything is in harmony here? — the Welsh smiles at a shocked Arizona. — Plus, I'm single and alone, I never needed a table for anything, I don't even receive people here and I don't intend to have a family. Well... I mean... just you. Besides, I already made this bench for this purpose, to sit, eat. It is simple and, at the same time, chic!
— No... Merida... — Arizona wags a finger at the Welsh. — You shouldn't tell me that kind of thing... you're not living alone anymore and I think this house needs a table and some chairs.
Raising her eyebrows, as if surprised, Merida opens her mouth to answer, but her cell phone starts to ring and, signaling the blonde to wait, she answers on the speakerphone:
— Speak, Rick!
— Ah... Harris... the models just arrived and are scared to death by the session. Some are afraid of heights, but few are comfortable about it! — the Welsh assistant says in a shaky voice and Merida rolls her eyes.
— Rick, you will tell these girls that they will do exactly what the client wants them to do! They are paid for it! Besides, there is no danger in the session, this is all cool! — the Welsh snorts off and turns her gaze to an Arizona drinking coffee quietly on the bench beside her: — You were saying, Ary...
— Oh, me? — the blonde puts a hand on her chest and squints. — What were we talking about?
— Chairs, tables, stuff. — Merida answers standing up and walking to the kitchen with her cup in hand.
— Ah yes! — Arizona smiles. — Well then, Merida, we need a table and some chairs in this house, after all, it is much better to eat...
Crossing her arms and looking confusedly at Arizona, Merida says:
— Well... I never have dinner, besides, where would we put a table and some chairs? This house is in perfect harmony, I don't want to touch anything!
Before the blonde can comment, the redhead's phone rings again and she hands it to Merida, who hangs up, signaling for the American to answer.
— Well... — Arizona's eyes widen. — Again, you are no longer alone and we could order pizzas, eat junk food for dinner. A table is an excellent purchase for this home. — she points to the corner to the right of the kitchen. — Those two huge vessels could go elsewhere, don't you agree?
Looking shocked at the objects, Merida walks over to them and touches them gently, exclaiming:
— These are vases Le Lis Blanc, Arizona! These rarities are not found anywhere!
Looking from side to side, not understanding what that name was, Arizona sighs heavily as she says:
— What are they? — she points to the objects. — To me they are ceramic vases like any other! And they were made to be placed wherever we want... — again, the redhead's cell phone rings and the blonde exclaims: — Would you like to answer that crap, please?!
With wide eyes, Merida answers without taking her eyes off the blonde:
— Speak!
— Bitch, where are you? The session starts in 30 minutes! — Brendon exclaims angrily and Merida loses patience.
— I HAVE TOLD RICK WHAT HE NEEDS TO DO AND I HAVE ALREADY TOLD THAT I'M ON MY WAY, SHIT! — after screaming impatiently, Merida puts the object in her pocket and tape Arizona: — Continue!
— Merida... — Arizona starts to speak, feeling that Merida has no idea what the night before and the statements they made mean for their relationship. Shaking her head and letting out a heavy sigh, the blonde says: — Look... Merida... we need to talk...
Packing her backpack in the living room, Merida shrugs her shoulders in reply:
— Well, we are already talking! I just can't talk anymore because I need to go, I have a busy day ahead and I believe you do too.
Covering her face with her hands and counting to ten to keep her patience, Arizona pretends a smile and stands up, walking over to the redhead.
— Merida... light of my life... we both need to talk about us... our relationship... about everything we talked about last night... don't you think?
Looking curiously at the blonde, Merida smiles and says:
— Ok! As you prefer, Ary. What do you think of going to dinner in a restaurant where we can talk about everything?
— Yes, it's great. Could it be at 8 pm? — Arizona questions getting a kiss on the lips. — So, I'll do anything to get home before that time, okay?
— Yes ma'am! — Merida waves to her and leaves, closing the door behind her. — Talk... what else do we need to talk about?
During the afternoon, taking a break from the photos, Merida and Brendon chat while having tea and eating cookies at a small table set up at the session site.
— Merida, I didn't understand... did you have sex? — the stylist asks and the redhead just nods, as she is taking a sip of her drink. — And how was that? Did you declare yourself? She cried? Does she love you too?
— Jeez, calm down, crazy! — Merida exclaims, widening her eyes when she feels the man's hands tap her shoulder. — I don't know what happened to me, I just took her in the bathroom and... well... it happened... — she smiles and looks lost at her friend. — She is so beautiful... so good... I mean, she always was, but now she is even more so. What a body! What a kiss! What sex!
As soon as the redhead finishes, she looks at her friend who is shocked and gaping, with a hand on his chest and eyes wide.
— So you're telling me that you felt, for the first time, the same pleasure you give women? Is that it? Were you her pillow princess?
Frowning, Merida denies:
— It's not like that! I just did it and received pleasure. — the Welsh says, going over all the sex from last night. — She seemed satisfied with everything we did... I never wondered what Arizona would be like in sex...
Standing and motioning for the Welsh to follow him, Brendon walks back to the photo scene saying:
— Is it? Careful, huh, bitch? This Arizona seems very crazy to me...
A little afraid and thoughtful, Merida takes her camera, positions herself and, while the model is getting prepared, says:
— Bah! She liked it and so did I! Stop putting doubts in my head.
— Look, bitch, you were late today because of her, who was arguing with you about tables, chairs and vases! Watch out, she's already putting her claws out. Think about it, Merida... Is that what you want for your life? — Brendon casts such a doubt and puts his attention on the model in front of him: — Honey, let's fix this dress? You are crumpling his whole bar...
With her mind troubled by everything her friend had told her, Merida sighs heavily and starts over with the photos.
— Abby! — she opens her arms to the model: — Beware of this open mouth... customers don't like models that need a lot of retouching in the final photos... — rolling her eyes, the Welsh resumes the photos. — Just what was missing... tell a model what she should do!
Brendon stands next to Merida and asks:
— You are going to Demacchio's showroom tonight, aren't you?
With her full attention on the pictures she takes, Merida replies:
— Ah, yes, I will. If we leave here today, I will definitely go.
In the showroom of Demacchio, Merida chats animatedly with some models and fashion critics in a swirl on the huge balcony while sipping champagne. The Welsh's cell phone desperately rings in her pocket, but she doesn't listen and continues to laugh.
— So, do you want to change your clientele, young lady? Thinking about doing what? — Merida smilingly questions a beautiful brunette model who has an arm resting on her shoulder and stroking the Welsh muscle.
— Ah, Harris... I thought about leaving the beauty photo and going to high couture, you know?
Smiling from the corner and winking at the woman, Merida replies:
— Oh, I know... and would you like me to help you with that?
— Well... if I could get a little help from you... — the model murmurs in Merida's ear and nibbles her ear. — ...I would be very grateful... however you want...
Before the Welsh did or said anything, one of the critics asks:
— Is it true that you will participate in the choice of new models for Dior?
— Yes! I will take care of that part. Once these models are chosen, they will have sessions with me in several ways. I have the material in the car and I have three days to decide and return to them. — Merida responds with a heavy sigh and crosses her arms. — Changing the subject completely, what was the official date chosen for the parades in South Africa?
A woman with short, tousled hair, wearing a purple suit and a low voice, smiles at the Welsh:
— Two months from now, Harris. I believe you'll go, right?
— Ah yes! Of course I will. — Merida blinks at the woman and finally feels her cell phone ringing: — Oops! Excuse me, guys... — she turns away from the people and sees Arizona calling. — Hi, Ary!
— Hi, Ary?! Merida! Do you know what time is it? — Arizona's voice is extremely loud and apparently irritated. — Did you forget what we had agreed? It's past 11 pm and I haven't even heard of you... I was ready, waiting for you for our dinner and nothing of you showing up!
As if a bucket of cold water fell on her, Merida closes her eyes and sighs heavily:
— Aaaiii... Arizona, please, I'm sorry! I really got bogged down with work and then I had to come to a showroom. But I'm already going home! Give me half an hour and I'll be there soon!
— Now it doesn't matter what time you come, Merida! It looks like you don't grow up! — Arizona exclaims hanging up and Merida snorts nervously, stuffing her cell phone in her pocket anyway.
— SHIT! — she runs from the balcony into the apartment and, without saying goodbye, hurries out the door.
— Merida! Where are you going? — Brendon exclaims opening his arms, but the Welsh is already gone inside the elevator. — I'm pretty sure it's that unbearable Barbie! I'll end their friendship...
Breathing deeply and building up courage, Merida enters her loft and locks the door in the greatest silence. As soon as she places the key on the hook on the right and the wallet in the small table on the left, the Welsh observes the first floor in the purest silence and walks up the stairs. Upon arriving in the room, Merida is faced with Arizona lying in bed, reading a book and with an unfriendly face.
— Hello... good night, Ary... — she puts her hands back and smiles, standing in front of the bed, but Arizona doesn't take her eyes off the book and completely ignores the Welsh presence. — Could we talk now? I'm sorry to screw up with dinner, but I had completely forgotten Demacchio's showroom was today and I needed to go. You see? — Merida sits at the foot of the bed and Arizona rests the book on her lap, looking seriously at the redhead.
— Merida... I called more than twelve times! I came home early just to take a shower and get ready... I bought a new dress for this dinner that DIDN'T HAPPEN! What's your problem, huh?! — Arizona lets out the words trying to control her tone of voice and Merida tries to say something, but the blonde forbids her with her hands. — No, no! Enough of these baseless explanations! Because I also have a job and it also requires me to make sacrifices, but... this dinner was important for me... for you... for us! And you know what? With your attitude today, I can see what you have decided about us... you didn't text, you didn't call or even give news all day!
— Hey! Hey! Arizona, wait a minute, I'm sorry, but... what do we need to talk about? Didn't we say everything last night that needed to be said? We've been declaring and been together for nearly 27 years... why the hell would we need dinner to talk about it? — Merida says standing and crossing her arms. — I didn't decide anything while working, Arizona, I don't know why you say those things.
— What? — Arizona questions looking to Merida. — We have never said anything during these 27 years, Merida, NOTHING! We always run away and, at the same time, look for each other... but we never assume anything and, after yesterday, I think it's time to decide, as adults, how to take this situation... Don't you agree? Or for you just the fact that we have sex already connotes relationship?
Denying with her finger, Merida exclaims:
— No, no! I didn't say any of that and much less did I mean that sex means dating. Even if, if it were, there would be millions of girlfriends out there! Taking into account the number of women I have had sex with...
— ARGH! MERIDA! — Arizona clenches her fists in anger. — You can't say that kind of thing... you can't! Don't you see that our friendship is at stake? Will we be friends with benefits? Will we assume a relationship? Or was it just one night and nothing more?
— I... I didn't think about that... — Merida replies thoughtfully and sits on the bed. — In fact... I think I'm so used to you and how we have always been intimate in these 27 years, that sex came only to confirm something that we have built up over all this time... Don't you think?
Sighing heavily, Arizona realizes that she was expecting something from Merida that she doesn't know how to give and that, perhaps, it was time to teach her the meaning of a serious relationship. As if everything made sense, the American realizes that the closest relationship the Welsh had was her friendship and that she has never really had a serious relationship in her life.
— Merida... come here... sit closer to me and look deep into my eyes... — Arizona sits crossing her legs and slaps her hands in the bed, where Merida sits. — Pay attention to what I'm going to ask, okay? Have you ever dated? Have you stayed with a single woman for more than one night?
— Ah... no... I don't think so... aside from you, none... — Merida replies shaking her head and Arizona lets out a silly chuckle.
— I don't know why I ask if I already know the answer... — the blonde strokes the Welsh's face. — Do you understand that everything we lived in all these years was like a distance relationship? I mean, we always treat each other as if we were girlfriends, and now, with sex, we just confirmed that we really always lived waiting for each other. So, I think we just need to trim some edges... you know?
— Yes... I never wanted to get involved, because I never wanted to... you know me, don't you? You know that I NEVER dated seriously after our teenage years... — Merida says thoughtfully. — But with you... it's different... I think, all these years, I lived waiting for you to return... isn't it?
Laughing, Arizona opens her arms:
— Do you think? I'm sure you did, Merida! Look at the closet! You always kept one side just for me, like as if I was your wife... I always had half of me in your life, wherever you went... I guess you never got involved because you were afraid you wouldn't find in another what we've always had, haven't you? — the Welsh agrees with the blonde, but lost in thought. — Merida, look at me... what do you want from me? I want you to think now what do you expect from all this... friendly sex... a relationship? Or nothing?
Sighing heavily while thinking hard, Merida stares intensely into Arizona's blue eyes and the whole story that they have lived together for all these years passes through her mind... The happiness she feels every time she is with the blonde... the calm that she always passes when there is a problem... the love they always felt for each other... really, there is a lot at stake to be just friendly sex.
— I don't think I've ever experienced anything concrete with anyone, Arizona, because I've always had that with you and... well... since sex was the only thing we didn't have, all those years I might looked for sex in others. You see? But now... after last night... on second thought... that's all we needed to finally assume something that we should have done many years ago. — Merida says seriously and Arizona smiles in a corner, feeling relief when she realizes that the Welsh is understanding what she means. — And I could not bear to see you smiling again at another woman besides me... your wedding was the worst and the best day of my life, because that was when I discovered that I really love you and that was when my heart stopped for a few seconds to see you so beautiful delivered in the hands of another!
Arizona takes a hand of the Welsh and kisses it affectionately:
— So you are telling me that you don't just want friendly sex?
— Of course not! I'm saying that I want you! Only you! But now... what should I do? Ask you for a date? — the Welsh question confused. — Kneel? I don't know how to do these things...
— No, you don't have to kneel, Merida... — Arizona looks seriously at the Welsh. — But we have to establish some things, don't you think? For example, you won't be going out with other women around anymore, right? Understand it?
— Yes... I do... in a serious relationship, we cannot cheat or go out with others! — Merida exclaims with a salute. — What else?
— Merida, this is no joke! I'm serious! If we are really getting involved, it means loyalty, exclusivity, love, complicity... you know what that is? — Arizona explains with all the calm of the world and Merida closes her eyes.
— I know what all these things are... why are you telling me that?
— Come on, Merida! Because you NEVER got involved and because... — Arizona sighs heavily. — Merida, never lie to me, never cheat on me, please... if you make me an idiot, if you deceive me, I swear I'll go away and I'll never talk to you again! I am serious! Our friendship is over, do you hear me? I don't want to be a fool...
Pulling Arizona to sit on her lap and gathering her foreheads, Merida replies:
— Never, Ary! Never! I will never betray you, I would never play with your feelings. I promise! Believe me! — the redhead kisses her, who cries. — Believe me, Ary... I am willing to do anything to be with you! All! Anything! I give up anything, I stop doing whatever it takes, I learn just to be with you...
— So, to start, never do what you did today! You disappeared all day, arranged a dinner with me and then didn't even make a phone call! We don't need to talk every minute, but... come on, Merida, a message in the middle of the day... answer the phone... you know? This kind of thing! — Arizona exclaims feeling a certain fear of that decision. — I don't want to lose you, who I've been with for 27 years... but I also don't want to spend my life with this feeling that we could have lived love differently. I want this with you too, but... I'm not 20 years old anymore, Merida! I already got married, I have a daughter and I am rebuilding my career. I think you understand that I no longer have time to play games, to be made an idiot, understand? I love you and I want you, but I need something, a security, something that makes me feel safe by your side.
Hugging Arizona's body tightly against hers, Merida lies with the woman still in her lap and smiles, staring into her blue eyes:
— I love you and I'm not going anywhere, Arizona! It was 27 years of building this relationship that I will never have with anyone else... I love you! And I will not break your heart, nor abandon, nor cheat... believe me!
— Merida... answer your cell phone when I call... send a message... let me know where you are and what time you are back... I need to know when something unexpected happens, you know? Because I will do all of that too... — Arizona says starting to feel a relief and Merida comments:
— About the trips I take for Fashion Weeks, showrooms etc... Will you be able to go with me?
— Ah... If you invite me, of course I will! — Arizona responds smiling embarrassed and sits on the bed, watching the Welsh stand. — Your army of fans will be disappointed to see you dating a 40 years old woman, don't you think?
Ripping off the clothes and starting to fold them, Merida replies:
— Bah! But of course I will invite you! You are my love and I need to show everyone the most important person in my life!
Letting out a silly laugh, Arizona exclaims:
— I would just like to be warned about such trips, fashions shows, understand? Our careers are so opposite, but the two of us are united. Nothing changes between us... We just upgraded what was already a relationship... Right?
With a nod, Merida walks to the bathroom saying:
— Speaking of which, I'll be at home for three days, but then I'll need to travel to Paris. I am helping in the selection of new models. — the Welsh appears completely naked at the doorframe and smiles. — Want to go to Paris with me?
Sighing heavily, Arizona replies:
— I think I'll need to see my schedule at the hospital, Mery. How many days will you be there?
— Well, I can't say. It will depend on the selection, you know? — Merida responds and go back to the bathroom.
Throwing herself on the bed, Arizona murmurs:
— Selection of new models... fashion shows... Showrooms... I will need to give in from time to time, even though her world is not exactly what I would like to live with...