Amelia
Expectedly, the car ride home is quiet. I have the radio on, mostly just as a background distraction. When I glance over at Arizona, she's staring out of the window. I see a slight reflection in her window. To someone who doesn't know her, she could be mistaken for daydreaming. But, I know she's contemplating something.
"Can we go back to yours?" She asks, suddenly. She looks at me with those doe eyes and I take her hand in mine.
"Of course. Whatever you want," I say, sincerely. At this point, I'd drive her halfway across the country if she wanted. I'm not entirely sure why she doesn't want to be at home, but now is not the time to pry.
So, so you think you can tell heaven from hell?
Blue skies from pain?
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
She's still got that weak smile on her face, trying to disguise any real emotion. If she breaks, she'll really break. She's scared of losing that control. In some aspects, we're very similar people. "Are you alright?" I ask. I know she's not alright. How could she be? I'm just hoping she'll give me a little insight into what she's thinking.
"I miss my brother," comes out in an honest whisper. My heart aches for her.
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl.
Year after year, running over the same old ground.
And, how we found the same old fears.
Wish you were here.
From my own experience, I know there's nothing I can say to comfort her. Instead, I empathise. "Same," I say, squeezing her hand tighter. I feel her eyes burn into me with compassion.
"I'm sorry they tried to bring Derek's death into the trial," she says, wholeheartedly.
"It's not your fault," I say as we pull onto the driveway. In an attempt to reassure her, I kiss her cheek before I unbuckle and make my way to the house. I usher her inside, before closing the door and kicking off my heels.
She stands there awkwardly clutching one of her arms, as though she hasn't been here dozens of times in the past two months. In this moment, I feel like a stranger. And, I don't like it. I don't like it one bit.
"Arizona," I start, sensitively. "What do you need?" I step closer to her, and study her expression. I can't quite get a read on her. But, I want to help.
"Sorry," she says, quietly. "My head's... everywhere," she sighs out.
"I know," I say, brushing her hair out of her face with both hands, before pulling her into a kiss filled with emotion. A kiss that tells her I will do anything to keep her safe. A kiss that tells her she is worthy and valued and loved.
Yeah, loved. I love her. I'm in love with her. Fuck, how did this happen so fast? I guess it's different when you've already known someone for years. Right now, this could either be the best thing to tell her, or the worst thing. I can't risk it. For her sake more than mine, I'll keep it to myself. It can wait for another day.
Arizona
The kiss alleviates so much pressure from my chest. Like she's cut loose the elastic band that was holding my heart in place. The fingers that have been resting on Amelia's hips start to cling to her shirt. I want a hundred kisses like this; caring and protective and completely devoted. When the kiss comes to an end, she smiles at me.
"I'm going to draw you a bath... with loads of bubbles," she states, decidedly. "And, pour you a glass of wine," she wraps her arms around my waist. "And, you're going to spend the rest of the evening relaxing."
"That sounds perfect," I say, smiling genuinely for the first time today. "There's one thing missing though..."
"What?" She says, listening intently. She wants this to be perfect for me.
"I need you in there with me."
...
Amelia
This was a great idea. I'm laying back, head on a towel, surrounded by sweet-smelling bubbles, and tealight candles that line the edge of the bath. Soothing music plays gently through the bathroom speakers. Most importantly, the incredibly beautiful (and naked) Arizona Robbins is sat in between my legs, relaxing into my body.
"This was a great idea," she takes the words right out of my head as she sips on her white wine. With a sip or two left, she puts the glass to one side and leans back into me fully, sighing contently.
"Mmm," I agree as I wrap my arms around her and turn my head slightly to press my lips to her temple. I can't see her face, but I know she's smiling.
"Thank you for today," she says, rubbing a hand up and down my arm. "I really couldn't have done it without you there. You were amazing."
"You don't give yourself enough credit," I say, kissing her shoulder. "You handled today amazingly. I was so proud of you."
"You were?" She asks, turning her head to face me.
"I was," I confirm, this time kissing her lips.
"Hmm..." She murmurs, nestling back into my shoulder. She's fake-thinking. She's already made up her mind about something, but wants me to know about it, too. She's so cute.
"What?" I smirk.
"That sounds like something a girlfriend might say..." She says, playfully.
"Oh, yeah?" I reply, feeling playful myself. "Huh... That's weird..." I continue the charade. "I thought we were just friends? Friends take baths together, right?"
"Only really close ones," she retorts, sharp as a tack.
"Arizona," I smile as she turns to me once again and flutters her eyelashes at me in response. "Wanna be my girlfriend?"
"Uh... okay," she says, crinkling her nose as though she's not bothered. Seconds later, despite her best efforts to keep it away, a smile creeps onto her face.
"By the way, that friends in the bath thing better be a joke, because I am going to be pissed if I find you in the bath with Jo."