Lavender Haze (Actor!Steve Rogers AU)

12

"Look at you, are you eating properly?" Donna Allen commented as Arizona walked into the hallway, arriving home for Christmas. She had seen the pictures in the press considering someone was always slandering her daughter, but now that she saw her for the first time physically in months? She wasn't surprised to see that she'd lost a little bit of weight than the last time they'd spent together.

"Nice to see you too Mom, and I am, but I've been rehearsing for the tour, putting down the first few songs in the studio and stuff".

Donna simply nodded, but said nothing else - ushering her daughter in more and showing her through to the living room.

The house was in it's usual state like it was at Christmas. Garlands were woven through the handrail on the stairs and fireplace, mistletoe over doorways, the tree was the staple, set in the usual cove that was the bay window and decorated to within an inch of its life. Perfectly wrapped gifts dotted around underneath. Her mother liked to keep a tidy house, who wouldn't?
Upon her parents divorce just years before, her father had given up the house to them, that was before she had entered into the showbiz world that she knew. Many times Arizona had offered to buy her mother a bigger home, closer to hers, but Donna has declined. She was happy and set on keeping the house she'd spent so many years shaping into the perfect home.

"So, I have some news..." Donna stated, passing Arizona a cup of coffee and setting a tray of biscuits down on the coffee table.

"Right?" She frowned, wondering why her mother was talking seriously.

Donna took a sip of her drink for courage. "So...I've met some, well, I met them sometime ago, and we've kind of been seeing one another since..."

Arizona smiled. "That's great Mom, c'mon then, give me the details - what's he like? What does he do?" Then she noticed the ring on her mother's finger... "Ok, what is that?" Now blinking and looking to her mother to seek confirmation for what was forming in her mind

Donna shifted slightly. "He erm...he asked me to marry him..."

"That's great!" Arizona exclaimed, a little surprised but happy none the less. Her mom had been on her own for some time and deserved someone to share the home with. "Why were you so worried about telling me? You know I wouldn't say anything about you getting re-married".

"You may about this..." Donna still looked awkwardly at her. "Ari...I'm marrying Phil..."

Arizona almost dropped the cup of coffee in her lap. "I'm sorry, what? Phil? As in my manager Phil?" Now seeing her mother nod slowly. "How the - wait...how long has this been going on? When the hell has Phil had time to come and see you? The guy lives and breathes managing me!"

"We've been seeing one another for the last couple of years. It started on your tour, we were talking back stage and then kept in touch. It just went from there. Please Ari, don't be angry at me, you know he's a good guy, and I'm happy..."

"Give me a minute to just process this..." Arizona said, the thoughts now swirling in her mind.

Her mother and her manager - the man who was now apparently to be her stepfather...

"Ok..." She inhaled deeply and exhaled. "I'm over it. It's just a shock that's all, but why didn't you tell me?"

"Because we were worried you'd freak out and be angry. We didn't want to make things awkward".

"Why would I be angry at my mother being happy?" Arizona looked at her, "He's a good guy, he takes care of me and well...I have no problem with him doing the same for you - I'd rather it were him than a man who has been like any of the guys I've dated". She got up and hugged her. "Is he coming here for Christmas?"

Donna smiled lightly. "I asked him, but he declined. He said that we should spend it together and to talk if things didn't go as well with me telling you".

Already Arizona had her phone out and was scrolling down to her managers number, pressing call and pacing the room. "Hey daddy dearest..." She smirked to herself as he answered.

"I don't know whether you're being sarcastic or serious". Phil replied.

"Serious. Mom's just told me - so I thought I'd call to tell you that if you don't get your ass over here for Christmas? Then I'm not letting you marry her".

He chuckled. "I just thought..."

"I know...you were looking out for us both once again. But if this is gonna be the new thing? May as well start by having the first Christmas together as a family - plus I know you really don't wanna be building that IKEA bookcase that you told me about, so pack your crap and come stay with us".

"Alright, but only if you're ok with it".

"You'd know if I wasn't - hell I even think you know me better than my own dad". She smiled. As well as it being about business and money, Phil had ensured that he'd protected her over the years.

She heard him fumble about and then he spoke. "Alright, I'll be with you by tomorrow afternoon, flight depending".

"Awesome, see you then".

Donna smiled lightly. "You really didn't have to do that".

"Why not? Like I said, who wants to spend Christmas by themselves putting together sweedish furniture? Who wants to spend it by themselves altogether? Anyway, its gonna be good".

"When is he getting here?"

"Tomorrow afternoon, but if he has any problems I can probably get him here sooner". She was already on the verge of organising a jet for him, but she was sure that he'd probably do that anyway if that was what it resorted to.

"Guess I'd better set another place at the dining table then". Donna said, getting up and heading into the kitchen to locate what she needed.

Arizona's phone lit up, seeing Steve's name appear on the screen and she flopped back down into the chair, opening the message he'd sent.

Rogers: Does phone sex count as a Christmas present?  🤔

Gonna have to be incredibly late or very early morning - at mom's and also Phil is going to be here!

Rogers: Didn't think Phil was someone you'd go for? 😂😏

No, but he goes for my mom - was hit with the bombshell that they've been dating these last couple of years and now they're engaged! 😱

Rogers: Is there ever any part of your life that hasn't come with drama?

Apparently not, but it's cool - I'm happy for them. He's not getting here until tomorrow so could shoot you a message when I hear mom go to bed and we can do it then?

Rogers: Alright, talk then.

Arizona made a mental note to ask him how the smoking ban was still going, as when they'd met up just a few weeks before, they were both still going strong.

But just how long would it last?