It is set in the current timeline - it is actually the 8.30 episode on Friday the 25th of November, which has not actually come to air yet but I know Carla is back from L.A on that day, and that Michelle and Ciaran are having a leaving do, so I have just set it there.
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He followed behind Leanne, entering the Rovers. There was a familiar, lively buzz, heightened only because of Ciaran and Michelle's send of.
He squinted his eyes slightly, to see who was there, and then he saw the familiar black mane, tumbling down her back, like an inky waterfall. Her arm resting on the bar, only darker, obviously tanned from the L.A sunshine.
He didn't know she was coming back today, probably should have assumed it being Michelle's and Ciaran's leaving do.
He takes a seat, next to Leanne, before getting up and giving Ciaran a hard part on his back. 'I'm gonna miss you mate' he says, honestly, as despite their recent dispute, he doesn't want his friend to go.
He looks at her, studying her. She looks healthy. For the first time in weeks. Okay so the twinkle in her eye, those pools of emerald shards, isn't there, cruelly taken when Frank... did what he did. And she doesn't pulsate that strong, fierce aura that she used to. But she is smiling, and her skin is glowing, not pail, worn and tired as it had been.
She catches his eye, her head bowing slightly, a stray lock of her dark hair falling down across her face. The first eye contact they have had for weeks. She somewhat shyly tucks the strand behind her ear.
Their eyes meet, a spark ignited for that brief moment, they both break the lustful gaze before that spark evolves into a roaring blaze.
She gives him a small smile, a smile that means a thousand things, more than any words could mean.
She turns her body away, and begins to engage in conversation with someone else, ordering something, likely to be alcoholic at the bar.
The past few moments have been like a lifetime to him.
He retreats and goes to sit back with Leanne, but his mind keeps replaying that momentary moment where dark, soft, apologetic eyes met dazzling, sharp, beaten eyes - and the beautiful little smile that followed.