Another new fic, I keep starting them and not finishing!
Anyway, this is set around September 201 - Just before in the real show, Carla and Peter got platonically involved with each other.
She and Peter only know each other briefly, through Leanne at this point.
Chapter 1: You capture the blemish in my tainted perfection
Carla rang the buzzer, tapping her heel as she waited to Leanne to buzz her up.
'Hey Peter' Carla said, giving him a comfortable smile.
'Hey, Leanne's not back yet, did she invite you round?' Peter asked.
'Yeah, I can come back in a bit, trust her to be late' Carla said.
'No, no it's fine, come on up' Peter said as Carla smiled gratefully and walked in ahead of Peter.
Peter followed her up the stairs, as Carla took her scarf off and slung it over one of the chairs.
'Glass of wine?' Peter said.
'So you know where Leanne's secret stash is' Carla winked.
'Might have an idea' Peter chuckled, reaching for a glass and unscrewing on of the bottles Leanne kept in the cupboard.
'You don't mind.. do you' Carla said, feeling somewhat guilty, what with Peter being an alcoholic.
'Nah, it's fine, I'm used to it know, more of an OJ man myself' Peter laughed.
'Ah, you've been converted' Carla said, taking a seat on the couch.
'Reckon I have been, anyway, how is the factory going?' Peter asked her, handing her the glass of wine, taking a seat in the chair opposite.
'Oh, Underworld, it's just business as usual' Carla said, looking down slightly, a slight sigh escaping her.
'You sure, you don't look so happy' Peter said.
'Oh, I'm dandy me, if I fall I just get right back on my feet, you know' Carla said.
Peter smiled at her half heartedly 'Your allowed to struggle you know' he said.
'I know, but I don't do 'struggling', I don't do 'victim', I'm tough as old boots me' Carla said taking a sip of the wine.
'You've been through a lot, what with everything happening with T.. Tony' Peter said, referring back to the 'siege' that had happened a few months back.
Carla let out a disconcerting laugh 'Tony, yes, well, I'm putting that behind me. No point dwelling on what's happened' Carla said.
Peter couldn't help but feel she was brushing all her troubles, all her ordeals away, trying to step over them, without actually addressing them. He pondered for a moment before pressing further.
'Leanne tell's me you and Trevor split up' he said.
She looked up, meeting his eyes for a moment. Her gaze was fierce, yet he could see the pain, rooted deep.
'She doesn't keep much from you does she' Carla said.
Peter gave her a reassuring chuckle 'It goes no further, I promise. It's only because she cares' Peter said.
'…Yeah' Carla said sighing.
They both stayed silent for a moment.
'So did it just fizzle out.. or was there more to it?' Peter asked.
'You don't rest do you?' Carla said as Peter shrugged, but gave her a smile.
'He was a good guy, a great guy, I really liked him, but.. he just wasn't.. ' Carla said, unable to finish.
'Right for you?' Peter said.
'Something like that' Carla said, thinking fondly back to her lost love, Liam. Trevor had been too similar, yet not enough like Liam, it just wasn't to be.
'Plenty more fish in the sea, and hey, with bait like you, hardly going to be hard to catch a good'un' Peter winked.
'Yeah yeah, cheers for the flattery, but I'm hardly a catch am I' Carla said somewhat sadly, although she seemed to be laughing at herself.
'I have eyes you know, your beautiful' Peter said, suddenly looking down a little, slightly embarrassed by what he'd said.
Carla felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth, 'You aren't half a charmer, can see why Leanne likes you so much' Carla teased.
'Loves, I hope' Peter winked, still avoiding eye contact.
'She adored you, wish someone felt the same way about me' Carla said sighing once more.
Before Peter could respond, they heard the keys turn in the door.
'Hey love' Peter said looking over his shoulder, smiling at Leanne.
'Hey, oh, hiya Carla.. sorry I was late' Leanne said.
'It's fine, Peter invited me up' Carla said.
'I just offered her a glass of wine.. how was your day?' Peter asked kissing Leanne as she craned over to hug him.
'Fine, fine, bit busy, you know, sorting out wedding things, oh Carla, I've seen the most gorgeous dresses!' Leanne gushed.
Peter looked at Carla, raising his eyebrow slightly and making a face. Carla chuckled 'Well I'm sure Peter wouldn't mind clearing off for a while whilst you and I have a look' Carla said as Peter nodded.
'My cue to leave, I'll pick Si up on my way back' Peter said.
'Okay love, I'll put dinner on in a bit' Leanne said.
'Cheers, need me to get anything whilst I'm out?' Peter asked.
'No, we're fine.. actually get us some fresh milk, Si's been getting through it' Leanne said.
'Sure, I'll see you Carla' Peter said.
'See you' Carla said softly, waving her hand a little as Peter disappeared.
'So Miss, how are you?' Leanne said pouring herself a glass of wine, the gently chugging sound as the wine hit the glass sending a satisfying shiver down Carla's back.
'Yeah, not too bad, had a day from but what can be expected working with a load of animals' Carla said as Leanne nodded in agreement and curled up beside her on the sofa