Chapter 37:

A/N: A bit of a shorter chapter, but wanted to get something written up before I go to Pride this weekend. I saw quite a few people wanted different outcomes regarding my suggestion in the last chapter. I came up with the idea because I thought it would be nice for both Carla and Michelle to have a connection with the child. People I'm close to have a familiar set-up and regardless of biology I view the children as equally theirs, I just thought it was an idea, but I understand that people want Carla to have a baby, I just didn't want it to be completely Carla orientated, and it opens up doors for how she would cope/react in certain situations during the possible pregnancy. But I'm open to people having their say and I'll think, within the next few chapters, of how to go about things. I like to keep the storyline so it's what the readers want! Thank you for all your input though and thanks for your support!

Trigger warnings:

Mild sexual content (PoV 2).

Michelle

"Ugh!" I emerge from the bedroom to see where Carla is tapping furiously at the laptop on the sofa.

"Morning." I greet brightly, surprised at how positive I was feeling. For the past few weeks, the mornings upon waking up had been fairly exhaustive. But after a few days following our results, pressure was easing off. Carla continues to stare at the screen, jamming the keyboard again and I stop, leaning over the sofa. "'Good morning Michelle how are you today'?" I mimic in an overly dramatic voice and she turns to look at me.

"Sorry... Hi." She smiles, pulling me down to kiss her. "Sleep well?"

"Better than I have been." I kiss the top of her head before moving over to the kitchen, pouring myself out a coffee from the jug that was already brewed. "It's a Saturday, stop working."

"The internet's gone so I can't even do anything." She growls at it again, as I sit down cross legged on the sofa next to her, nursing the coffee in my lap.

"I don't know, there's things you can still do." I shrug, and she looks across momentarily to flash me a sultry look, amused. "It's a sign, you see. Even the laptop is telling you to stop working."

"I wasn't actually working." She informs me, giving up and falling back against the cushions. Her head lolls to the side, full lips forming a smile as she watches how I'm looking at her. "I was researching how to be in best condition to look after your baby." She lightens her tone, humouring me as she pats her stomach. Butterflies. At the motion. I have to chew my lip to stop myself smiling so much. "What?"

"The way you did that." I admit, blushing slightly as I indicate to her hand. "It's just made me..."

"Ah, I'm glad I still have that effect on you Michelle Connor." She lowers her tone, seductively, moving forwards to peck my lips. "You're so cute. How you feeling?"

"I'm fine!" I laugh, as she crawls forward again, pushing my hair back with her hand. "Careful of my coffee."

"Ugh." She pulls a face, taking it from my grip and placing it on the table, leaning in once more. Her lips meet mine, her hand falling through my hair, kissing me sweetly. I'm pushed back slightly so my back lowers against the arm of the sofa, pulling her down to continue the embrace. Carla's hair tickles my cheek and I laugh softly, proceeding along her jawline. "What's funny?"

"Your hair, it tickles." I just giggle, resorting to plastering kisses all over her face and she fends me off.

"Alright, alright." Ryan groans, leaving the bedroom and wincing at the scene before him. "I'm going out if you're using this as your sex pad."

"Uh! Ryan. Don't be so rude!" I scold and Carla laughs subtly at how I tell him off like a child. "But feel free to go out."

"Ew... Why?" He pulls a face, and Carla picks a cushion up, laughing into it. "You're like teenagers... You're always hammering on at me if I bring a girl back."

"Your step-mum is not a 'girl'." I furrow my brow and they exchange an amused look.

"Ooh, plot twist." His eyebrows raise, as he winks at Carla. "Could've fooled me."

"Right." I grab the cushion off Carla, hurling it at him and we're all laughing, it feels amazing that we're all happy.

"Wow it's lively in here." The door opens as Ali enters, key in hand, looking put-out when he sees Ryan hovering the cushion above his head, taking aim at Carla.

"Ryan you throw that and you're dead." Carla dares him, as I wave at my other son in greeting. "Ryan!" She jumps up as he chuckles loudly, throwing it so it bounces off her head. Chasing after him as if they were little kids, I watch on contently before realising how bitter Ali looks at the scene.

"You alright darlin?" I pipe up, and he draws his eyes to me momentarily, before looking back at where Ryan was trying to wrestle Carla to the ground. "Ignore the children over there."

"Ryan, careful with her!" Ali calls over and they both look up, as if they hadn't noticed his appearance until now. "She's still in recovery."

"Yeah, you got told, by my doctor." Carla tickles Ryan under the chin and I can't help smiling again, Ali rolling his eyes subtly, so only I notice.

"You just finished a shift?"

"Yeah, I came to talk to you." He lowers his briefcase. "Both of you."

"Hey, if you wanna borrow a tenner, I wouldn't bother asking." Ryan pants, as he helps Carla up. "I asked yesterday and mum said no."

"I earn over seventy grand a year." Ali tells him cockily. "I don't need a tenner."

"Wow." Ryan's face falls and I grin proudly. "...Hey, mate, can I borrow a tenner?"

"Ryan what do you need a tenner for?" Carla sits herself down on my lap, sliding an arm around my shoulders.

"I owe Tim from the other night, he dropped me back and I didn't have enough change."

"Oh Ryan." I groan. "Why didn't you say? Steve'll be chasing me up now."

"So can I borrow a tenner?"

"No, I'll go into Street Cars later and pay it." I mutter, and Carla mouths something to him, which I don't catch in time. But I notice the glint in his eye in response. "What?" I glance between them and Carla shrugs, causing me to emit a light tap on her arm. "You're too soft on him."

"Yeah, can I have a word?" Ali persists impatiently, and I admit I'd almost forgotten he was there. "Without him."

"I'm off for a shower." Ryan holds his hands up in surrender, heading towards the bathroom. "Love you mummy number two."

"Ugh." Carla shakes her head, cringing at it.

"Yeah, speaking of 'mummy's'." Ali takes a seat on the sofa opposite us, and I stare at him intently. "Right, so you know how I have your permission Michelle, to check your medical records so I can see when I need to collect your next prescription?"

"Yeah..." I trail off, instantly realising what he is going to say and clamping a hand over my mouth. "Oh..."

"Oh." Carla repeats, shifting awkwardly in my lap. "...I suppose you've seen mine and all then?"

"Well not intentionally. I am your GP, Carla. I got sent your update forms from your blood tests and had to log them and all." He reminds me and I exchange a glance with her. "Look, I'm just saying, if you need any advice. Feel free to ask."

"...Literally nobody knows." I try to justify and he shakes his head understandingly. "Apart from Kate."

"Hey, I'm not saying you should have told me. I know nothing." He mimes zipping his mouth shut, a small supportive smile on his face. "Just, if you do need anything. At all. I'm here."

"You see, there's perks of having a doctor in the family." Carla tries to brighten the mood, nudging me. "...Ok, do you think we'd have a good chance at you know... Conceiving?"

"I've only scanned your documents, I don't want you to think that I printed them off for bed time reading." He grins slightly. "But I have no reason to see why not, if Carla's willing to carry."

"They suggested we... Uh, put my... You know, in her." I try to explain, finding it suddenly a slightly awkward discussion to have with my son. But Ali doesn't seem phased, Carla just leans down to kiss the revealed portion of my shoulder a few times. "Is that more likely to have a positive outcome than if we use hers?"

"The specialist is going to tell you the best things for a positive outcome. It's not my particular area of expertise, but going by your fertility rate, it's what I'd recommend as well." His eyes flick between us. "And I swear I won't discuss with anyone what you decide. Naturally, I'd imagine you'd want to keep it private." I just nod in response, going quiet as I think on the matter. "I'll leave you both to it."

"Oh, thanks Ali." Carla snaps back to reality as he stands to leave.

"Yeah, thanks sweetheart." I flash him a warm smile and he reaches down to squeeze my knee. "Love you."

"Love you." He waves us off, the door shutting quietly as he leaves.

"Oops." I bite my lip, burying my head into Carla's shoulder.

"You ok? Hey?" She pokes my arm and I look up. "You alright?"

"Yeah." I stretch out, flexing my hands before wrapping my arms around her, hugging her tightly. "Mm, what do you want to do today?"

"Go back to bed. With you." She muffles from my embrace. "Ow, you're really tight. Michelle! I can't breathe."

"Drama queen." I laugh, releasing her and she narrows her eyes, sassing me. "We could go shopping?"

"Ooh..." She contemplates, her eyes sparkling at the thought. "Yeah, I like that idea. I need new jeans."

"Yeah you keep wearing mine."

"What's yours is mine baby." She reminds me, tapping my nose playfully. "Oh come on, we basically share a wardrobe anyway."

"We need a clear out." I push my hair back, envisioning all the clothes that littered our wardrobe and drawers. "We've got too much stuff."

"Alright, mum." She nudges me and I roll my eyes. "It might not all fit me soon anyway."

"Don't get ahead of yourself." I place a finger over my lips. "One step at a time, ok?"

Carla

"This isn't gonna be cheap, you know?" Michelle talks to me as she runs her fingers over a chiffon top she is admiring.

"Check the price then." I suggest, bluntly and she turns to face me, confused for a moment.

"Oh, no." She laughs, as my brow furrows. "I didn't mean that. I meant the IVF. It's not gonna be cheap."

"...And that blouse made you think of that?"

"I've been thinking about it all morning." She sighs, taking my hand as we leave the shop. Noise echoes louder as we hit the main shopping centre, children laughing, parents shouting, people chatting. "And we don't know how many times we're gonna have to do it. Each round will add up."

"...Do you think we'll need to do it several times?" I swallow nervously, looking at her for reassurance.

"I don't know." She shrugs, swinging our hands between us as we walk. "I suppose you can't judge these things."

"What so... If it doesn't work, that means I'll miscarry?" I try to keep the stress out of my voice for her sake and she hesitates, thinking on it.

"Well... No. It just won't have fertilised, will it?" Michelle reasons and I go quiet, staring into the distance. We were too distracted now to persevere with shopping. This was playing on our minds every day and the attempts at not getting our hopes up were gradually fading as we discussed it more. "Do you wanna go for lunch or something?"

"Yeah, my feet ache anyway." I lie, because I'd trained myself in heels for so many years, my feet went past that stage a long time ago.

"Carla, if you don't want to do this, or you're having any doubts..."

"I'm not having doubts... It's just pressure... You know, if it's your egg ultimately I'd be losing your child, if something went wrong... And, I don't know, if it takes us a few rounds, and that keeps happening, I'm not gonna forgive myself for doing that to you, I know I won't."

"Ok, first of all, it's our child." She prompts me reassuringly. "I don't care who gives what or does what, that baby would equally be both of ours. I mean, look at Ryan, he's just as much my son as Ali is. And I didn't even carry him either. You'd raise it, nurture it, bond with it, birth it. You'd give so much to our child, it will always be a part of both of us." She pauses, stopping in her tracks as I stare down at the floor. "Carla... You know, if you want to try fertilising your own eggs, I'd be completely happy. I understand if you want that. And I will love you both completely, no matter what you decide." She studies me, and I finally raise my gaze to meet hers. "Think on it." She grazes my cheek with her finger, dropping it back down by her side. "Or..." My arm is linked with hers as she starts to lead me towards a nearby restaurant. "We don't just have to have one, you know? We could always have more after-"

"Alright, you said it was me getting ahead of myself!" I finally release a panicked laugh, the idea secretly terrifying me more. "We'll focus on the one for now, yeah? And ignore me. I'm just nervous. I love the idea of us both being a part of it. Really, I do. Roy's my dad, Johnny's my dad, what's biology?"

"Well you can take all the time in the world."

"Not really." I scoff. "I'll be hitting the menopause soon."

"Oh will you heck." She taps my bum lightly, taking a seat at a nearby table and passing me over a menu. "I might have a cocktail." Attempting to divert the subject, she casts her eyes over the top of the cardboard, weighing up my still thoughtful expression.

I notice she's waiting for me to say something in response, so I just opt for; "Hey? Oh, go ahead."

"Well are you going to join me?" She lowers it, nails drumming on the table. I take a moment to study her hand, all her pearly white nails the same length, filed into perfect curves as the dim light fixed into the ceiling above us shimmers off them. Perfect. They would be perfect, even her nails. She genuinely seemed to look better with age, and there was nothing I could fault about her. It was no wonder countless men drooled as she passed in the street, and why all her ex's wanted her back. Everything about her was stunning, whereas I, over time, was feeling anything but. "Carla?" She sings, waving a hand in front of my face, and I retract my gaze from her nails. Raising them to check them over, she frowns, confused at what I was staring so intently at.

"God, you could do so much better than me." I mutter, under my breath but she seems to catch it, because her hand drops back down on the table in confusion.

"Ey?" She studies me. "Where's that come from?"

"Well look at you." I throw a hand out, and she turns to eye up her reflection worriedly in the mirror on the wall by our booth. "You could have anyone you wanted."

"Uh, yeah, you silly cow, and that's you." She arches a brow, looking back at me and I sigh, resting my head on the wall. "Oi, don't be so stupid. Like anyone's ever turned you down."

"They have." I scoff, and she glances sideways, trying to recall. "Peter." I hesitate before daring to release, "Liam." Her eyes flicker back to me, surprisingly not phased particularly by the mention of his name. "And why? Because I'm the woman that's great in bed for a one time thing, but not even considered for a commitment."

"...I'm sorry, are you actually saying these words?" She narrows her eyes, leaning forwards on the table. "You see that ring, on your finger? I'd say that's a pretty solid way of saying I considered you for a commitment, Carla. Stop being so stupid." I can tell there's a wave of anger in her tone, as she grabs at the menu again, making sure it conceals her face. I chew my lip, unsure as to how it transpired into yet another argument so suddenly. At least men hadn't been so stubborn. A lot more inclined to back down for the sake of an easier life. I'd met my match with Michelle, that was for sure. Too much fire at times with not enough water to settle the flame. "So are you having a cocktail, or not?" Her words burn into me, snapping back to reality to see the way she was now watching me again, a twinge of annoyance in her expression.

"What? No, I can't."

"Why?"

"Because firstly I'm not even supposed to drink much anyway. And secondly, I'm cutting out drink if I'm going to be trying to conceive our child." I point out and she falls silent. I know she's not even reading the menu anymore, just looking at it for a distraction from the tension we had built up. "...Who've you even ever had to chase after anyway?" I stupidly bring up what's still playing on my mind and the sound of the menu slapping the wood beneath it makes me jump slightly. "Well Steve and Robert would both have you back in a heartbeat, Peter was desperate for you. I was the one desperate for him-"

"Will you just shut up? Who cares?" She raises her voice, and my eyes sourly drop to the table. I don't even notice the waitress who's approached, the awkward clearance of her throat attracting our attention.

"Uh, do you need a few more minutes-"

"Yes. Yes please." I try to keep my voice calm, but she practically runs off. "...Well she won't be coming back."

"Carla." Michelle hisses, clearly now embarrassed about the nearby table who were scattering glances at us, seeking interest in our domestic. "You got me. I'm yours. Stop fussing."

"...I wasn't trying to start an argument, you know?" I settle slightly, trying to rid the flush of my cheeks. "Initially I was trying to compliment you... And then I started doubting myself."

Her face softens, backing down slightly. "Well you don't need to doubt yourself. You're beautiful, and you're mine." I smile contently, relieved of the reassurance, despite the lack of confidence I'd felt in myself and my body over the last year. "It's just annoying when you bring up other people all the time."

She says it absentmindedly, pulling back and scanning the menu again, but it just flares annoyance inside me again.

"I don't bring them up all the time!" I exclaim, and she looks up, shocked. Her composure withers at the realisation that the argument had apparently not come to and end, groaning softly. "That's such an exaggeration."

"Carla, love, do you really think I'm gonna run off with Steve McDonald when I'm married to you?" Michelle's tone is tired and impatient. "That's not my style. Unlike some."

"Excuse me?" I snap, unsure of whether it was even a dig at me or not. "No, ha, don't forget the time you bedded your client behind Steve's back."

"That's so uncalled for." Her mouth drops open in shock and I hesitate. Maybe it was, maybe that was a step too far. "You really want to drag Will Chatterton into this? The man who stalked and drugged me. Locked me in the boot of his car? Could've... Done worse to me?"

"Ok, sorry-"

"No, Carla. I can't believe you'd even bring that up." She grabs her back angrily, rising and stepping out of the booth.

"Chelle, where are you going?"

"Home."

"You haven't got the car keys."

"Well I'll get the bus." She shouts back and I roll my eyes, pulling myself up and chasing after her. Something I was apparently good at.

"You? On the bus?" I finally catch up with her and she shoots a glare in my direction. "Ok, I'm sorry please could you slow down?" I beg her, but she continues at the same pace. "Chelle, you know I can't keep up for long." She decreases her speed slightly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up. It was heat of the moment and I thought you were digging at me about cheating." I try to get through to her, her face still like thunder as she stares straight ahead. "I'm admitting I'm wrong! How often does that happen?" I continue, and I notice the subtle roll of her eyes. "...Your hair looks really nice today." I comment and she tries to hide the slightest twinge of her lips at her amusement. "And I'm sorry I can't let you go home on the bus because you'd look so funny between all the school kids and Roy Cropper's."

"Ugh, you make me so mad!" She exclaims suddenly, stopping in her tracks and my brain almost doesn't have enough time to catch up with her actions, feet gluing dangerously to the spot stopping the force they'd been tearing up the hallway with. "You get on my nerves. I stupidly love you for it."

"Because it keeps things exciting." I tease her, slipping an arm around her waist and daring to take a step forward. She continues to glare at me disapprovingly.

"You're a nightmare. You know that, don't you?"

"Oh, so well." I admit, and she shakes her head, pecking my cheek quickly before continuing in her tracks. "...Does that mean I'm forgiven?"

"Ha, no." She just mutters in response, although I could tell I was gradually getting through to her. "I just want a lift home."

The only interaction we have for the duration of the drive home is when I reach over to tickle her neck when we stop at the traffic lights. Michelle just shoots me a look, causing me to retract, slightly amused at how grumpy she was being. "Did you get away with this when you were with Nick, and Peter?"

"Yeah, they found me hilarious." Is all I hit back with, and her bitter expression causes me to shut up before I do further damage. No more is said until we reach the flat.

"Right, well, you best help me with the shopping bags." I try and joke, picking up the one pair of jeans I'd managed to purchase since our trip had been cut short. "Oh crack a smile, I've said I'm sorry."

"Yeah, and then you just keep making stupid jokes." She mutters as we enter the flat, keys clattering on the table as I throw them down. "Because apparently me being upset is so funny to you."

"I'm just trying to make you smile-"

"Well I don't need your stupid little sarcastic comments winding me up!"

"Ok, well I'll stop them then."

"No!" She shouts and I frown, confused as to what I could have possibly said wrong this time. "Because it's... Really sexy... At the same time."

We stare at each other in silence, the flicker of her eyes down to my lips was enough to break the space between us and within seconds I've got her up against the wall. Our kisses were fast and eager, battling the heat and diffusing the anger. Her head falls back as I move down to her neck, nipping the spot which makes her release a soft moan. The sound is enough to stimulate a burning sensation between my thighs, and I break away with only enough air to whisper "I shouldn't say this."

"Then don't." She's now toying with the buttons on my shirt, words breathy as her chest rises and falls.

"But you're really hot when you're angry." I hardly have time to say it, because her lips are crashed against mine again, the shirt thrown from my shoulders. I grab the hem of her top, breaking our intense kisses for the briefest moment as it flies over her head. She grabs my shoulders, hair flying around her face as she pushes me backwards, my back colliding with the sofa, my other clothing being removed as quickly as possible.

"Don't think you're getting this treatment every time." She grabs my hand, pulling me towards the bedroom and I spin her around, kissing her as we back into it. I fall down onto the bed, hair fanning out beneath me, watching as she undresses herself quickly. My awe is swallowed, wrist being held up by my head, her fingers lacing it in place as they link with mine. Breath catches in my throat for a moment and she stops, retracting her grip. "Sorry... Sorry."

"No." I shake my head, pulling her hand back to it's original position and she hesitates before moving back in again. "I like it."

"You're not supposed to be rewarded." She whispers against my jawline, pressing burning kisses against it. "But it turns me on, so."

"So you're doing it purely for selfish reasons?" I swallow as she moves down my body. "That's fine by me."

Michelle

"I am really sorry, Chelle." There's a quiet murmur from the silence, my fingers tracing patterns on Carla's bare arm. "I'm sorry for starting an argument and taking it too far. And I especially shouldn't have brought him up. Iget carried away, I honestly don't mean to upset you, I just make stupid jokes afterwards out of self-defence or I guess to try and clear the air. Because I know you secretly like it... Sometimes." I try not to smile as she tickles her fingers up my face, poking my nose gently and I sigh, tilting my face to look at her. "You know I've just been so low in confidence since my operation, well, diagnosis. It's had an impact on my looks and how I feel physically, a big set-back. Sometimes it just hits hard. I shouldn't have made such a big deal in a public place... I just look at you and I'm like... Wow."

"Yeah, and I look at you and think I'm the luckiest person on Earth." I finally manage to get a word in, and she arches a brow. "No, I mean it. You are the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen, ok? I mean, I can't say I've ever had a crush on any other women, that's got to stand for something."

"Is that what I am? A crush?" Carla bites her lip adorably, nuzzling her nose against mine.

"Maybe, back in secondary school. Once upon a time."

"You did not have a school girl crush on me, I looked a state back then. Stained school uniform, hair at jagged lengths, scars on my... Thighs." She falls silent at the confession, something only I knew back in the day, eyes flickering up to meet mine. She almost looked embarrassed, as if I'd ever be ashamed of her. "I was a mess."

"Yes, you were. But I loved you for it." I admit and she searches my expression for the care and love I was feeding her. "And you know, sometimes it's not all about 'flaws'; your clothes, your hair, the marks on your skin. It's about how somebody makes you feel. How you made me feel, when I had no one, and I was lost, and you saved me. Maybe, you know, that's what makes someone so beautiful." My voice is barely a whisper by the end of the sentence and she hangs off every word, listening intently. "Plus the fact that, now you've got a proper hairdresser and you've stopped being such a gobby little so and so... Well... Debatable." I pause as she hits me lightly on the arm. "You are, as a fact, incredibly sexy. I'm sure there's not a single person on this street who wouldn't agree with me. Apart from maybe Tracy, but she's evidently jealous of you, so."

"You see?" Carla whispers, linking her fingers with mine against the pillow. "That's all I need to hear, well, more than."

"I should have said it to you earlier, I should have reassured you instead of having a go. I'm sorry too." I brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "But, every cloud, we got good sex out of it."

"Oh you." Carla narrows her eyes playfully and I giggle, kissing her softly. "I'm starving."

"Yeah? Worked up an appetite have you?" I tease, wrapping a strand of her hair around my finger. "I suppose we didn't get chance to eat in the end. We could go to the Rovers? I'm sure Johnny can rustle something up."

"Why does my dad own the Rovers Return?" She contemplates out loud. "Shame you don't still own the Bistro, we'd have half the businesses on the street."

"Are you asking me to go back to Robert?"

"No, no." She muses with me, wrapping her arms around me tighter as if I'd actually up and leave now. "No I like you here, thank you."

"That's good." I kiss the top of her head affectionately, inhaling the sweet scent of her shampoo.

Eventually, we pull ourselves from the bed, dressing and heading off down the street. The evening air was the perfect temperature, I didn't feel the slightest bit nervous or on edge, which made a refreshing change.

"I'm glad we're friends again." Carla throws an arm around my shoulders and I raise an eyebrow. "You're my best friend."

"You sound like we're back in primary school." I laugh, kissing her cheek all the same. "'Michelle's my best friend not yours'." I imitate her and she chews her lip, holding back a smile. "'I need to stand next to Michelle in the school photo miss because she's my best friend'."

"I never said that."

"You did." I poke her arm playfully. "'Miss Hargreaves I need to go back a year because I'm rubbish at spelling and I want to be in Michelle's class'." I continue to wind her up, recalling when Carla kicked up a fuss about having to leave me at break time one day. "'I think I'm in love with her, I think one day I'll ask her to marry me'."

"Shut up." She shoves me lightly, cheeks flushing. Her gaze falls to the cobbles beneath us, raising the back of her hand to cool her face down from the embarrassment. "I hated Miss Hargreaves... Hey, I remember when you and Tommy Jenkins fell out in year four. You'd always take an extra fairy cake in your lunch box just so he could have it."

"What are you bringing Tommy Jenkins up for? He was my first heartbreak, if you must know." I link her arm, enjoying reminiscing over how far we had come since childhood. "Were you jealous?"

"No. But I do remember when he started playing with Naomi Stevens at break time, calling her his girlfriend and you came home crying to me and your mum." She continues and I give her a look, almost feeling that same pang of hurt and rejection again, experienced at the young age of eight, or probably before. "You came home crying to your mum saying you didn't like boys anymore and you were going to marry Carla Donovan instead."

"Hm... How things work out, hey?" I mumble, smiling to myself. "You see, I was rejected by Tommy Jenkins. So I'm not always in demand."

"Well you are by me." She stops as we round the corner, slipping her arm beneath my coat and pulling my waist towards her.

"I suppose that's all that matters." I watch her, smiling gently to match hers. "Kiss me."

"You kiss me."

"I thought I was always in demand by you." I remind her and she rolls her eyes, easing her lips against mine. It's bliss for a moment, evening sun beating down on us, before a sharp cackle invades our embrace and I groan as I pull away.

"Oi! There's laws against that." Tracy calls us out, standing in the centre of the road opposite number one, staring us down. Momentarily, I wish a car would come pelting down and take her out in one.

"Against what? Kissing in the street?" I pull a face at her. "Not in this country."

"Have they made it into a gay bar?" Tracy asks and I exchange a look with Carla, clearly indicating that we had no clue what she was talking about. "Johnny doing his bit for that half of your family?"

"Ey? What are you on about?" Carla follows where she is pointing, clapping a hand over her mouth as soon as she spins around. I'm immediately staring in the same direction, blinking hard to check I wasn't imagining the blue neon 'Roverz' sign, that hideously replaced the classic titling of the local pub. "What... The..."

"Come on." I tug on her arm, heading towards the door. The pub was buzzing, loud, modern music bouncing off the walls, mingling with the keen chatter of groups of people who hardly looked out of their teens. "What is this? A youth club?"

"Johnny!" Carla tries to shout over the noise, fighting her way to the bar. She grabs my hand, pulling her along so I'm not lost in the crowd, looking distastefully at the cocktail menu perched on the granite topped bar. "Oi, Johnny?"

"Oh hi love." He beams, finally getting time to approach us. "Glad you could make it."

"...To what?"

"The grand opening, of our new 'gastro pub'." He announces, holding his arms out and I glance sideways at Carla, my face both displeased and shocked. "All the locals were invited."

"And... Which of the locals actually turned up?" Carla scans the room, only noticing Tim and Kevin, who were sat squashed in the corner, not amused at the red cocktails they had clearly been forced to drink. "Johnny, this is the Rovers Return. You can't just change it."

"People come here for Newton and Ridley." I pull a face at the drinks menu. "Where's the bitter and mild?"

"We've got an extensive cocktail menu now." He tells me, proudly.

"And I suppose these lot have been enjoying free hot pot and all?"

"No hot pot anymore. Not classy enough." Johnny reveals and my mouth falls open. "We've got halloumi kebabs instead. Whitebait, truffle lasagne."

"Truffle..." Carla winces, screwing her nose up at the thought. "You can't be serious? Do you realise what you've done?"

"Oh good evening to you both." Jenny beams on approach, eyeing us up and down and leaning over the bar to check out footwear. "Good, no trainers, I'd have to put them in the cloakroom otherwise." She grins sickeningly, and I glance back across to notice Tim has bare feet under the table. "I told him next time he's to scrap the jeans and all. Can't exactly take those off him now." An excited laugh emits her lips and I realise I'm completely frozen in shock, eyeing up the now black and pink leather booths, stone tables wedged between them.

"So... The Bistro? You've turned this into the Bistro?" I presume and Jenny looks offended for a moment.

"Not a bistro." She emphasises. "It's a gastro pub."

Carla stares at me in confusion, begging for answers. "What on earth is a 'gastro pub' when it's at home?"

"A bistro." I just respond bluntly and Jenny folds her arms.

"You may mock, but we're already off to a brilliant start." Jenny indicates, waving a hand at the scene in front of her. "Look at all the custom."

"Ooh I, yeah." Carla nods, studying the surroundings. "And have you ID'd every single one of them? You should have a bouncer on the door."

"Oh actually that's a good idea." Jenny points to Johnny, mentally noting it. "Now, would you both like to try a superstar martini?"

"...Superstar?" I repeat. "Is that with a shot of lemonade instead of prosecco?" I feel Carla nudge me, giggling at my joke, but Jenny just scowls at us both.

"It's just a more classy name." She states, handing a small red drink with a raspberry on top to both of us. "And that is a sample of our Roverz Ripple cocktail."

"Is it alcoholic?" Carla weighs it up, as I down mine in one, grateful of the opportunity to possibly phase out reality.

"Of course."

"Chelle, you can have it." She slides it across to me, and Jenny stares her down in confusion.

"You? Turning down a drink?"

"Well if you don't remember, I did have major surgery a few months back and I don't want another kidney giving up on me."

"Right well..." Jenny watches as I gulp the other one back. "That'll be seven pound thirty then please."

"...You said it was a sample!"

"Yeah, and we're family." Carla adds, as Jenny gradually retracts her hand.

"Fine, just this once." She composes herself sourly. "But we don't do handouts, not for nobody. And yes, I know that was a double negative."

"This is insane." I pull Carla to the side once they've gone back to serving their other customers. "Tell me I'm dreaming?"

"I mean... It's more a club than some fancy wine bar." Carla contemplates, her arms folding against her chest. "If that music gets any louder it'll break the speakers."

"I can barely hear anything." I wince at the noise, guiding my eyes around the room cautiously. I swallow back nerves, annoyed at myself for weakening at the first opportunity of a crowded environment.

"Are you alright?" Carla asks and I whip my head around to face her, nodding to erase the concern in her eyes. Clearly, she doesn't buy it. "Come on, let's get out of here. Hold my hand."

"Uh, Carla?" Johnny shouts over the noise. "Where are you going?"

"The Bistro." She just yells back and I can't help smiling slightly as she leads me out of the bar. "I'm telling you, that's the stupidest idea he's ever had. Except taking my DNA."

"Robert's gonna be fuming." I brush myself down, heading towards the Bistro and I stop in my tracks.

"Hey, you ok?" Carla pauses when she notices, taking a step closer to me.

"You know what? Can we get a take-away instead?" I ask her, warmed by the understanding nod of her head. "I just want you and the sofa."

"Yeah. Course." She kisses my nose, lacing our fingers together as we head back in the other direction. "Sounds perfect to me."

A/N: Again, thank you so much for your support so far!