Eddie's back was aching, and his leg was beginning to go numb, but there was absolutely nothing in the world that could have convinced him to shift position, regardless of how uncomfortable he was. Rachel had been resting against him, but somewhere during the course of the tv show they were watching had slipped into sleep, curled soundly into his side and he could feel her breathing, slow and steady, reinforcing her presence. He needed that, after the events of the day, needed to have her beside him and know that she was safe. And this… this was perfect.

The thought had barely crossed his mind when the peace was abruptly broken. The doorbell, followed immediately by several knocks had Rachel jolting, eyes flying open as she inhaled sharply and Eddie scowled. "Who the hell is that?"

"Are you expecting anyone?"

"Of course not. And it's late."

He was vaguely aware of her sitting up, crossing her legs and running her hands through her hair as he went to the front door, glower firmly in place. "What?"

Beth raised an eyebrow at him, seemingly uncaring of the time. "Charming."

She pushed past into the hallway, using his surprise to her advantage and Eddie spluttered. "What are you doing here?"

"It's all over the news. Didn't you think to call and tell everyone you were okay?"

He blinked, scrubbed his hand over his face. "I'm fine. I'd have called if I wasn't."

Beth crossed her arms. "Unless you were unconscious in hospital."

"Then someone else would have called." He looked unhappily at her. "Why did you get to come?"

"Because Cath's busy with the munchkin, and mum and dad didn't need to drive to Rochdale."

"Can't have been that worried then."

"Eddie!"

In the back of his mind, Eddie noted that Rachel hadn't made an appearance, apparently deciding to stay where she was on the sofa. Smart woman, he thought absently, frowning at his sister. "I'm fine. You can go now."

"What are you in such a hurry for?"

He crossed his arms. "Just not in the mood for uninvited guests."

"I'm not a guest, I'm your sister!"

"Elizabeth." The word was ground out, his patience snapping. "I'm asking you to leave."

She stared at him. She couldn't even remember the last time he'd used her full name, wasn't sure he even remembered it at times. "What are you hiding?"

Before he could say anything else, she'd spun on her heel and vanished further into the house. Eddie closed his eyes for a moment. Shit.

He hurried after Beth, but needn't have worried- she'd come to a dead stop just inside the doorway of the living room, and he could only imagine the look on her face.

"Seriously?" She whipped around, eyes boring into his. "This is why you didn't call?"

"Beth..."

"For her, Eddie? Seriously?"

Over her shoulder, Eddie could see Rachel hovering by the sofa, face carefully blank in a way that told him she was highly uncomfortable and absolutely not going to outwardly show it.

"Mind your tone, Beth," he warned, but that only angered her more.

"Who are you to tell me that?" Her voice was practically a hiss, cheeks flushing red with anger. "You spent every moment possible with her as a teenager, you were barely part of our family! And now she's back and we're suddenly chopped liver again? What the hell, Eddie?"

"You're being dramatic-,"

"I'm being dramatic?" Her voice rose, becoming shriller and louder and Eddie was suddenly vaguely grateful Michael was with Alison tonight. "You're not a teenager anymore! Is this some sort of early midlife crisis?"

Anger flashed over his expression. "Beth, enough!"

"No! No it's not enough! You're choosing her, Eddie! Over your family, you're choosing her!"

"She is my family!" He would have slammed something if he could, but shouting would have to do. Beth faltered, stepping backwards and Rachel looked uneasy, tilting her head at him even as something in her eyes softened at his words. "She's my family," he repeated, quieter now. "She's the person I feel like myself with, no matter what. I always have. While you were acting out and Cath was dating and dad was always working and mum was too busy with everyone else to worry about me, Rachel was the person who was there. She's the one I went to when I needed advice, and the first person I looked for when I had good news. When I was sad, or happy, it was her I wanted to see. And none of that has changed." He looked at his sister beseechingly. "Beth, she's my best friend. She's the person I'm going to grow old with. I will always choose her. And if you and mum and dad can't accept that, then it'll break my heart, but it won't change anything."

"Eddie..." Rachel's voice was soft, but the warning tone was clear. Beth was staring at him as if she'd never seen him before, face pale and stunned.

"You really would pick her over us, wouldn't you?"

Eddie sighed. "I'm really hoping you won't force me to."

Beth continued to stare at him for a long moment, before she gave a jerk of her head that might have been a nod, and walked out.

"Beth..."

She didn't stop, didn't even pause and seconds later they heard the sound of the front door opening and closing. And all of a sudden, Eddie felt every bit his age, weariness settling into his bones.

"You shouldn't have done that." Rachel's voice was quiet, and when he looked up he couldn't quite read her expression. "I am not worth more than your family."

"You are my family."

"Eddie-"

"It's not a line, Rach."

She fell silent, eyes wider than usual and he crossed to her, sliding his arms around her waist. She couldn't help but rest her head against him, the warmth of him tangible even through layers of clothes. "Don't throw your family away for me, Eddie."

He pressed a kiss to her head in lieu of answering, even as the knot in his stomach writhed and twisted and acid filled his throat.