Cover Up

Leanne was in the bathroom in the Bistro, re-applying her makeup and checking to see how she looked. She felt like utter crap but Nick had commented on how nice she looked, even though she had snook off when she shouldn't have and was dressed in her work clothes. She liked what she was wearing though, it made her feel confident and strong- something Leanne hadn't managed to feel in a long, long time. Leanne was wearing a black pencil skirt that hugged her tiny waist, a pair of black heels that she always wore and a cream blouse.

Her looks didn't really change her glum mood though. Despite it being called 'morning sickness' she'd spent more time chundering at night than in the morning. Much to Nick's surprise, Leanne had fled the table quickly after they shared their starters. He had ordered the spiced chicken and Leanne had stuck with the plain option of chicken goujons. She couldn't face eating fish or anything remotely milky as her pregnancy was beginning to take its toll on her and wear her out. She had to laugh though, her baby wasn't even born and already it had caused her no end of trouble. 'A true Battersby' she laughed in her head. Perhaps her baby had picked up more Platt/Tilsley genes than she had hoped for. Maybe her baby would be a nutter like David or a teen Mum like Sarah. Great, Leanne thought. At this rate her kid is bound to be on The Jeremy Kyle Show by the time it was twenty. Or even less than that with Sarah's track record.

Eurgh. She felt queasy again, very queasy indeed.

Leanne looked at herself, taking in the glow that being 'back' or sort of back with Nick had on her. She smiled at her reflection and flicked her mascara wand across her lashes, just as Kylie burst in the loos- dolled up.

"Hiya Leanne," She smiled. "David told me what happened. I would have come to the hospital an' seen ya but I couldn't leave the kids."

"Ah, it's alright," Leanne replied. "I think I 'ad enough of a crowd gatherin' round me for one day."

Kylie laughed. "Don't suppose you could take much more of Gail and her sympathetic looks. I mean I love Gail to bits an' everythin' but she doesn't 'alf get on me nerves sometimes!"

Leanne burst out into laughter. "Oh god I know! She's probably at yours now- knittin' me booties or something."

"Knowin' Gail she'll 'ave bought you half your nursery by the end of next week!"

Leanne laughed again at the jokes the woman she had once deemed her enemy had made about her other enemy, good ol' Gail. She had actually come to like Kylie quite a lot and had even begun to feel quite sorry for the girl, having to deal with Callum and everything he was throwing at her and David.

"How are you and David?" Leanne asked.

Kylie nodded. "Good yeah, thanks for askin'. Just Callum an everything. He's a pain in the backside."

"Hmm," Leanne agreed. "But then again, so's Gail- right pain in my backside!"

Kylie smirked. "What about you and Nick then? Havin' a baby together."

"Well it wasn't something I'd planned out in the great storybook of my life." Leanne said, gesturing to her tummy and making a bump shape.

Kylie laughed at Leanne. "I guess not; Lily weren't planned either y'know."

Leanne stopped laughing and smiling altogether. It had dawned on Kylie what she had said and how she had gone and put her foot in it- just as Leanne was beginning warming to her.

"Er...y'know," Kylie tried to recover the conversation. "When she were born, didn't exactly expect to have her on Gail's sofa."

Leanne felt very uncomfortable now, stood in the same room as the woman that shared what should have been hers and Nick's honeymoon bed. Kylie had made love with the man that was half of the child inside Leanne and suddenly she felt a bit woozy again.

"Yeah, see ya later," Leanne replied, flustered as she made her way out the loos; Kylie standing in the same place, wishing she hadn't even opened her mouth.

Leanne's black high heels clicked along the parquet flooring in the Bistro as she entered again, easing the heavy green door open and walking back over to Nick. She saw him smile at her and then frown as she looked about ready to cry.

"Lea?" He asked, standing up and reaching for her, holding her hands in his. "What is it darling?"

"Nothin," she lied. "Just me hormones. That's all."

"Come on," he leaned his head lower to meet hers. "There's more to it than that- you look as though you are about to cry. I know you. I know something isn't right. Tell me. What is it?"

Leanne caved in. She hated feeling weak and admitting defeat. It was completely against her character to be the victim; the one that needed the support as opposed to the one giving it. It drove her nuts; like the man propping her up.

"I...I just saw Kylie in the toilets," Leanne admitted as Nick furrowed his brows. "Brought back bad memories... if you get what I mean."

Nick held his mouth open as he rested his head on Leanne's- the guilt and regret coming all back to him from that sordid night.

That Christmas night with Kylie had haunted Nick for the entirety of his marriage to Leanne. Creeping up on him and reminding him of who he had been sharing a bed with that night; just when he felt he had got rid of the haunting memories- more came his way. It was as though he would never be able to live with what he'd done and the price he'd paid for being with his brother's wife for a night. The brain damage wasn't a minor cut or bruise, it was a deep wound for Nick, and for Leanne. Something they had both let become dominant in their marriage and eventually be the catalyst to the end of their second marriage.

He held her in his arms, rocking her soothingly; letting her know he was there and that he hadn't forgotten the past, all of the dreadful memories and the good too.

"I know," he whispered in her ear. "I"m sorry."

Leanne slipped her arms around Nick and held on tighter. "It's my fault too. I let ya down."

"You could never do that," Nick said reassuringly, lifting her head to his and planting a kiss on her lips. She smiled at him then started to chuckle slightly.

"Er, is now the time to tell you I Have been sick again?" Leanne laughed as Nick shook his head.

"Don't kill the moment," he smiled back, flashing his white teeth at her. She grinned back and let his lips meet hers again. It was natural and tender. The smile that pricked the corners of her mouth couldn't even be hidden. She was so happy and so was he. With the one they wanted.


Kylie had come back in the bar and took her seat next to Eva, who hadn't even noticed her big sister over in the corner. Eva's mind was going in and out of fantasies, thoughts of her and Jason happy and smiling; loving the company they had and each other as deeply as they did before Eva left. She sighed, resting her head on the bar as Kylie finished another gin and tonic.

"Come on then," Kylie nudged Eva with her glass, encouraging her friend to open up about her problems.

Eva just simply shook her head. "Absolutely nothing," she said sarcastically. "I feel like I'm on top of the world. Sky high. Like I'm stood on the roof of the Beetham Tower."

Kylie sighed at her best friend. Eva had problems and so did Kylie. Well, Kylie had a massive problem; it was called Callum. Kylie would have preferred to have drowned her sorrows in her own problems and have Eva listen sympathetically. Instead, Kylie was the one offering the support as her friend became upset over her sort of boyfriend.

"Is it Jason?" Kylie asked.

Eva had started to trace her fingers along the rim of her glass mindlessly. She was uninterested and didn't really want to talk about Jason. All she wanted was to get royally hammered and let off some steam that had been boiling inside for weeks, waiting and praying Jason would be okay in the end. Once he had woken up, the man she was in love with was different; short tempered all the time and in need of a permanent baby sitter. Well, she wouldn't have told him that anyway- he was pretty angry as it was. She didn't want to pour more fuel on the fire.

"Yeah," Eva finally admitted. "He's bein' a right mardy bum."

"Why didn't ya say?" Kylie asked. She couldn't quite understand why Eva hadn't been honest and told her all of this sooner. She could have helped.

"'cos you've got enough issues of yer own," Eva replied back, getting a little angry herself. "And nobody would really care anyway. Everyone has got their own lives and then there is me- still chasin' Jason who doesn't even give a toss. Might as well put a flashin' sign above me hair extensions sayin' how I feel because no-one notices."

Kylie patted Eva's shoulder that was covered in gold embellishment. She really had gone to town on her clothes, wearing her most eye-catching and revealing dress. It was all beginning to make a bit more sense to Kylie. Eva was desperate for a bit of fun, fun with any fella.

"I care mate! An' there's yer sister, David cares too, Liz, Eileen and Audrey. You've got loads of people around you Eva. You just need to let 'em in."

"That's the piggin' problem," Eva grumbled into her drink. "There all out when I want 'em to be in; you are all off living your own lives and moving on."

"Well we can always be in Eva, you just need to tell us what's going on."

"Nah, I'd rather get absolutely off my face," Eva laughed, just as Aidan came in to the Bistro, his eyes immediately landing on Eva.

Aidan hopped on a barstool and rested his head on his hand, admiring Eva.

"Wow," he began as two sets of eyes glanced up at him. "Well Eva, I see you left your boxing gloves at 'ome!"

Eva blushed slightly and giggled. "Yeah, didn't quite fancy wearin' a gum shield for me night out."

Kylie's eyes bulged at the obvious flirting that was going on between the two. She wasn't a genius but she knew a disaster when she saw it. Kylie tugged on Eva's arm and pulled her away and out of Aidan's sight.

"What ya playin' at?" Kylie whispered.

"Nowt- havin' fun that's all. Ya should try it," Eva smirked, trying to walk back over to Aidan.

"Eva, I'm serious."

"So am I hun."

"If you don't stop yourself it'll be Aidan that needs a gum shield when Jason decks 'im."

"Ah, just cool it will ya! There is nothin' goin' on between us alright?!"

"As long as that's how it stays. Jason's a good guy Eva, he doesn't deserve it."

"I know Kylie," Eva said before heading back over to the bar and downing her newest vodka.

"Fancy another?" Aidan asked.

"Oh aye," Eva chuckled. "Same again chick."

Kylie resumed her position, shaking her head at Eva.

Aidan leaned forward once Steph had placed down his beer and the vodka and coke for Eva.

"You look magnificent," he smiled at her, touching her hand. "Absolutely drop dead gorgeous."

Kylie stared at Aidan. "So what am I then? Chopped liver?" Kylie asked before sipping her drink and rolling her eyes as Aidan and Eva carried on.

"You ain't too bad yerself," Eva giggled at Aidan, she really liked him and he was good-looking.

"Eurgh... that's disgustin'," Kylie remarked. "I'm goin' home." She grabbed her jacket and her bag as Eva turned around.

"Wait, Kylie, where ya going?" Eva called after her friend.

"Home. Ya know? Staying with my partner, being loyal an' all that. I'll leave you two love birds to it. Night Eva. Aidan." Kylie said before opening the door and heading off."

Eva was pretty upset by the remark Kylie had just made. But she didn't let Aidan see it.

"So," Eva began. "Underworld."


Carla was in her flat, sitting on the balcony, letting her legs dangle between the railings; sipping the red wine she had bought from Dev's earlier, after she had lashed out at Peter. Sipping the wine from the bottle, Carla watched the life going on around her.

Chesney was sweeping up the litter outside the kebab shop, collecting piles of crumpled crisp packets and chocolate bars that had been discarded of. Carla sighed. She wished it was as easy as sweeping up her guilt and her money problems; brushing them under a carpet and never thinking about them ever again. It was never going to be like that and she was well aware of it. She took another swig from the bottle, letting every morsel of alcohol tingle on her taste buds, numbing everything and blocking out the chill of Weatherfield.

Carla's eyes flicked into the other direction, by Streetcars. The hazy October evening had plunged Weatherfield into darkness, but she didn't care as she watched the couple. Their shadows showed them gently dropping a kiss on the other's lips in between talking and holding hands, walking slowly; almost as one, not two. She took another large gulp. She couldn't tell who these people were although she was sure she had once looked as happy as the figures further down the street. Laughing, kissing and cuddling up to Peter; whispering how much she loved him and that they would always be together.

Well, she knew that wrong she was about that and him being her 'baby' until the day she or he went first and they would be put in a coffin six feet under. Carla clambered up and stumbled back into her flat, locking the balcony doors behind her. She lay on the sofa, broken and guilt stricken. She felt free when she was on that balcony, her legs being so high up off the ground. She felt close to the floor and that a grisly end wouldn't be too bad- given everything the people on the street had gone through because of her. Or so she thought anyway.


The couple down on Victoria Street below were holding hands and in a tender embrace.

Leanne had her arms around Nick's shoulders as he held her waist. He gazed deeply into her eyes, smiling and feeling that maybe that was the perfect time to ask. He could do it so perfectly. So beautifully. He could kiss her and then declare she is the love of his life and that she is the only one he wants to spend the rest of his life with. Then of course he would ask. He'd take her hands an admit he was foolish before and that now he wants to give her everything they didn't have before and more. She'd smile with a blush then reveal she wants the same before kissing his lips and the two would finally be moving on.

"Er...Leanne?" Nick said, trying to gain her attention to ask her the question he had wanted to for weeks, months and maybe even years.

Leanne's eyes flashed to his and he knew right away. This wasn't the right time or the place. Outside the kebab shop? Not really that romantic, was it? Now he had to come up with a lie, pretending that he wasn't going to ask that but he would ask something else.

"Nick?" Leanne asked. She had no clue what he was doing and in all honesty, it made her giggle that he had suddenly gone so quiet.

"Yeah? Oh right, sorry. Shall I stay with you tonight?" Nick replied, breathing a sigh of relief that she hadn't realised what he was going to ask.

Leanne smiled and said, "Course ya can! How doe the couch sound?"

"Lovely!" Nick joked back.

"Oh I'm only jokin'," Leanne laughed. "You could always share my bed with me. Not like we 'aven't done it before."

He flashed his teeth back. "Only about a thousand times."

"Cheeky!" Leanne giggled as she unlocked the door of the flat.


Over at the Bistro, Eva had been sat with Aidan for ages; flirting and telling him how wonderful he was "Swooping in and saving Underworld."

After a number of drinks, Eva felt very drunk, very drunk indeed. Aidan was chuckling as she slurred her words, admitting how pants her situation was.

"He was such...such a babe," Eva began, stammering on the words as the booze took over her senses. "Now it's like being with tiny Tim. I feel like I should carry Jason on me shoulder like Kermit did in the Muppets."

Aidan bit down on his lip to stop himself from laughing at what she had just come out with. "You're hilarious," He said, smiling at her as she blushed. "And incredible, brave and stunning. He should be grateful he's even got ya 'cos I know I would if I were him."

Eva lunged forward and planted her lips on Aidan's in the now quiet Bistro. He wrapped his hands around her face, deepening the kiss until it dawned on Eva what she was doing and who's lips she was kissing.

"Oh god," Eva gasped. "Erm... I've gotta go, thanks for tonight." Eva grabbed her stuff and darted out of the Bistro; onto the street.

She burst into tears as the guilt descended over her and the cold reality faced her. She'd just passionately kissed another fella whilst her man was in hospital, recovering from a nearly fatal attack. Eva sobbed and made her way home, miserable.


At Leanne's, she and Nick were lying in the bed together. Her head rested on his chest and her hand was placed just above his heart. He had wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. It was dark in the room but they didn't need the light. They had both found light from the other and that was what they needed most.

"Thank you for tonight," Leanne said, looking up at Nick and planting a kiss on his cheek.

He held her hand and dropped a kiss on it, not letting go.

"You're welcome but you need to rest. I'm not having it where you are running yourself into the ground before the baby is born."

Leanne chuckled slightly. "And you are not letting me stay here for the next six months either- it is my Bistro an' all!"

"I'm serious though Leanne. Don't make yourself ill by working too much."

"I won't Nicky," she teased as he winced at the sound of his name. It made him cringe so much.

"Urgh god, don't call me that," he laughed back. "Makes me cringe."

Leanne was laughing but she soon went quiet and closed her eyes as Nick stroked her hair.

He began talking as she shut her eyes and her breathing became more peaceful. "I love you very much you know. Probably more than I should but I do Lea. I can't wait for our baby to come along and I want us to try again. We can go back to how we were before but this time it really will be for keeps. No secrets, lies and problems in the way this time. We can fight any battle now and I want to do it all with you. So, what do you say? Do you want to be with me again Lea? I know I want that so badly and..." Nick suddenly stopped talking as the sound of Leanne breathing deeply cut him off. She'd fallen asleep and hadn't heard a thing he had just said. But for now, he didn't mind. He would just find another time to ask. He smiled down at her and closed his eyes too.


Thanks to those of you that took the time to review. More soon! :-)