Trigger warning: addiction (alcoholism)

"Morning." Carla smiled, looking up at Peter who groaned tiredly.

"How long have you been awake?" Peter croaked, closing his eyes again.

"It's almost ten, Peter! You must've been tired." She raised her eyebrows.

"What can I say," He pulled her closely. "I sleep well when you're in my arms."

"Is that what it is, hmm?" She giggled.

"Yes," He smiled, weakly. "I could go back to sleep."

"Well don't. We need to sort through things if we're going to LA."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that."

"You've not changed your mind, have you? Because it'll only be a holiday, Peter." Carla sighed.

"Hey, of course I haven't changed my mind!" He nudged her, gently. "I'm more than happy with us leaving this place, even if it is just for a little bit. We need to focus on ourselves."

"Amen to that."

"How about we have a lazy day? I can book the tickets and you can stick to packing." He suggested.

"Isn't it Daniels birthday? Aren't you going to see him?" She replied.

"Oh yeah, well maybe. We'll see what his plans are. But I just want to spend the day with you."

"You're full of love this morning, baby."

"Only for you." He kissed her head.

"Well in a few days, it'll just be us two. Surrounding by sea and sand."

"I couldn't think of anything better, love."

"Morning," Lucas nodded, a watchful eye on Tina as she descended down the stairs.

"Hi." Tina murmured, quietly.

Lucas remained silent, apart from the sound of him sipping his tea as his eyes continued to watch Tina's every move in a threatening way.

"What?" She added.

"Just trying to gage what's in that head of yours." He said.

"What do you mean?" She exhaled.

"Don't act so scared of me, Tina?" He cackled. "We're in this together, you and me. We have been for months."

"I know that. And I'm not scared of anyone, Lucas." She stood up straight, forcing herself to make eye contact.

"That's what I like to hear. Because today is the day." He smirked.

"Today? That's really soon."

"It's never too soon. I am getting what I want." He dead-panned.

At Tina's silence, he continued…

"You remember the plan, right? I am not having you mess this up. Because it's not just me that wins here, you do too. You can finally win back Peter."

"Yeah…" She whispered.

"You're acting scared again, Tina. You do want Peter back, don't you?" He said, scarily low.

"Of course I want Peter but," She paused. "Can't we find another way? This doesn't sit right with me."

"And there we have it," His nostrils flared with anger. "I knew you'd do this."

"I love Peter and I don't want to do this to him." She sniffed back tears.

"We will do what needs to be done. I don't care about that man, all I want is Carla."

"But-…"

"Now, Tina, tell me why you don't agree with the plan?"

"After what my dad went through, with his addiction. And even how ill I've seen Peter in the past, I don't want to put him back there. He doesn't deserve to go back to that place." She cried.

"That's enough," He barked. "We do what I want, okay? That's the end of it."

"I know that but-…"

"I don't want to hear it, Tina. Have I told you about my past? Everything I've done. Even things I've done to Carla. You do not want to get on my bad side, young lady. Now you have been by my side throughout this. In fact, you were more passionate than me to get this plan underway. So why the change of heart? Don't pretend you have a heart now, Tina. You're not fooling anyone."

"Okay." She gave in, tearfully.

"Okay as in, you're going to do it?"

"Yes! Yes I will do this stupid plan! Are you happy now?" She screamed.

Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist hardly and pulled her into him, "Don't speak to me like that."

"I'm just saying, I'll see him tonight and I'll do it. Okay?"

"Good," He released her, painting a smile on his face. The complete contrast of his mood seconds prior. "I'll message you the details later."

"I can't wait to be laying on a sun lounger in my cozzy," Carla smiled. "A lovely cocktail, mocktail for you. Getting all nice and bronzed."

"You've been saying this for the past hour, love." He laughed, leaning against the counter and watching as Carla sorted out her swimming costumes and various other items in the case.

"This time tomorrow, we'll be on the plane."

"Time couldn't go quick enough."

"Well, it's probably going very slow for you. You're just stood there watching me as I pack our things." She raised her eyebrows, playfully.

"You know as well as I do, not a single thing in there is mine. You need to cut down how many things you're taking because we'll struggle at the airport."

"Everything I bring has a purpose, Peter."

"Is that right?" He smiled.

"You can always start on your packing, baby. Don't expect me to do it all."

"I was doing something actually."

"Really? Like what? Apart from checking me out." She said.

"As well as that," He nodded. "I was checking my phone because Daniel messaged."

"What's he said? Did you wish him a happy birthday?" She questioned.

"He said Beth has agreed to look after Bertie for a few hours so that Daniel can go out for a drink. He wanted Adam there too but he's busy." He explained.

"You should go! I can sort the rest out here."

"I don't want to leave you to do this all by yourself. I did that when we moved here."

"Honestly, go. It's Daniels birthday and I prefer to sort it all anyway. No distractions then." She smirked.

"If you're sure?"

"Yes, I am. Have fun, baby."

"I won't be out too long," He grabbed his coat before walking over to Carla and tilting her head up. "I love you so much, Carla Connor."

"Mmm," She beamed. "I love you too."

"You make me the happiest man alive." He whispered, looking into her emerald orbs and kissing her deeply.

"If you keep going, I'll have to change my mind about wanting you to go." She said, seductively, her breath hot on his.

"Tonight," He said, pointedly. "We will continue with this."

"I'm looking forward to it already," She placed another loving kiss onto his lips, her hand either side of his face. "Now, off you go."

"Thank, Daniel." Peter smiled as Daniel gave him his orange juice, before sitting down in the booth opposite.

"No, thank you. I wasn't expecting to have the chance to go out tonight with Bertie and all." Daniel replied.

"That's what happens when you're a new dad, isn't it?" Peter chuckled.

"Tell me about it."

"How has your birthday been then? Have you seen dad?"

"Yeah I went round there this morning but couldn't stay because he was going out. It's just been a regular day," Daniel shrugged. "But anyway, what's been going on your end? I haven't heard from you or Carla much. Is everything alright between you?"

"It's going well. We had a few more issues with that Tina and Lucas but nothing that'll get in our way."

"That's good. As long as you don't react, they'll stop and move onto harassing someone else. And you can always contact the police if it gets worse."

"That won't be necessary, when have the coppers ever been helpful?" Peter sniggered.

"You have a point."

"Plus, me and Carla are going to LA soon so that'll give them something else to focus on."

"LA?"

"Yeah. You know, Los Angeles." Peter prompted him.

"I know what it is. But, you've just moved into a flat. Is it for good?"

"Oh god no, it'll just be for a nice long break. A time for me and Carla to recuperate and realise what's important."

"Are you sure though? I know Carla has a habit of running off there." Daniel raised his eyebrows.

"This is nothing like that. We're not running away," He said. "Are we not allowed a holiday?"

"Do whatever you want, Peter." Daniel smiled. "When are you going?"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Daniel spluttered.

"We want to go as soon as possible."

"It's very soon, have you been able to get it off work?"

"Tim said it was fine."

"What are you going to do out there?" Daniel asked.

"Well the weather out there is beautiful. I mentioned to Carla that we could go on a few boat trips. And of course, she brought up a spa nearby the hotel we're staying at." Peter explained.

"Oh, that sounds amazing."

"You can do all of this. Well, you've got to wait a while for Bertie to grow up." He teased.

"Only seventeen years," He said, sarcastically. Before his phone started ringing. "Oh speaking of the devil, it's Beth."

"That's the devil alright..." Peter muttered.

"Hi, Beth. Is everything okay with Bertie?" Daniel said through the phone, standing up and leaving the main area so he could hear her better.

As Peter stood by the bar to order them more drinks, Daniel strolled back in and over to Peter.

"Is everything okay?" Peter asked.

"Beth said he's unwell and he won't stop crying for me. His breathing is all laboured."

"Oh, go back to him. Don't worry about me."

"Heya, can I order please?" Another person walked over to the bar behind, trying to catch the attention of Peter.

"So much for a drink on my birthday," Daniel chuckled before grabbing his jacket. "I'll speak to you soon."

"Let me know if he's okay." Peter called out.

Unbeknownst to the two men, it was Lucas who was behind Peter and he had a flask in his coat pocket. Checking no one was watching, he started pouring the neat vodka into Peter's drink.

Quickly sneaking it back into his pocket, he started whistling and casually waited for his drink and that's when Peter noticed him.

"What the hell are you doing here? Have you been behind me this whole time?" Peter snapped.

"Don't bite my head off, Peter. I'm just having a drink in my local. We can sit together if we must." He smirked, sarcastically.

"No thanks," Peter grimaced before gesturing too his orange juice, which had vodka in. "I'm having this then I'm off. I don't like the company here."

"Don't let me stop you. Where is the missus today?"

"I'm not talking to you." Peter turned around, taking a massive gulp of his drink and pausing.

He instantly knew.

And he instantly caved.

"Daisy," Peter abruptly called out, grabbing onto the bar to prevent his hands from shaking so noticeably. "I need another whiskey."

It had been an hour since Lucas spiked his drink, and he'd been watching in the corner with joy plastered on his face as Peter desperately ordered more drinks. Thankfully for him, Daisy wasn't aware of his issues and to her, it was just more orders and more money. It was getting to a point where Peter's state was becoming more clear to other customers, who knew of his addiction.

"Whiskey?" Emma's eyes widened. "Have you been giving him whiskey, Daisy?"

"Yeah," Daisy nodded, a slight frown on her face. "I'm making us money, Emma. Chill out."

"He's a recovering alcoholic!"

"Oh-…" Daisy squirmed.

"Less of the recovering now." Peter hysterically laughed, slapping the bar with his hand.

"I think I should call Carla," Emma panicked. "She's gonna be so angry with me. As is Jenny!"

"I wasn't to know." Daisy shrugged.

"Peter, I think you should go back home." Emma suggested, patronisingly.

"But I have ordered a whiskey." He threw his five pound note at her.

"You know you can't have that."

"She didn't mind giving me it!" Peter pointed at a sheepish looking Daisy.

"Go home, Peter." Emma repeated.

"Emma, I am old enough to be your father so do not speak to me like a child. I'll take my custom elsewhere." Peter slurred, walking out of the pub.

"He's a right state, isn't he?" Lucas laughed, catching the attention of punters.

"It isn't funny, Lucas." Billy, who was sat close by, pointed out.

As the rain began to lightly pour and the darkness set in, Peter stumbled his way through the cobbles in search for the next drink. Any drink.

He was right back to square one thanks to Lucas, he did not have the willpower to stop himself.

Banging into Dev's shop door, he cackled as the man's eyes widened on him.

"Oh, Peter. You haven't…" Dev sighed in disappointment.

"Don't tell Carla. She doesn't need to know," Peter slurred, pointedly. "I'm not even drunk. But I need this vodka."

Peter grabbed two of the cheapest bottles and harshly slammed them down onto the counter. Dev remained silent, not knowing how to deal with the situation he'd found himself in far too many times.

"Go home and sort yourself out. Or I'll call your dad, or Daniel-…"

"Come on! I will pay." Peter cut him off.

"You know that isn't the issue."

"Get stuffed." Peter shouted, quickly exiting the shop.

"Heya," Tina appeared from behind the crisps shelf. "I thought I'd stay quiet whilst he was in here."

"I think that's best," Dev said. "I should tell Carla or Ken."

"I'll check on him."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Tina."

"Fine," She exhaled. "It wouldn't be anything bad. It just reminds me of my dad and I want to help."

"He has Carla to help him." He shrugged.

"I get that," She muttered, before putting her basket onto the counter. "Just this please."

"You having a party or something?" Dev raised his eyebrows at the multiple bottles of alcohol.

"Just having a few girly friends found. Not that it's any of your business." Tina snapped.

"No judgment here."

Once Tina had paid, she grabbed her bag and walked out of the shop whilst looking for Peter. She instantly knew he was nearby when she heard him singing loudly, and she was aware that now was the perfect time to do her part of the plan. It pained her but what else could she do?

"Peter!" Tina shouted, rushing over to him.

"Oh, not you as well! You and Lucas won't leave me alone tonight." Peter shrugged her off, sitting on Audrey's bench and lighting a cigarette.

"Can I sit with you?" She asked.

"No you can't."

"I have something you might like." She said, sitting down anyway.

"Did you not hear what I said?" He snapped. "And I don't want anything from you, d'ya hear me? Nothing."

As Tina pulled the carrier bag onto her lap, the glass knocking eachother immediately alerted Peter as he stared at her.

"You wouldn't," He shook his head. "You're taunting me."

"I know how bad you want it. We only live once, why should you have to stop what you love the most? More than Carla, more than Si. They'll never be enough for you when it comes to them or the bottle. Addiction always wins." Tina manipulated him.

"No," He murmured, staring at the bag. "No, I know what you're like."

"Take a look." She pulled out a bottle of vodka.

"Leave me alone, Tina." He whispered.

"I've always had your best intentions at heart, Peter. I love you so much. And I've changed myself to try and be with you because I am willing to do anything. We have something special." She pleaded.

Without uttering a word, Peter grabbed the vodka and took multiple gulps down, wincing at the bitter taste.

"There you go." Tina smirked.

A few hours later, it was the later hours of the night now and Peter was getting increasingly more drunk. He was sprawled on the bench, leaning into a bush and speaking all sorts of nonsense. Ignoring the unsettling feeling in her stomach, Tina continued to taunt and manipulating Peter but she genuinely didn't know how much she could carry on doing it.

"I've ruined everything." Peter moaned, shaking his head frantically.

"What do you mean?" Tina questioned.

"Me and Carla were getting somewhere," He paused. "She's not gonna want anything to do with me now. I'm a pathetic, waste of space. She's better off without me-…"

"Don't you dare speak like that. You're the best man I've ever known." She interrupted.

"Is that right? You have a lot of catching up to do. I'm a bad man, partly because of what we've done in the past." He sniggered.

"Mistakes don't define us." She shook her head, placing her hand on the top of his thigh and tilting his head towards her.

"And that's exactly what you are; a mistake." He spat.

"You know you want me." She whispered, moving closer so he could feel her breath onto his.

He froze; it was tempting. But he knew it was wrong. He wasn't going to do this again.

He pulled back and shoved her, gently.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Stop denying this, Peter. I know how your mind works, you'll give in soon. Now is the chance."

"Carla is classy. She doesn't throw herself onto anyone." He hissed.

"She isn't what you want-…"

"Yes, she is." Peter cut her off, his voice fading off due to the amount of alcohol he'd consumed. "We've been through so much together. Way too much any couple should have to face. She doesn't deserve me. After everything she's been through, when will she have a break?"

At Tina's ongoing silence, he continued…

"We got together because of Frank…he broke her in more ways than I could describe. I w-wondered if she'd ever be ready for a relationship after that but I built her back up….Well, it wasn't me. It was her strength. She just likes to say it was me. She trusted me so much and then I ruined it by getting with a slapper like you."

"We have something special." She whispered, insecurely.

"You keep telling yourself that, darling." He scoffed. "Being with you was the worst thing I could've possibly done. I thought that was it for me but she gives me a reason to carry on and fight to be a better man. All the people that have hurt her, I didn't want to be like them. That Jordan bloke, I wanted to kill him there and then. But I didn't because I knew she needed me more than I needed to knock him out. But why? Why am I trying to be a better man when it always resorts back to this. How many times does this have to happen? Because it won't stop and she shouldn't have to deal with it. No matter how hard I try, this happens. I can't go back to see her, she'll be so disappointed. Her face, I can't bare it." He cried.

"Peter…" Tina whimpered.

"I don't want to hear it-…"

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Tina sobbed, breaking down.

"They're just words. Y-you've…wrecked our lives." He slurred.

"I know," She nodded, wiping her tears. "I don't know who I have become. I don't recognise myself. I used to be a strong independent woman but now…"

"No one forced you to do this. You made your bed."

"It's Lucas." She cried.

"What's Lucas?"

"He threatens me, he is forcing me to do all these things. And you know what? For a while, I thought, yeah this is what I want to happen. I want Carla to suffer so I could have you. But then I realised, this isn't the way to do it. And that definitely isn't something Tina McIntyre would do. I'm ashamed of myself, and my dad would agree." She explained.

"You can say that again."

"Lucas has gotten into my head. He's dangerous, Peter. You need to seriously protect yourself from him. And Carla. Please."

"I don't wanna hear-…"

"Peter, listen to me." She interrupted, grabbing his hand and looking into his eyes. "Don't underestimate what he can do. I don't want you and Carla getting hurt more than you already have."

Peter remained silent, rocking side to side.

"I'm so sorry, Peter. Tell Carla too. I'm going to leave the street tomorrow and never return. I hope it all works out for you." She stood up and began walking away, briefly looking back to stare at him, a tear falling down her cheek.

Lucas stood from afar, watching as Tina walked away in tears. He knew from her facial expressions that she hadn't done exactly what he's instructed but Peter was drunk and that was the main thing. He quickly pulled his phone out of his suit jacket, taking a photo of Peter slumped on the bench with the booze and then he quickly made his way to Victoria Court…

"Oh, for god sake." Carla groaned to herself, awoken from where she'd fallen asleep on the sofa. The lights were still on, and it was clear that she'd stayed up waiting for Peter but her tiredness had other ideas. "Why has he left his keys?"

She unlocked the door, suddenly gasping when she caught sight of the Irish man smirking at her. She went to shut it, but unfortunately, he put his foot in the space between which prevented her from doing so.

"What do you want? Leave me alone!" She hissed, refusing to open the door any further.

"I just want a chat." He shrugged.

"And you really think this is the way to do it? Coming to my door in the early hours of the night and not letting me close it! You're insane."

"I'm insane? I got some home truths for you, darling." He replied.

She opened the door, standing in front of it and crossing her arms.

"I don't want to listen to anything you've got to say, Lucas. Now get out. Or I'll call the police."

"What are the police going to do? I've done nothing illegal…yet."

"I really want you to go." Her voice cracked, she was starting to panic now.

"But why? The fun hasn't started yet."

"Seriously, Lucas. I won't tell you again. Peter will be home any second." She warned.

"Mm, I don't think so." He scrunched his face up, mocking her.

"What do you mean by that? What have you done-…"

"Actions speak louder than words." He cut her off, unlocking his phone and thrusting it into Carla's face where she could clearly see a photo of Peter intoxicated.

"No…." She whispered. "No, he wouldn't."

"Wouldn't he?" Lucas raised his eyebrows.

"He's got no reason to. If this is part of your-…"

"Carla, it's there in black and white. I came to tell you. I'm sorry, I know what addiction is like." He lied.

"You don't know anything…" Her voice trembled.

"Peter has fallen off the wagon."

A single tear fell from Carla's eye, she spun around and placed a hand over her mouth. She wasn't willing to let Lucas see her vulnerability, he'd play on it.

"I know it's hard-…"

"Just go." She snapped.

"I want to be there for you."

"Lucas, will you get out of my flamin' flat!" She screeched, red in the face as tears continued to fall.

"Okay," He said. "But I'll check on you tomorrow. Be careful please."

"This is all your fault. I don't want to see your smarmy face ever again. Or Tina. I'm going to LA tomorrow and I won't be coming back." She yelled, shoving him out and slamming the door.

She walked over to the kitchen counter, putting her head in her hands and leaning on it as she started hysterically sobbing. There they were again, back at square one.

Pulling her phone of out of her pocket, she pressed onto Peter's number…

"Please, Peter. Please. Come home. I know about the drinking. We need to talk about this." She cried, her words coming out in a jumbled mess.

Everything they'd worked for, was gone.

That was a long one...and I'm sorry to the hardcore carter fans haha! This is the penultimate chapter but trust me, next chapter is a big one. This is nothing yet.