Since Peter arrived on the street, he had made more than a few enemies but he only had one solid friend. Their friendship was odd in the eyes of outsiders, but as the months went by and it came to light that the golden girl was in a relationship with the troubled Peter Barlow, people got used to seeing them together. But it didn't stop people from talking about Peter's behaviour.

He was a womaniser, Caroline knew that when they first kissed. She had walked into his flat to find one of his one night stands leaving while they were just friends. She knew that Peter would hurt anyone when he was in a particularly foul mood, but he wouldn't hurt her. She was the one person who stood by him, fought in his corner and after a year of dating he had yet to let her down.

When her estranged father came to the cobbles, asking where their flat was, he heard about Peter from a neighbour. Curious he asked around and the more he asked the more he regretted it.

By all accounts Peter Barlow was a troublemaker, bad tempered, and a drunk.

And that's all he could see when Caroline finally introduced them.

The blonde went to get drinks, leaving Peter alone with her father, who, he could see right off the bat did not like him.

"Go on say it." Peter prodded. "I know you're just dying to. So go right ahead."

"I don't think you're right for my daughter." Her father, Michael, said.

"I think that's up for her to decide." Peter replied.

"Not if it means she gets her heart broken." Michael argued.

Neither noticed the blonde approaching, and she lingered close enough to hear but remained out of sight.

"And don't say you wouldn't because you and I both know that you will. Whether it's tomorrow or six months from now, you will not be able to help yourself. I know your type, Peter. I used to be you. And I won't let my daughter be hurt by you."

"That's not up to you." She spoke up, gaining their attention.

"Caroline -" Michael stood up, and Caroline shook her head.

"You can't protect me forever. I'm going to get hurt and if it's Peter then fine. But I'm not locking myself away to protect my precious feelings. I'm a lot tougher than I look." She told him. "And Peter, well, he's an idiot. He can be bad tempered and he can be a disasterious drunk." She looked at Peter who raised an eyebrow, wondering how her argument was supposed to win over her father. "Well, you are." She smiled softly, "But you're also the most caring, protective person I know. And while many will find it hard to believe you are loyal. At least to me."

Caroline looked at her father who glanced between the couple. "You might be right. He could break my heart. But I'm willing to take that chance because I love him. More than I've ever loved anyone. He's my boyfriend, but he's also my best friend. And I won't let you try to intimate him. If you can't accept that then you should go."

Michael stood for a moment, before he picked up his jacket, and Caroline watched him leave, sitting across from Peter who knew how anxious she had been about his visit. She had only spoken about him once before they had started dating after he had called her wanting to reconnect. The blonde had prolonged meeting him for a long time and now she had agreed, she wished she hadn't.

Caroline crossed her arms on the table, resting her head down, her hair flowing around her. Peter placed a hand on her arm, looking into her blue eyes when she looked up at him.

"Are you okay?"

"I've lived most of my life without him in it. He may think that I need him, but I'd rather have you."

Peter smiled softly, "Well, it's a good thing I'm not going anywhere, eh?"

She mirrored his smile, "Yeah,"

"How about we drink these, then head home and split a bottle of wine?" He suggested in an attempt to cheer up the blonde.

Caroline nodded, sitting up, aware of the stares and whispers they were receiving. "Have I told you I love you today?"

"Including text messages?" His smile became a smirk, "Three times."

"Well, I love you." She told him.

Peter rested his arms on the table, "I happen to think you're alright, I guess."

Caroline playfully swatted his arm, shaking her head. He held her right hand before she could pull away, running his thumb over her knuckles. "I love you too."

She smiled softly as he leaned in, meeting him halfway, kissing him tenderly. She knew people thought that their relationship was doomed from the start and that many were surprised they had made it so far, that Peter would cheat, or his drinking would become too much. But their relationship had remained strong and she knew that if they had each other, they could get through anything.