A/N: These chapters are a bit longer than my previous story so it's taking me a little longer to write, so expect a few days in between chapters. Hopefully you are enjoying this story and willing to wait. It was quite fun to write in so many Corrie character cameos and a bit commentary here. Let me know what you think by leaving a review. It helps.
The Rovers was hopping that Friday night. Filled with the usual cast of characters as Sophie and Hayley entered and tried to find a table. They found one near the front because all the booths were occupied. Sophie grabbed her hand across the table. This was partly due to excitement but also because she knew that everyone was watching. She looked at Hayley. "Is this okay?" Sophie asked looking down at their entwined fingers. "Sure" Hayley shrugged. Sophie leaned in and whispered "Good because I want everyone to know that you're mine." Hayley's breath hitched a little as she saw Sophie's power play. It clearly turned her on, Sophie observed.
"Girls!" Tina shouted from the bar. It broke the bubble that they were in. Sophie pulled out her wallet. "First round? I insist" Sophie said as she got up from the table. Hayley shrugged and pulled out her phone to check messages. Sophie saw Tina behind the bar as she headed over. She had known Tina ever since she was teenager and always liked her. Sophie knew that Tina had been thru a lot in her life but she still managed to stay strong. Still you could see that the tumultuous times had worn her down a bit. It was unfortunate to see such sadness in such a young face.
"New bird?" Tina asked as she motioned toward where Hayley was sitting. Sophie nodded affirmative, grinning like a fool. "Not from around here aye?" Tina observed as she started to pour their pints. "Nope, actually she's from America by way of London" Sophie said proudly. "Ran out of lesbians around here did you? Well good for you" Tina said as she took her money for the pints. "Don't ask me why but she wanted to see Weatherfield. I told her it would be a short tour" Sophie laughed as she took the two pints, one in each hand. "She's a good looking lass, you go get it Sophie" Tina said with a wink. Sophie rolled her eyes embarrassed.
As she headed over to the table she could tell that everyone was watching her. Sophie was used to be stared at and watched ever since she came out at 15. Usually she was annoyed by this, but tonight she didn't mind. She just didn't want Hayley to get spooked by how much everyone in this town was a nosey gossip. Setting down the pints on the table she saw Hayley looking around. "Is it me or is everyone looking at us?" Hayley asked. "Yeah they probably are, but then again you are hot so they can't help it" Sophie flirted. "It's so hard being this way" Hayley smirked back. Sophie really did love Hayley's American swagger. It well turned her on.
"So tell me about whose here. I might as well know whose staring at me" Hayley said looking around the room.
Sophie looked around. "Okay so at the bar you have Steve and Lloyd who run the cab service. And the ginger is Chesney who has been my mate forever" she pointed out. Hayley nodded taking in the information. Then Sophie saw Tommy Duckworth and couldn't help her face from scrunching up. "And I'm not leaving you alone around that guy" Sophie said pointing him out at the dart board. "Wow. Do I see hatred in Sophie Webster's eyes? Never thought I'd see the day" Hayley teased. "Let's just say if he tries it on with you then you wouldn't be the first girlfriend I've had that he did" Sophie said with contempt. Hayley rolled her eyes. "Oh I see he's one of those guys who can turn a girl back right?" Hayley said. "Yep, God's gift" Sophie smirked back as she took a sip of her beer. It still burned her after all this time that he had tried it on with Sian.
Sophie realized that she had let the "gf" word slip. She had not intended for it but she wanted to see how Hayley reacted. Sophie didn't see anything to indicate that she had even heard it. But then again it was really loud and they'd been talking about something else. Maybe she hadn't heard it. Maybe Sophie needed to stop over-analyzing everything. Stop being so lesbian Sophie chastised herself.
They had a few more pints and Sophie kept filling her in on the characters of Weatherfield. In many ways it was crazy how much does seem to happen on this one street. Hayley had been most shocked by the tram crash and the mayhem it caused. Sophie did reflect that it had been horrific. I mean people had died like Ashley and Molly. Neighbors that she had grown up with most of her life. Being able to see it without the drama of her parents splitting up, she now saw how tragic it was.
Sophie looked around and noticed that something essential was missing. It was weird not to see her dad there at the pub sitting at the bar. He had been such a regular figure at the old Rovers. It didn't seem like this new Rovers was legitimate until her dad stepped in and ordered a pint. They had had their rough times between the two of them. The war between her dad and mum had literally nearly killed her. But then she had also always forgiven him. Of the two Webster sisters, everyone saw that Sophie was her daddy's little girl. He had been in Germany for so long, taking care of Grand dad, but she really wanted him back. Even though she knew that her parents were never going to get back together, she needed him around.
Hayley looked at her watch. "Hey babe, ready to get out of here?" Sophie asked. She nodded as they both got up. "Yeah it's just a block around the corner to Streetcars, get a cab" Sophie led her out.
As they walked over, she saw Rita and Emily coming up the walk. "Hello, love" Rita said as they walked up. "Hiya" Sophie nodded. "Is this the new girlfriend?" Emily asked. "Yep, I guess so" Hayley waved. "Good to put a face to you dearie. The goss didn't seem to do you credit" Rita added. Hayley gave Sophie a look that burned annoyance. Apparently Hayley did not enjoy being the talk of the village. "Well we've got to get her home" Sophie quickly tried to get them out there before it got any worse. "Good to meet you" Hayley said quickly.
"So great to hear that every one's talking about me" Hayley said with a hint of sarcasm. "I'm sorry babe, really, so so sorry" Sophie tried her best to look penitent. "What did you tell everyone in town? No wonder everyone was staring" Hayley snapped. Sophie stopped her and looked her in the face. "I didn't say anything because I wouldn't know what to say! Are you my girlfriend? Or are we just friends with benefits? You don't seem to want anything more than a jump in the sack! So you tell me what would I say aye?" Sophie snapped back. These thoughts had been building up inside her all night. Hayley had no right to get all mardy about it.
Sophie leaned against the wall trying to calm down. She couldn't get all shouty or Hayley may just bolt. "Oh and just so you know, the town gossip saw us in Manchester last time...after the club...against the wall..." Sophie sighed. Hayley rolled her eyes. Hayley slouched next to her against the wall. "Great" she exhaled. They sat in silence for a moment. "Look Soph" Hayley turned towards her. "I'm not ready to answer questions about us yet. Why can't we just have fun together?" Hayley asked. Sophie considered what she heard. She was insecure about where they stood at the moment. But then again she didn't want to be alone. Being alone was so pathetic.
"Come on, Sophie, I'll make you scream" Hayley said flirtingly. Sophie grabbed her hand and shrugged. "Okay" Sophie gave in.
"That's my girl" Hayley pulled her closer. She crushed against Sophie's lips pushing her up against the wall. Clearly Hayley wanted to prove her dominance sexually trying to draw Sophie further in. While she tried to keep a clear head, Sophie was losing it. She hated being submissive when she felt that she had been clear about her insecurity. Using sex to smooth it over was becoming an avoidance technique that Hayley utilized. And Sophie hated to admit that it worked. And How.
They broke the kiss since air was becoming an issue. "Let's go" Sophie said in a low voice pulling Hayley toward Streetcar. It was time to take this elsewhere.