Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was 8:25am when Suki's eyes slowly fluttered open, Eve's arm still wrapped around her waist, as it had been all night. She reached out to pick up her phone from the drawers next to her, moving slowly so that she didn't wake Eve. “Morning” she heard from behind her as she picked up her phone. “Oh sorry, did I wake you?” Suki whispered as she whipped her head around to face Eve. “No, don't worry about it, I was already waking up. Anyway what time is it?” Eve asked as she turned onto her back, pulling Suki closer to her as she did so. “It’s 8:25, so we've still got just over an hour and a half before our train home. I was thinking we could have breakfast downstairs before coming back up here to pick up our bags, then we can check out at the reception desk before we make our way to the station. The train journey's supposedly only 2 hours and 15 minutes long so we'll be back home by lunchtime.” Suki said as she adjusted her position to rest her head on Eve's chest.

“You've got everything all planned out, haven't you? I bet you even know what you're having for breakfast.” Eve said with a slight laugh, wrapping her arm around Suki's shoulder. “Actually, I'm not sure whether to have a bowl of granola with some fruit or maybe a vegetarian full English. I'll probably make a decision while I'm getting ready.” Suki said as she looked up at Eve. They both laid in that position for a moment and were interrupted by Eve's 8:30am alarm.

“Oh, I forgot I'd set that. I thought I was going to still be asleep at this point.” Eve said as she reached for her phone to turn off the alarm. “Since we've still got loads of time and barely any packing to do, why don't we just lay here for another 20 minutes? I'll miss this the most when we're home.” Suki said as Eve ran a hand through her hair. “I'd love that. Did I ever tell you that you're always my first thought on a morning and my last thought before I go to sleep on a night? I'm constantly thinking about you, in all honesty.” Eve said as she felt Suki beginning to sit up. “Am I? Why didn't you tell me?” Suki said, now propped up on both of her wrists, face to face with Eve.

“Yeah, I- uh- I think about you all the time. Stacey often shouts at me for it when I get distracted at work, but she understands. She got quite excited when I said we were coming to Leeds again, but she also told me to be careful, which I think I have been.” Eve said, blushing slightly as she locked eyes with Suki. “You're always so careful and concerned about my, well, our safety and wellbeing. That's one of the things I love most about you. Don't get me wrong, you can still be reckless at times, but you're so cautious and considerate as well.” Suki said as she traced Eve's jawline with her index finger, before finally curling it under Eve's chin, using it to tilt her head upwards so that she could kiss her. The kiss was soft, but passionate, with Suki running her hand through Eve's hair and Eve rubbing her thumb on Suki's cheek as she pulled away. “I love you so much, Suki.” Eve whispered breathlessly as she felt their foreheads pressing together. “I love you too, Eve. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me.” Suki whispered in response, noticing, through her blurred vision due to their closeness, that Eve’s eyes had started welling up.

“Hey, what's this?” Suki said, pulling her head away as Eve let out a gentle sob. “I don't know. I-” Eve said as she felt Suki's fingers rubbing the back of her hand which was now placed in Suki’s lap. “What’s the matter? Was this trip too much for you?” Suki asked as she pulled Eve closer to her. “I'm just so happy when we wake up together, I- I wish we could do this more often. I don't know when we're next going to wake up together and it, it hurts.” Eve said between sobs as she melted into Suki's embrace.

“I'm so sorry, Eve. Believe me, I'd be up here every few weeks if I was able to. It hurts for me too, waking up next to him every morning. I'd much rather wake up with the love of my life next to me.” Suki whispered as she gazed into Eve's eyes. “What was that last bit? Did you just say I'm the love of your life?” Eve said as she pushed herself up on both of her wrists. “I said as much a few weeks ago after the renewal, remember? It's you Eve, you're all I've ever needed.” Suki said, echoing the words she had said to Eve in the hallway of Number 31 on the day of her vow renewal with Nish. “You mean it? I thought your kids would have been the loves of your life?” Eve said as she felt Suki wiping the tears from her cheeks. “I meant every word. You've made my life so much brighter, Eve. My kids are the loves of my life, but you're the love of my life.” Suki said, feeling Eve pull her even closer, resulting in them kissing again. It was still as gentle and passionate as the previous one, but something about it had changed slightly, perhaps because Eve now knew that Suki was kissing the love of her life.

As they both pulled away, they maintained eye contact and then smiled. “I'll live with the pain of not waking up next to you, now I know I'm the love of your life. Just promise me you won't torture yourself about not being able to do more, okay?” Eve said as she tucked a strand of Suki’s hair behind her ear. “I promise I won't do that, mērē pri'ā [my darling].” Suki said as she nuzzled her cheek into Eve's hand, gently kissing it. “That's a new one. What does that mean? I know mērā means mine, but I've never heard you say pri'ā before.” Eve asked inquisitively, always wanting to learn more Punjabi and, in turn, more about Suki’s culture. “It means my darling. Although really I should have said mērē sudara pi'ārē, which means my handsome darling, because you look so handsome right now.” Suki said, taking a moment to admire Eve.

“I've been wearing these pyjamas for three nights and they're getting a bit smelly, but you still think I look handsome in them? Oh, you’ve fallen really hard, haven't you?” Eve laughed as she gestured towards herself. “Speaking of which, I'm going to brush my teeth and start getting changed.” she continued, leaning closer to Suki and placing a kiss on her cheek. “You always look handsome, Eve. Even if you are starting to get slightly smelly.” Suki said as she regained eye contact with Eve. “Hey, you’re the reason my pyjamas are slightly smelly. You're the one that got me all hot and bothered last night, and the night before, for that matter.” Eve said as she stood up from the bed, Suki’s hand reaching out to maintain contact with her.

As Eve walked around the bed to approach the bathroom, Suki shuffled to the end of the bed and followed her. “You’re joining me while I brush my teeth? I'll only be 2 minutes! Seriously, how on Earth do you cope when we’re at home?” Eve laughed as she opened the bathroom door. “I want to spend all of the time I can with you, especially since you were so upset about us not waking up next to each other when we’re not here. It seems we’re both as bad as each other for wanting to always touch each other.” Suki said as she closed the bathroom door behind her. Eve was already squeezing toothpaste onto their toothbrushes and handed Suki hers as soon as she turned around.

“Oh, thank you.” Suki continued as she took her toothbrush out of Eve’s hand. “We’re quite the pair us two, aren’t we? Just look at us. Brushing our teeth together because we can’t handle being alone for two minutes. We’re like lovestruck teenagers.” Eve giggled as Suki stood in front of her, her hair brushing underneath Eve's chin. “It’ll be like this every day when we move in together. By the way, forget what I said yesterday about me wanting to sell Number 41 once Nish has gone. I've decided that renovating it would probably be easier for the both of us, especially since you'll probably want to stay close to Stacey and I'll have the businessess to worry about. All the stress of moving would probably be too much to deal with on top of dealing with the fallout of Nish being out of the picture.” Suki said, deliberately timing it so that Eve couldn't respond until she had finished brushing her teeth. She then started brushing her own teeth, with Eve rinsing her toothbrush shortly after.

“Wait, you'd do that for me? Actually scratch that. Of course you'd do that for me, you've just told me I'm the love of your life. What made you change your mind?” Eve asked as Suki finished brushing her teeth and rinsed her toothbrush. “Well, I heard you get up and start pacing around the room in the middle of the night, mumbling abou-” Suki said as she looked at Eve in the mirror, getting interrupted by Eve. “You heard that? Oh god, I can't believe you heard that. I thought you were sound asleep. Sorry if I woke you up.” Eve said as she wrapped both of her arms around Suki's waist. “Don't apologise, Eve. It made me realise that potentially moving out of the square and leaving Stacey and the kids would probably be such an emotional decision for you, so I thought you might as well just move over the road to live with me. At least then you can still babysit if Stacey needs you to, and they can have sleepovers at ours if they want to, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” Suki said as she turned to face Eve, who was now beaming ear to ear. “I was right to say you think of everything. Turns out we’re both really considerate, eh?” Eve said as she pulled Suki into an embrace, both swaying slightly under the yellow light in the bathroom.

Once they pulled apart, Suki opened the bathroom door and walked towards the wardrobe. “Eve, I thought you said you didn't bring this?” Suki asked pulling Eve's blue shirt with a white collar and white cuffs out of the wardrobe, hanging it up on the wardrobe door as Eve walked out of the bathroom. “Oh, I forgot I'd brought that! I'll wear it today, I don't think I have anything else to wear anyway.” she said as she wrapped her arms around Suki's waist again. Suki then picked out a pale pink blouse with black spots on, combining it with a pair of black trousers, before turning to face Eve.

“Did you deliberately leave that shirt until today just to tease me? You know how much I love you wearing it and how much I also love wearing it after we've you know.” Suki said as she began looking slightly flushed as the memories of her and Eve in bed in the house they stayed in on their last visit flashed across her mind. “Trust me, I know. I genuinely thought I hadn't brought it with me, but obviously I packed it without noticing. I was probably too busy having the exact thoughts you're having right now.” Eve said as she noticed how flushed Suki was looking.

“Anyway, I think I've decided what I'm having for breakfast.” Suki said in an attempt to change the topic of conversation, but was still blushing from ear to ear. “Oh yeah, what’s that?” Eve said as she looked at Suki with a smirk. “A bowl of granola and fruit, I don't have the appetite for a full English this morning. Plus I know you like the taste of sweet things.” Suki said as she winked at Eve, slowly walking towards the bed to start getting changed. “Oh, you tease. I can't resist kissing you at the best of times, even more so when you've been eating fruit or you're wearing that strawberry lip balm.” Eve said as she pulled off her pyjama t-shirt, discarding it on the floor in front of Suki.

“Don't forget to pack that t-shirt, I wouldn't want Nish having to hand it back to you like the shirt last time.” Suki said, watching as Eve clasped her bra on and picked up the white v-neck t-shirt she was going to wear under her shirt. “Don't worry, I've got enough space in my bag for it to fit, even with all of the gifts for Stacey's kids and my new boxers in there.” Eve said as she pulled the t-shirt over her head and down over her torso. She then discarded her pyjama bottoms and boxers before reaching to pick up her black trousers. She slowly pulled her boxers on and then pulled her trousers on, tucking her t-shirt into them before picking up her shirt from the wardrobe door.

“You're probably going to get too hot in that, especially if we’re on the train. I hope there's space in your bag for that too.” Suki said as she pulled her own blouse on. “Stop worrying, there's lots of space this time because I bought a bigger bag. I didn't want a repeat of last time so thought it would be best to get a new bag for our trips away.” Eve said as she finished buttoning her shirt, leaving two buttons at the top undone. She then sat down on the bed and pulled her socks on, watching as Suki finished getting changed.

“Right, I'll just get my shoes on and then we can go downstairs for breakfast, alright?” Suki said as she bent down and kissed Eve's forehead. “That's more than alright with me, I'm really hungry.” Eve said pulling on her shoes and tying the laces, before walking around to her side of the bed to put her pyjamas in her grey and black travel bag. “Well, I'm ready if you are.” Suki said as she stood up from the sofa after putting her shoes on. "Right then, let's get go-" Eve said being interrupted by her stomach rumbling. "See! I told you I'm hungry!" she exclaimed as Suki started giggling. They both linked arms as they approached the door to their room, with Eve slowly opening it to allow Suki to exit first.

"Oh, we best take that off the door. I'd forgotten we put that on!" Suki said as she noticed the 'do not disturb' sign was still hanging on the door handle, taking it off and handing it to Eve. She watched as Eve threw it, attempting to make it land on the bed, but it landed on the floor instead, causing Suki to start laughing. "I don't always have the best aim when I throw things. Just ask Stacey, she's seen how bad I am at darts. I am good at football though, so I'm not totally un-sporty." Eve said as she locked the door and put the key into her pocket, before interlocking her fingers with Suki's.

"Speaking of sporty, you could probably dress up as Sporty Spice if The Vic ever do a Spice Girls tribute night, you'd fit right in. Ash used to love them and Sporty was always her favourite, perhaps that's why she was so drawn to you. If I'm being honest, she's my type too. I love people with dark hair, light coloured eyes and a cheeky smile, but I think you could have already guessed that based on me being attracted to you and Honey." Suki said as she pressed the button to call the lift. "I'd sort of noticed a trend, yeah. You're not usually my type though, well if I even have a type. I think my type has changed since being inside." Eve said as she stepped into the lift with Suki following behind and pressing the button for the ground floor.

As the doors of the lift closed, Suki stepped back and nudged up against Eve, feeling her arm wrap around her shoulder. "I'm going to miss this, being able to be free to wrap my arm around the woman I love in public, but I know I can't do that in Walford for the safety of both of us." Eve said as she felt Suki moving closer to her. "I'll wait forever if it means that we're both safe." she continued, before placing a kiss on Suki's head. "Forever can't come soon enough. I always feel safe when I'm with you, though, even if you're only coming into the Minute Mart for milk." Suki said as she looked up at Eve and smiled.

“I’d say I’d take a job at the Minute Mart if I ever get sacked by Stacey, but I don’t think I could work for you.” Eve said, feeling Suki’s elbow slightly dig into her ribs. “Oi, you were the one that was calling me confident, domineering and masterful in every single way to my husband!” Suki said, repeating verbatim what Eve had said to Nish when they returned from their previous trip to Leeds. "That's exactly why I wouldn't work for you, plus the whole square would be gossiping about us flirting and Nish definitely wouldn't like that. It would be too risky for us both, so I'll just stick to providing legal advice and going on business trips with you.” Eve said as Suki began turning around so that she could be face to face with Eve. “You’d be a great help in the shop though, well more use than Vinny. I can see what you mean though, we probably wouldn’t be able to resist each other if we were working together full time, there’d be too much temptation for us.” Suki said as she stared into Eve's eyes.

“I might not actually be as great for the shop as you think I would be. Remember the day we went to McKlunky’s? You asked me to cover for you in the shop while you did something in the stock room and Shrimpy came in and bought a pack of chewing gum and needed to be given 8 pence in change, but I closed the till drawer before I gave him his change. He was fuming. I had to give him an extra rasher of bacon on his bacon bap the next day as an apology.” Eve said as Suki started laughing. “Oh, maybe you won’t be getting a job at the Minute Mart if all else fails, then.” Suki said with a giggle as she noticed Eve had started blushing in embarrassment. “I made one mistake, I'm sure it could be rectified with training. I just don't think I'm the type of person to do retail, I prefer being hands on and not just stood behind a till. You're right about there probably being too much temptation, though.” Eve said as she felt Suki's arms wrapping around her waist. “I suppose I'll just have to put up with seeing you whenever you come in for some shopping then, or perhaps when I'm in The Vic.” Suki said with a pout, trying to make Eve feel sorry for her.

Eve noticed her pout and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Don't worry, I'll make sure to come and visit you often in the shop. Sometimes I might just come in and browse, others I might come and buy something so we can talk. I'll still text you, too. You're not getting rid of me that easily.” Eve said as she pulled Suki into a hug. “You'll be okay with that? It's just I want us to stay safe. I can't risk him finding out, you know what happened last time.” Suki mumbled against Eve's chest as she melted into the embrace. “Suki, I understand. Of course I'll be okay with that. You've told me I'm the love of your life. Anyway, I think this is us.” Eve said as the lift doors slowly opened.

Suki moved back to the right-hand side of Eve and interlocked their fingers as they both exited the lift. “Morning ladies! Did you have a good night's sleep?” Erica asked as she saw Suki and Eve leaving the lift. “Yeah, we had a great sleep. Although this one does snore, but luckily I've learned how to block that out so I can actually get some sleep.” Eve said as she nodded towards Suki, who gave her a dig in the ribs for mentioning her snoring. “I doubt she snores that loudly, she doesn't really look the type.” Erica said as she winked at Suki. “Yeah, I'm not that bad. My grandson recorded me snoring recently and it's definitely not as bad as she's making out.” Suki said as she looked up at Eve. “Okay, admittedly, it's not that bad. Actually, it's quite cute.” Eve said as she locked eyes with Suki, starting to blush slightly. “See, I told you she wasn't the type to snore loudly! Anyway, I'll let you get your breakfast ladies and I'll see you back here for check out later on.” Erica said before she sat down behind the reception desk, watching as Suki and Eve entered the hotel restaurant.

“So you want the granola and fruit, yeah? I might have some too, but the chocolate granola instead… and without the fruit” Eve said as she stood at the bar, ready to place their order, with Suki sat down at a table close to the bar. “Of course you'd go for the sweetest option for breakfast. You sure about the no fruit though? You'll probably only end up stealing some of mine” Suki asked as she looked up at Eve. “You've got a very good point, I'll have fruit with mine as well. Nobody gets in the way of you finishing your breakfast really quickly, not even me.” Eve said as she noticed a member of the restaurant staff coming to the bar to take their order. She ordered a bowl of plain granola, a bowl of chocolate granola, a bowl of fruit, a latte and a Yorkshire Tea.

Suki watched as Eve picked up both of their cups from the bar and turned around to place them on the table. Eve then sat down opposite Suki, putting her hand on the table for Suki to hold. “Are you still going to be letting me listen to your music on the way home? I was thinking we could maybe listen to some of mine too. Half of the journey we'll listen to yours and then the rest of the journey we'll listen to mine, deal?” Suki asked as she tucked a loose strand of Eve's hair behind her ear. “I'd love that. You just need to promise me you won't judge some of my music choices. I'll be honest, I like jazz and pop music, not just thrash metal.” Eve said as she looked down at Suki's hand, which was now resting on top of hers. “Don't be embarrassed Eve, I've got secret music choices too. I love indie musicians and romantic songs, so I’m not always listening to doom metal. My heart isn't as dark as some people think it is, but nobody else can find out about this, okay?” Suki asked as she picked up Eve's hand and squeezed it. “Your secret is safe with me, you soppy git.” Eve said as she smiled at Suki.

“Here you go ladies, your chocolate granola, your plain granola, and a bowl of fruit for you to share.” the waiter said as he placed the three bowls on the table. “Is there anything else I can get for you?” he continued as he looked at them both. “Thank you, this looks lovely. I don't think we need anything else, do we Eve?” Suki asked as she picked up her spoon and looked across at Eve. “No, I think that's it, thank you.” Eve said picking up her own spoon as she watched the waiter walking away.

“That was lovely, but I'm not sure I can eat more fruit right now.” Suki said as she reached for Eve's hand again. “We could always take some for when we're on the train, I mean I did pay for it.” Eve said as she picked up an apple and a tangerine from the bowl. “In that case, pass me a banana and a tangerine. Do you want me to put yours in my handbag too?” Suki asked as Eve handed her a banana and a tangerine, which she placed inside a plastic box that was inside her handbag. “Yes please, I don't want a squashed tangerine in my pocket. Wait, you brought a packed lunch box with you? You really are overprepared” Eve laughed as she handed Suki the apple and tangerine she was going to eat on the train home. “I only have it in there for if I want to take fruit with me to meetings. I forgot to take it out before coming to Leeds, but it's a good job I didn't really because otherwise these would be getting squashed.” Suki said as she clipped the lid back onto the plastic box before gently placing it back into her handbag.

“Right then, I think that's us sorted. You ready?” Eve said as she stood up and held out her hand for Suki to take. Suki picked up her handbag and stood up, grasping Eve's right hand in her left hand. “Come on then, let's go get our bags and check out.” Suki said as they started walking towards the exit of the restaurant. As they passed the reception desk to enter the lift, they noticed that Erica wasn't sat there. “Hopefully she's back by the time we're back down here, she's supposed to be the one helping us check out.” Eve said as she pushed the button to call the lift. “Don't worry Eve, I'm sure she'll be back. She knows we're due to check out before 10am. It's 9:35am now and our train isn't until 10:15am, we've got 45 minutes.” Suki said as the lift doors slowly opened, revealing that Erica was inside.

“See, I said she'd be back for when we were due to check out. You can stop flapping now, okay?” Suki continued as she looked at Erica. “Sorry, I was having to sort out an issue in one of the rooms, apparently people were causing lots of noise last night and the people in room 311 weren't happy. Turns out 312 were having a row until 2am, I'm surprised you didn't hear them.” Erica said as she looked at Eve. “No, we never heard anything, it can't have been that loud. Either that or her snoring is louder than she thinks and helped block it out.” Eve said with a slight laugh. “Anyway, I'll see you again once you've got your bags.” Erica said stepping out of the lift and letting Suki and Eve step in.

Once they reached floor 3, Eve put her hand into her trouser pocket to pull out the key for their room. “Here you go. We'll have to make the bed before we check out as well.” Eve said as she unlocked the door and pushed it open for Suki to enter. “I don't think we will, look. There's a note that's been left too.” Suki said as she nodded towards a note that had been left on the bed, which had been made. Eve walked over to the bed and picked up the note. “Ah, it's from Erica. That's what she was doing up here. Apparently she's left some biscuits for us too.” Eve said as she read the note. “That must be these then.” Suki said holding up a small box of biscuits. “More things for us to eat on the train then! What type of biscuits are they?” Eve asked as she approached Suki. “Oh they’re lemon zest shortbread, they sound delicious. Right, I’ll put these in my handbag.” Suki said as unzipped her handbag and put the box of biscuits into it. “Okay, I’m going to check we’ve got everything and make sure all of the drawers are empty, we don’t want to leave anything behind.” Eve said as she opened the drawers on the right side of the bed, making sure she hadn’t left any of her boxers in there. She then walked around to the left side of the bed and ensured that the drawers Suki had been using were empty.

“I had a feeling I hadn’t packed this yet.” Suki said as she walked out of the bathroom carrying her can of hairspray. “Can you spray some on my hair before we go?” Eve said closing her eyes in preparation for Suki spraying the hairspray onto her hair. “There you go, that’s done.” Suki said as put the lid on the hairspray and put it into her suitcase. “Oh Eve, your blazer!” Suki continued as she spun around and grabbed Eve's blazer from out of the wardrobe. “Well remembered! I'd forgotten to check in there.” Eve said as Suki handed her a black blazer. “It's a good job I noticed then, isn't it?” Suki said as she watched Eve pull on her black blazer.

“Well, I guess this is it then, time to go and check out.” Eve said as put the note from Erica in her briefcase and zipped it up, putting her briefcase inside of her travel bag. Suki zipped up her suitcase at the same time. “I suppose we’d best go now because it’s 9:45am and you’ll probably want to get a drink from the café at the station.” Suki said as she picked up her suitcase from the bed. "After you, mērā pi'āra [my love]." Eve said as she opened the door to their room for the final time and gestured for Suki to exit. Eve flicked the light switch and turned off the main light in the room before locking the door.

Eve kept hold of the key as she walked down the corridor, with Suki already stood ready to press the button to call the lift, her suitcase beside her. The lift doors slowly opened and Suki entered, picking her suitcase up so that she knew it was safely inside the lift. Eve followed behind her and pressed the button for the ground floor before stepping back to stand next to Suki. “I’ve loved this weekend, it’s been so special.” Suki said as she linked pinkies with Eve, not wanting to hold her hand in case there were people waiting to get onto the lift. “It’s not over yet, we’ve still got the journey home. I hope you’ve got those earphones ready.” Eve said as she smiled at Suki. “More than ready, I’ve even got my music queued up so that it’s ready to go when we’re on the train!” Suki said as she gazed into Eve’s eyes.

The lift doors slowly opened, allowing them to walk into the reception area. They walked towards the reception desk and were greeted by a friendly smile from Erica. “Hello again Erica. We found your gift, thank you for that by the way. We'll be eating them on the train home. Anyway, here's our room key.” Eve said as she placed the key on the reception desk and smiled at Erica. “Oh no worries, you've been great guests. I'll take that from you and then I can register that you've checked out. Are there any problems you need to report?” Erica said as she picked up the key from the reception desk. “No, there have been no problems at all. Well apart from the fact we're having to go home. We'll definitely be staying here again next time we visit.” Suki said as she squeezed Eve's hand to reassure her that they would be going on business trips again. “In that case, you're all checked out. I hope you have a safe journey home. Enjoy the biscuits!” Erica said as she watched Suki and Eve walking towards the entrance of the hotel.

Suki pushed open the door for Eve to exit, noticing that Eve had started carrying her suitcase for her. "Hey, I can handle that you know? Anyway, I want to hold your hand." Suki said as she took the handle of the suitcase from Eve's hand and replaced it with her hand. "I was only trying to help! You're obsessed with holding my hand though, I should have remembered that." Eve said as she looked at Suki. "You know why I love holding your hand, it makes me feel comfortable and safe. I just wish you had asked me before doing it, because that's exactly what he did when we came back from Leeds last time." Suki said sounding slightly sad. "I'm so sorry, Suki. I completely forgot he did that. I'll ask next time." Eve said as she stopped walking and put her free hand on Suki's shoulder so that she would face her.

"I'm sorry too, Eve. I shouldn't have compared you with him. You were just trying to do something nice, I shouldn't have reacted so harshly." Suki said with tears forming in her eyes. "Hey, don't apologise. I should have asked before picking up your suitcase. Come here." Eve said as she pulled Suki into a hug, bending her knees slightly so that Suki's head was on her shoulder. Eve began to gently sway as she embraced Suki in an attempt to calm her down. "I love you so much Eve, I'm sorry for comparing you to him, you're nothing like him at all." Suki mumbled against Eve's shoulder. "I know you didn't mean it, you don't have to keep apologising to me." Eve said as she pulled away from Suki and wiped tears from her cheeks with her thumbs. "Now let's go and get these drinks before our train." she continued as they started walking hand in hand again.

Once they arrived at the train station, it was 9:55am, giving them 20 minutes before their train was due to depart. “If you stay here, I'll go and get us out drinks. You want a green tea, yeah?” Eve said as Suki sat down on a bench on the platform their train would be departing from. “Yeah, but if there's no green tea I'll have a hot chocolate.” Suki said as she squeezed Eve's hand. “Okay, I'll go and get them and be back in a couple of minutes, the queue didn't look that long.” Eve said as she turned to start walking away.

Suki sat in silence for a few minutes watching people come and go from the platform before Eve stood in front of her with two drinks in her hand. “Here you go, they had chai, so I got you one of those instead. I thought it might cheer you up slightly.” Eve said as she handed Suki the paper cup. “Thank you so much, Eve, I hadn't even considered that they might do chai. Come and sit down.” Suki said as she tapped the empty spot next to her on the bench, the feeling of the cold metal on her hand making her shiver. “We've got 15 minutes before the train is due, but we'll probably need to stand up 5 minutes before it arrives because it looks like it's going to be packed.” Eve said as she sat down on the bench next to Suki, immediately putting her hand on Suki's knee.

Suki took a sip of her chai and rested the cup on her thigh. “Why does this weekend have to end? I wish we could just run away together and be free, but I know if we did he wouldn't stop until he found us.” Suki sighed, placing her right hand on top of Eve’s hand which was still on her knee. “We can get through this, okay? We've just got to wait a little longer before we can be free to be with each other. No matter what happens, you'll always be special to me.” Eve said, looking at Suki as she felt her squeezing her hand. “Do you really mean it, Eve? Is this enough?” Suki said as she locked eyes with Eve, letting go of her hand. “This is enough. We just need to bide our time and try to find something concrete enough to get him sent back to prison.” Eve said as she stroked Suki's cheek with the back of her hand.

“Oh before I forget I need my headphone splitter!” Eve said as unzipped her travel bag and took out her briefcase, unzipping that too once it was on her lap. “You're really forgetful this morning, did you get enough sleep?” Suki said as she rubbed Eve's shoulder. “I think I did, but obviously something's wrong for me to be forgetting things. I might end up having a nap on the train if I need to.” Eve said as she unzipped a compartment in her briefcase and took out her headphone splitter and earphones. “A nap would probably help you a great deal.” Suki said as Eve zipped her briefcase back up and put it back into her travel bag. “I'd probably need to take my shirt off to be comfortable for a nap though. I'll do that now before we get on the train.” Eve said as she took off her blazer and started unbuttoning her shirt. Once the shirt was off she handed it to Suki for her to hold, with Suki starting to fold it while Eve was putting her blazer back on. “There you go, I've folded it for you. Now you can be comfortable if you want a nap on the way home.” Suki said as she stood up and handed Eve her shirt, picking up her chai as she did so.

Eve gently pushed her shirt into her travel bag and zipped it up again. “Right then, the train is due in a couple of minutes. Let's go and stand at the front of the platform.” Eve said as she picked up her paper cup and her travel bag. “Come on then, let's go.” Suki said as she picked up her suitcase, not wanting to wheel it across the platform. They walked together towards the front of the platform in order to be some of the first people on the train. The train then arrived and the doors opened right in front of them, allowing them to get straight to the seats that they had reserved.

Eve picked up Suki's suitcase and put it in the luggage compartment that was located near their seats. “Now, who's having the window seat?” Eve said as she turned around. “Do you mind if I take it? You had the window seat on the way here. Plus, that way you can lean your head on my shoulder if you end up having a nap.” Suki said as she sat down, putting her handbag on her lap. “I can fall asleep sat upright, I don't need a shoulder to lean on, but thank you for the offer.” Eve said as she sat down next to Suki and put her travel bag on the floor, pulling out her phone, headphone splitter and earphones as she did so.

“Here we go, plug your earphones into there.” Eve said as she plugged her own earphones into the headphone splitter and turned her phone towards Suki. She smiled as Suki reached into her pocket and pulled out her earphones, giddy at the fact she was sharing a playlist with the woman who had told her she was the love of her life. “There we go, that should be in properly.” Suki said as she plugged her earphones into the headphone splitter. “Yeah that's in, now let's get this playlist started.” Eve said as the train started to depart from the station, placing her phone on the fold out table on the back of the chair in front of her as Prisoner of Your Eyes by Judas Priest began playing.

They sat in silence for a few moments enjoying the music before Suki gently pulled one of Eve's earphones out. “Are you really that obsessed with my eyes that you feel like you're trapped in them?” Suki said as she squeezed Eve's hand. “Sort of, but this was one of the songs I listened to all the time after my first girlfriend broke up with me. I thought I'd never move on from her and thought I'd be trapped thinking about her for ages. Then I came out to my parents because I was so sad about it, but they just made the pain even worse. I keep it on my playlist to remind myself how far I've come since I was 19.” Eve said as she looked at Suki, who was now smiling at Eve. “You should be proud of yourself. You've come a long way since then. It's just a shame they don't seem to be proud of how much you've done for yourself. It makes me wish I'd always told Ashneet I was proud of her, instead of refusing to do so because of her being bisexual. That was just me hating her because she had the freedom I so desperately wanted.” Suki said as the song began to end.

“Oh now this was because of my parents. They used to always listen to music when we were kids, but then after Erica died, the music just stopped. They never played music again after that, like they weren't allowed to enjoy themselves. So I bought myself a cassette of this album and listened it on Erica's Walkman until the tape broke. My parents had bought her it as a present for our 17th birthday, choosing to buy me tickets to a football match instead.” Eve said as Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac played. “I was like that after Jagvir died. I refused to eat, to sleep, to let myself accept help, and to enjoy myself, all because I blamed myself for his death. It was only Honey coming around, comforting me and bringing me food that made me realise that I'd been so harsh on my kids because of how harsh my mum was with me. She never used to hug me or tell me she was proud of me.” Suki said as she felt Eve's arm wrapping around her shoulder, pulling them closer together. “Don't worry about that, you've got a lot better at hugging people and telling them you're proud of them, not just with me, but with your kids as well. All of your kids know you're proud of them, even if it doesn't seem like it. Vinny might be spending more time with Nish, but that’s probably just because he wants to impress him after not being with him for so long.” Eve said as she tightened her grip around Suki.

As the next song started to play, Suki began to giggle. “What are you giggling at? I did tell you I like jazz. There was lots of my grandparents influence on my music taste when I was a kid and it stuck with me. I just like the expressiveness of it and how relaxing it is to listen to.” Eve said as she looked at Suki, who was now composing herself. “I suppose you’ve got a point, I can’t expect you to only listen to thrash metal all of the time. Anyway, what song is this? I really like it.” Suki asked as she made eye contact with Eve. “Blimey you’ve changed your tune! It’s Blue Moon by Dean Martin, my grandad used to sing it to my nan all the time.” Eve said as she noticed Suki was typing the name of the song into her phone and added it to her playlist.

“How much jazz do you actually have on your playlist? I seriously did not expect you to be a secret jazz enjoyer.” Suki asked, looking genuinely curious. “There’s only six songs on this playlist that are classed as jazz, so don’t worry, you won’t be hearing it the whole way home. Didn’t my knitted vests and 1950s fashion sense give it away?” Eve said with a slight laugh. “To be honest, I hadn’t really considered that your fashion choices were based on your music taste, especially since I thought you only liked thrash metal. Plus I’ve learned not to judge a book by its cover, I mean, look at how we started out. I thought you hated me so I was awful to you, but then you didn’t back off and I realised I was wrong to think you hated me.” Suki said as she rested her head on Eve's shoulder and began to fiddle with the lapel of Eve's blazer to soothe herself.

“There was definitely a point where I didn't like you very much because of your homophobia, but I have never hated you. I then got to know you and realised that your homophobia was probably just a projection of your inner turmoil and that's why you never told Ash you were proud of her, because she has the freedom you so desperately want. Kheerat told me that you said Nish clipped your wings so that you couldn't be free, but when you've got someone else holding on to you when you try and fly, you won't fall this time.” Eve said running her hand through Suki's hair. “Kheerat told you that? I suppose he was just trying to do what he thought was best by telling you, he seems to understand and accept how I feel and why I don't love his father. It's just telling Vinny and Ash that I'm worried about. Well, Ashneet shouldn't be as hard because she'll understand, but Parvinder? Huṇa, iha ika vakharī kahāṇī hai [Now, that's a different story].” Suki said as she lifted her head from Eve's shoulder, turning to face Eve. “Don't worry about that now, let's just enjoy the journey home. How about we open those biscuits?” Eve said as she caressed Suki's cheek. “Good idea, I'll open them now. Sorry for making the conversation so heavy, I've just got a lot of things I need to think about and talking to you about it helps a lot.” Suki said as she unzipped her handbag and pulled out the box of biscuits.

“Here you go, I'll let you have the first one.” Suki said as she opened the foil bag inside the box and offered it to Eve. “Thank you, oh these smell really nice.” Eve said as she picked out a biscuit and held it up in front of Suki, who was now picking out a biscuit for herself. “Oh, they taste really nice too.” she continued after taking a bite out of her biscuit. “Careful, you're dropping crumbs everywhere.” Suki giggled as she brushed crumbs off of Eve's blazer, noticing that Eve started blushing slightly when her hand brushed across Eve's chest. “By the way, this song is one that reminds me of you, so I listen to it every day when we're at home before I go to work. It's called Beautiful Love and it's by an American jazz singer called Anita O’Day. She was revolutionary because her early big band outings defied the stereotype of a ‘girl singer’ and she refused to conform to any feminine stereotype, so she depicted herself as a ‘hip’ jazz musician, dressed in a band jacket and skirt rather than an evening gown. She was a bit like me really.” Eve said as she watched Suki finishing her biscuit.

“I've noticed that all of the jazz you've played me doesn't use gendered pronouns, that's quite revolutionary for the time isn't it? You'd expect them to be singing to a specific gender, but they all seem to be gender neutral and not bothered about the gender of the person who hears it.” Suki said as she squeezed Eve's hand. “That's one of the things I love about the jazz songs on this playlist, they're neutral and don't sing to a certain gender.” Eve said as she finished her biscuit. “By the way, when did you learn all about pronouns? Has Ash been giving you lessons in how to be an ally?” Eve continued as she looked at Suki. “Ash did teach me some things before she left, but then I did some research and it helped open my eyes to the struggles of those who don't align with the gender they were assigned at birth. Anyway, I thought it was best to educate myself if I'm going to be a part of the community at some point in the future.” Suki said as she looked down and started fiddling with the hem of her blouse.

“Hey, you don't need to be anxious about that, you know I'll be here to help you through it. We'll get through this together, okay?” Eve said as she picked up Suki's hands and kissed her knuckles, causing Suki to look up at her and smile. “I know we will, I just wish I was able to be my true self without worrying about my husband finding out about us.” Suki whispered as she looked into Eve's eyes. “Don’t be worrying about him finding out. We're being careful and he definitely won't find out through me or Stacey gossiping.” Eve responded in a similar volume as she caressed Suki's cheek, taking time to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

A customer host then walked towards their seats pushing a refreshments trolley. “Good morning, can I interest you in a hot drink? We've got tea, coffee, speciality teas, and also hot chocolate. If you're hungry we also offer bacon rolls, vegan sausage sandwiches, blueberry overnight oats, fruit flapjacks and also fresh fruit.” the customer host said as she looked at Eve and Suki. “I’ll have a tea and a fruit flapjack, please. Do you want anything, love?” Eve asked as she turned to look at Suki. “I'll have a hot chocolate, please” Suki said as she locked eyes with the customer host, who was now preparing a cup for Eve’s tea.

“Sure, I'll get those sorted for you now. Do you want milk and sugar in your tea?” she asked as she looked at Eve. “Milk, no sugar, please…” Eve paused as she looked at the customer host’s name badge “Shabs. I'm sweet enough without the sugar. Lovely name, by the way.” she continued as Shabs added a teabag to the cup and slowly poured in the hot water. She then opened a small carton of milk that was on the trolley and poured some of it into Eve's cup, stirring it slightly before removing the teabag and placing the cup on the table in front of Eve. “There's your tea. Be careful, it's hot. I'll get your hot chocolate sorted now, do you want any cocoa powder on the top?” Shabs asked as she looked at Suki. “Yes please, I may as well treat myself after a long weekend of meetings.” Suki said as she smiled at Shabs.

“It wasn't as difficult as she's making it seem, we had plenty of free time too.” Eve interjected with a giggle, feeling Suki’s elbow gently make contact with her ribs as a signal for her to behave. “Well, I'm sure you both had a wonderful weekend. You both seem very refreshed.” Shabs said as she put the hot chocolate powder into a cup. “We’ve had a great time, it's just a shame we have to go back home and back to work.” Suki said as she squeezed Eve's hand. “At least you'll have the memories of your trip away. You've probably created memories of things you didn't expect while you were away.” Shabs said as she poured hot water over the hot chocolate powder, gently stirring it until the powder fully dissolved. She then picked up the cocoa powder and dusted it on top of the cup.

“Here’s your hot chocolate. Oh, you wanted a fruit flapjack as well didn't you?” Shabs said as she placed the hot chocolate in front of Suki, before turning to the refreshments trolley to pick up a fruit flapjack. “Ah, this looks delicious. Thank you very much Shabs, you've been a great help.” Eve said as Shabs handed her the flapjack, with Eve beginning to open the packet. “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Shabs said as she looked at Suki. “No, I think that's all. You've been very helpful Shabs. I hope you have a great day.” Suki said, smiling at Shabs. “Hopefully it will be great, I finish my shift as soon as we arrive back in London. I've been working since last night and I'm desperate to get home.” Shabs said as she gently smiled at Suki. “In that case, take one of these. You look like you could do with something to cheer you up.” Eve said as she offered Shabs one of the biscuits from the small box. “I really shouldn't, but since you've been so kind and you're the last people I need to help, I'll take one. Oh, this smells lovely, thank you so much.” Shabs said as she picked a biscuit out of the box and bit into it. “It tastes lovely too. Anyway, I'll let you get on. Enjoy the rest of your journey.” she continued after finishing her mouthful and started pushing the refreshment trolly towards a station at the end of the first class carriage.

“Well she was lovely. She reminds me of how I was when I was around 28, just with the stress of being a lawyer being swapped with working in customer service.” Eve said as she looked over to Suki, who was now taking a sip of her hot chocolate. “Hmm, I can imagine you being that age. You probably looked exactly the same as you do now, just younger. To be honest, you seem like someone who always knew what they wanted in life and stuck with it, regardless of what other people said to you.” Suki said as she locked eyes with Eve, rubbing her thumb on Eve's cheek as her hand grasped the back of her hair. “You're right to think that about me now, but there were times in the past where I doubted myself and wanted to change myself completely. I always thought that I should be like Erica and be more outgoing and gentle instead of being reclusive and fractious, but then I realised I was only like that because of the internal turmoil I was going through with accepting that I was gay, especially knowing that Erica died not knowing the real me. Then my parents disowned me and that ramped it up even more.” Eve said as she felt tears beginning to trickle down her cheeks, Suki brushing them away with her thumbs as she now held both of Eve's cheeks in the palms of her hands. “But now you're here, you're safe, and more importantly, you're happy. You've got the memories of Erica, but they don't need to be tainted by your parents being so harsh towards you. You're always going to be safe in memories, because they can't be changed. Anyway, let's just sit and listen to the music for a while. I find that sometimes it helps to just sit with someone and not say anything.” Suki continued before she placed a gentle kiss on Eve's cheek, tasting the salt of Eve's tears on her lips.

As they sat in silence, Eve's head now resting on Suki's shoulder, Til There Was You by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston started playing. “You'll need both earphones in to enjoy this, trust me.” Eve said as she sat up slightly to put her left earphone back in, prompting Suki to put hers back in too. They sat, holding hands, sipping their drinks, and let the song play without interruption. At one point, around midway through the song, Eve turned and noticed that Suki had closed her eyes to get the full impact of listening to the song, allowing nothing to distract her from focusing on the lyrics. She spent the remainder of the song staring at Suki, who looked so content listening to the song, perhaps realising that Eve had specifically chosen this song for them to focus on so that Suki knew how much Eve's life had changed since she met her.

Suki softly opened her eyes as the song ended and started blushing, realising that Eve had been staring at her the whole time. She squeezed Eve's hand as Moonlight Serenade by Ella Fitzgerald started playing. They remained silent, but now gazed into each others eyes as they listened. Eve gently caressed Suki's cheek before bringing their foreheads together, both closing their eyes in contentment at the contact, staying this way until the song ended.

“You're such a soppy git, Eve, but you're my soppy git and I wouldn't change you for the world.” Suki said as she noticed Eve taking out one of her earphones again, breaking the silence between the pair, causing Eve to pause the music so that they could both talk. “You’d probably have an easier time replacing me than I did when I went away that time. You're quite hard to get over for a repressed, sardonic ice queen.” Eve said, echoing the words she had said to Suki at Halloween. “I told you then, and I'll tell you again now, what's happened between us… it's changed me. You've made my life so much brighter, Eve. By the way, your name means ‘living’ and when I'm with you, I definitely feel like I'm living.” Suki said as she caressed Eve's cheek with the back of her hand. “Oh, you've done research, have you? Well, I looked up Sukhwinder and it apparently means ‘bringer of destiny’ which works quite well for you in terms of your children, but the shortened version of your name, Suki, is a Japanese female name meaning ‘loved one’ or ‘beloved’, which you definitely are to me. You will always be my beloved. Now let's listen to this, because it's quite accurate for us both” Eve said as she pressed play on the music again, watching as Suki put in her other earphone.

Time After Time by Margaret Whiting started playing and the gentle intro caused Suki to start swaying slightly in her seat. Eve reached out and put her arm around Suki, pulling them closer together, with Suki's head coming to rest on Eve's shoulder. “Time after time, I tell myself that I'm so lucky to be loving you. So lucky to be the one you run to see in the evening, when the day is through” they heard as they embraced. Eve placed a gentle kiss on Suki's head as the song began discussing the future of the singer and the person she was singing about. Suki looked up and noticed that Eve was mouthing the lyrics to the song, causing a smile to spread across her face.

“You know all the words? You really do listen to this playlist a lot don't you?” Suki laughed as the song ended, causing Eve to start blushing. “Of course I listen to it a lot, I even play it when I'm working on Stacey's Baps sometimes, but only when Stacey's not there because she hates how soppy it is.” Eve said as she looked at Suki. “Usually I'd be inclined to agree with her, but your song choices have all been so poignant and eerily accurate to our situation that it doesn't seem soppy anymore. Plus I'd be a hypocrite because some of my choices are incredibly soppy, as you'll soon find out.” Suki said as she rubbed her hand on Eve's knee, before unzipping her handbag to pull out her phone.

She paused Eve's playlist, despite there still being songs left to play, and unplugged the headphone splitter before plugging it into her own phone. “Here we go, this is my playlist.” Suki said as she pressed play, with Oxygen by Emeli Sandé starting to play. Eve's jaw dropped slightly, not expecting Suki to know who Emeli Sandé even is, let alone like her music. “You're unusually quiet, I thought you'd have given me a witty remark by now.” Suki said as she looked at Eve. “I just didn't expect you to know who she is, but obviously you do and I'm guessing you know what this song is about?” Eve asked as she locked eyes with Suki. “Of course I do, that's why I chose it. I've always been reserved unless I know people really well, you included, so it's quite fitting for it to be the first song on my playlist.” Suki said as she smiled at Eve. “I know you are, that's why you hide behind your persona, but knowing the real you is an honour.” Eve said, placing a kiss on Suki's temple.

“Just to warn you, the next song is basically all of my feelings about you, but sung by someone else. There's a mention to drugs that isn't accurate, but the rest of it is.” Suki said as the song started to fade out and Ceilings by Eleni Drake started playing. “Let's just listen to this in silence and then talk afterwards, okay?” Suki asked as she locked eyes with Eve, receiving a nod in response as Eve picked up her flapjack and broke it in half, giving the slightly bigger half to Suki. As they sat and ate the flapjack, Eve noticed that Suki was gently tapping her fingers on her knee in time with the music. She reached out and put her hand on top of Suki's to calm her, feeling Suki begin to intertwine their fingers. “That was such a beautiful song, I was definitely right to call you a soppy git, but I wouldn't change you for the world.” Eve said as the song ended, using her free hand to turn Suki's face towards her, gently kissing her lips. “There's plenty more songs like that on here, the whole playlist is basically just me singing to you using the voices of other people.” Suki said as she pulled away slightly, her hand still in Eve's hair and her thumb on Eve’s cheek.

As Eve felt Suki removing her hand from her neck, she realised that the song currently playing was Dreams by The Cranberries. Her eyes were still locked on Suki, noticing that she had started mouthing the words when the lyrics began. “I know I felt like this before, but now I'm feeling it even more because it came from you.” Suki mouthed as she locked eyes with Eve again, prompting Eve to remove both of her earphones. “Is everything okay? Is this too much?” Suki asked looking concerned as she took out her earphones.

“I love you so much Sukhwinder Kaur Panesar. I want to make you feel like this every day for the rest of your life and I hope that I'll be able to once Nish is gone. You've changed my life and I want to help you live yours as freely as possible, regardless of how long it takes for you to feel comfortable after you come out. I'd wait forever if it meant you felt safe.” Eve said as she grasped Suki's hands, slowly pulling them towards herself and kissing Suki's knuckles. “I love you too. Once Nish is finally gone, you'll be making me feel like this every single day and I can't wait for it to happen because only then will I be at my happiest. You make me so indescribably happy, Eve. It might take me a while to be comfortable with coming out, especially with the trouble that Vinny might cause us, but I'll always be comfortable with you and that is all I care about.” Suki said as she grinned at Eve. “You make me feel comfortable too. You're the first person to do that since Erica, well, apart from Stacey. She secretly really likes you, by the way, but don't tell her that I told you, she'll kill me.” Eve laughed as she traced her finger across Suki's cheek and down her jaw. “Stacey Slater actually likes me? I never thought I'd see the day! She does well at hiding it, though, I'll give her that.” Suki exclaimed as she gazed into Eve's eyes.

“Your eyes are so blue right now, it's like staring into the ocean.” she continued as she placed her hands on Eve's cheeks, pulling them closer together so that their foreheads connected. “Yours remind me of the night sky because they're dark, but sparkly. They're so pretty to look at. Correction, you’re so pretty to look at. I could stare at you all day if I was able to.” Eve said, bumping noses with Suki as she moved her head slightly so that she could look at Suki properly. “I think that would give the game away, don’t you? Maybe keep all of your pining internalised until we’re able to be more public together.” Suki laughed as Eve cupped her cheeks. “I just want to get up on the roof of The Vic and profess my love for you loud enough for the whole square to hear. Loving you has made me realise that I’m more of a hopeless romantic than I ever thought I was.” Eve said, before leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on Suki’s forehead, receiving a content hum in response.

“You can shout it from the rooftop all you like once Nish has gone, but until then, you can only tell me how much you love me. I will never grow tired of hearing you tell me what makes you love me so much.” Suki whispered as she pulled back and caressed Eve's cheek. “Well, you already know I love your eyes, but I also love your nose… your lips… and your cheeks.’’ Eve whispered as she dotted gentle kisses across Suki's face. “I also love your strength, your tenacity, your sarcasm, and the fact that you’re belligerent when you need to be, but then when you’re comfortable you’re so tactile and so open and honest about your feelings. It’s like there are two different sides to you and you only let certain people see you being so kind and loving, probably to protect yourself.” Eve said as she hooked her finger under Suki’s chin so that they were both eye to eye again. “I think you’ll find that only you get to see me being so kind and loving, and yes, it is for my own protection. Nish might think I’m fragile and weak, but I’m stronger than he will ever be. He’s so pig-headed and naïve.” Suki complained, causing Eve to cup Suki’s face and gently kiss her. “Don’t upset yourself by talking about him, how about we have a tangerine each and continue listening to your playlist?” Eve asked as she grabbed the plastic box out of Suki’s bag and put both of the tangerines on the table in front of her before zipping the handbag up again. Suki put her earphones back in and started giggling as Eve began peeling her tangerine. “What’s so funny? Am I making a mess?” Eve asked as she looked at Suki, who leaned over and put Eve’s earphones back in for her. “Oh that’s why you’re giggling? I didn’t have you down as someone who likes The Bee Gees. Well, how deep is your love?” Eve asked with a laugh as she recognised the lyrics of the song. “Deeper than I could have ever imagined. I genuinely thought I wasn’t able to love someone this much, but you’ve shown me that it’s possible.” Suki mumbled as she ate a piece of tangerine as the next song on the playlist started.

"What song is this? He's got a great voice, sounds very soulful." Eve said as she watched Suki picking up her phone. "It's a song called Lose Control by Teddy Swims. It basically describes how obsessed with you I am. Let's just listen and I guarantee you'll see how much I love you by the end of the song." Suki said as she squeezed Eve's hand before starting to peel her own tangerine. Suki kept her eyes on Eve as the song continued, noticing that Eve now had her eyes closed and was listening intently to the lyrics. "And you said this is how you feel about me, right?" Eve said as she opened her eyes and looked at Suki as the song started fading out. "Yeah, that's right. Do you get why I love you now? If not, this should prove it to you." Suki said as she grabbed the back of Eve's neck, her hand immediately running through Eve's hair, and pulled her into a kiss more passionate than the ones they had previously shared on the train. "Suki, I already know how much you love me, so there was no need to prove it. I did enjoy the kiss though, you taste like a mix of tangerine and flapjack." Eve whispered as she leant her forehead on Suki's, her hands coming to a rest on Suki's right leg. “I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to do that, especially not on a train. Anyway, let's just listen to the music and enjoy the journey home.” Suki whispered as she pulled away from Eve and intertwined her right hand with Eve's left.

“You’re always more comfortable in Leeds aren't you? Last time we were here you reached out to stroke my hair and didn't feel comfortable enough to do it, and now you've just snogged me on the way home.” Eve whispered as she leaned her head on Suki’s shoulder. “Leeds always makes me feel even more comfortable, but I didn't expect to feel this free. I hope we can do this again soon, I don't think I can bear having to keep away from you.” Suki whispered before she placed a kiss on the top of Eve's head. “I love you. You know that, right?” Eve mumbled, her head still pressed against Suki's shoulder. “I love you too, Eve. Of course I know that, you've made me feel really special this weekend.” Suki whispered as she brushed her right hand through Eve's hair.

As they sat, Dear Soulmate by Laufey started playing. “This one is definitely about us. Okay well, maybe not the part about New York. Anyway, just listen to the lyrics.” Suki whispered before placing a kiss on the top of Eve’s head. She felt Eve shifting under her arm, watching as she sat up and started peeling a second tangerine, handing half of it to Suki. Eve picked off a segment of tangerine and ate it as she let the lyrics wash over her.  “Oh love, this is such a sweet song.” Eve mumbled as she looked at Suki around three minutes into the song. “It's exactly how I feel about you and how I want our life together to be. That's what I want our future to be like, waking up together and making breakfast for each other.” Suki said as she tucked a strand of Eve's hair behind her ear. “That's my ideal future too. I just wish it could happen sooner. We'll get through this together though, I know we will.” Eve said as the song started fading out.

“We will. Trust me. Nish will be gone and we'll be together. We’ll be free.” Suki said as she rested her head on Eve's shoulder. “Did he just sing about wanting to know the colour of someone's duvet cover? If you're wondering, mine’s blue with white and grey stripes at the moment.” Eve said with a slight chuckle. “I had wondered what bedding you were using. I don't think we've ever had enough time on our own in Number 31 for me to actually see your room. This song is by a young guy called Ashley Singh, and as you've probably guessed, it's called Duvet Cover.” Suki giggled as she intertwined her fingers with Eve's. “I'll try and get everyone out of the house soon so that you can see it, I promise. I'd do anything to get time alone with you.” Eve said as she squeezed Suki's hand. “Mainū patā hai, mērē pi'āra [I know, my love]. You always do your best to help us get time together.” Suki said as she rubbed her thumb on the back of Eve's hand. “I didn't understand that first part, I know you said my love, but not the other thing you said. What does it mean?” Eve asked with a confused and slightly concerned look on her face. “Mainū patā hai means I know, so I said I know, my love. I know you always try to get time alone with me, even if it's just for a few moments in the Minute Mart.” Suki said as she held their intertwined hands up in front of them, making Eve start to blush.

"I'll make a note of that then. Actually can you repeat what you said so I can just copy and paste the translation?" Eve said as she opened the translation app on her phone. "Mainū patā hai, mērē pi'āra" Suki said as Eve pressed the microphone icon and watched the translation appear on screen. "How come you've got that anyway? You wanting to surprise me with some Punjabi?" Suki said as Eve copied the translation and pasted it into a note on her phone that contained all of the phrases that Suki had taught her, most of them being romantic. "I'm full of surprises me, tuhānū patā hai ki. [you know that.]" Eve said as she smirked at Suki, who was now sat with her mouth agape at how easily Eve had transitioned between English and Punjabi. "I did say that right didn't I? I didn't accidentally offend you?" Eve asked looking slightly flustered at Suki's silence. "Iha sapūraṇa sī, mērē pi'āra, bilakula tuhāḍē vāṅga [It was perfect, my love, just like you]. How long did it take you to learn that?" Suki said as she cupped Eve's cheeks between her palms. "I've been learning phrases for a few weeks just to slip them into conversation and shock you, given your reaction I definitely did that. Did you just call me perfect?" Eve said as she finally realised what Suki had said. "I'm far from perfect, I'm still learning. I'm not a perfect person either, though, but I appreciate the compliment." she continued before turning her head slightly to kiss Suki's palm.

“I mean it Eve, for a beginner, it was perfect. I wasn't expecting you to switch between languages so fluidly. You have a gift for learning languages though, I should have remembered that.” Suki said as Eve turned to face her again, her hands still cupping Eve's cheeks. “I got a B in GCSE French, et vous? [what about you?]” Eve asked with a slight giggle. “Oh I hated French, our teacher was awful. You sound very sexy when you speak it though.” Suki said as she leaned in and gently kissed Eve. “I could teach you if you like, give you a bit of je ne sais quoi.” Eve said as her forehead connected with Suki's. “You’d definitely make a better teacher than he was, I might actually learn something then.” Suki said as she grinned at Eve.

As they both sat back in their seats, Eve grabbed Suki's hand again. “I thoroughly agree with the title of this song, and the lyrics for that matter.” Suki said as Let's Stay Together by Joesef started playing. “You're into doom metal but also enjoy chilled indie music? You're like an enigma because those are polar opposites. Although I suppose I can't talk, I like thrash metal and jazz.” Eve chuckled as she looked at Suki, feeling a gentle squeeze on her hand. “I suppose we both hide the softer parts of ourselves behind doom metal and thrash metal because we want people to think we're strong, which we are, but we're also emotional, and caring, and soppy. We probably use music to hide and heal parts of ourselves because we don't want to verbalise it with other people, or we have and they don't understand us. I wouldn't change anything about us, though.” Suki said before leaning in to kiss Eve's cheek. “Blimey, I wasn't expecting you to get that deep. I was only joking! I find it really endearing that you like softer music as well as doom metal, because it shows how romantic you can be, even if you do act like a hard-nosed cow most of the time.” Eve said as she brushed her thumb over the back of Suki's hand.

“Oi, I've dialled it down a bit recently, if you hadn't noticed. Mainly around you, though, but I've softened slightly around other people too, like Jean, Martin, Stacey, Honey and Denise. Oh and Lola, the poor girl. Basically anyone who's kind to me, to be honest.” Suki said as she looked up at Eve and smiled when their eyes connected. “That's quite a few people in that list. Mainly people I'm friends with too, don't think I didn't notice.” Eve said as she stroked Suki's cheek with the side of her index finger. “I'm trying to slowly become softer around everyone on the square, but I thought I'd start with your friends first. It only makes sense really, they're the ones that would help me to help you. If you needed helping, that is.” Suki said timidly as she stared into Eve's eyes. “Babe, you're so cute. I can't believe you're letting your walls down around people on the square just so that you can get backup if you need to protect me.” Eve said before gently kissing Suki's cheek.

“It's also helping me create a support system for myself. I've started opening up to Kathy after the lock in as well, she’s such a kind soul.” Suki said as she pulled away from Eve. “I agree with you on that one, she made everyone who was left in the pub breakfast the morning after the lock-in, but I'm fairly certain the only people who actually ate any of it were me, Kathy, and Stacey. Denise ran off with a bacon butty, but I'm not sure if she ate it, and then Sharon just got her coat and left. How did Stacey end up with no shoes on anyway? She's never actually told me how that happened. All I know is that she said she didn't take them off herself because the laces were undone and she usually just slips them off like I do, it's quicker that way.” Eve asked inquisitively as she looked at Suki. “Ah, I think that was my fault. She fell asleep, so I took her shoes off for her before I left. Nobody should sleep with shoes on. I'm not surprised she can't remember, her, Sharon, and Denise were drinking like there was no tomorrow.” Suki laughed, making Eve giggle.

Suki picked up her phone to show Eve photos from the night of the lock-in just as You Are The Best Thing by Sophie Faith started playing. “The title of this one is quite accurate as well, isn't it? You're certainly the best thing that's happened in my life.” Eve said as she noticed the title of the song. “Yeah, it is. You're the best thing that has happened in my life too, I really mean that.” Suki said as she scrolled through the photos on her phone. “Ah here we go, photos from the lock-in. Look at the state of Denise! She'd been drinking lots of red wine and complaining about Jack leaving for some conference or something.” she continued as she showed Eve a selfie of all of the six women that was taken by Stacey. “Did Stace send this to all of you while she was drunk? I'm amazed. Denise still looked like that the next morning though, she must have been knocking back the red wine like it was water.” Eve laughed as she looked at the selfie. “You look like you were all having a great time though. I'm glad you got locked in with them, to be honest, it meant you weren't going home to Nish straight away and you could speak about me with Stacey. She told me what you said by the way, but I think the drink might have impaired her memory slightly.” she continued as she squeezed Suki's hand. “What, that I hadn't thought about sex for twenty years before you came along? It's the truth. She was still quite sober when I told her that. She also told me not to hurt you, but we both know that would never happen intentionally.” Suki said as the song started fading out and Forget Me Not by Say She She and Piya Malik started playing.

“Ah this song is one of Ash’s favourites, she sent me the link to it a few months ago. How come it's on your playlist?” Eve said as she looked at Suki. “She shared it with me a few months ago too. Clearly she was missing both of us at the same time.” Suki giggled, falling forwards slightly and putting her hand on Eve's knee to steady herself. “If only she knew, eh? She'd definitely be confused at first, but I think she'd end up joking about me having a thing for Panesar women.” Eve said as she rubbed her hand on Suki's back. “I hope you only have a thing for one Panesar woman. I know you weren't actually that interested in Ash, that was something else Stacey told me.” Suki said as she turned to look at Eve. “Does Stacey tell you everything? She seems as obsessed with you as I am.” Eve giggled, causing Suki to giggle too. “She doesn't tell me everything, she told me because she thought it was important for me to know. It helped me make sense of a few things in my head. Anyway, it worked didn't it?” Suki said as she smirked at Eve.

“Well I guess you've got a point there. I just can't believe I'm the first person you thought about having sex with in over 20 years. I'm honoured.” Eve laughed, putting her hand on her heart jokingly. “It’s true! I didn't think about sex until I met you and now I can't stop thinking about it, I've gone from one extreme to another. The first time we had sex and I cried, those tears were because I finally knew how happy being myself could make me. You showed me that my feelings weren't abnormal and that I could have a happy future. I just wish Kheerat hadn't barged in and ruined the moment. I always taught my children to knock on doors before entering, but of course that went out of the window at the worst time possible.” Suki said as she watched Eve unplugging the headphone splitter from Suki's phone and plugging it back into her own phone.

“Now, let's get back to my playlist. I think you'll enjoy this one.” Eve said as she pressed play, causing I'll Stand By You by Girls Aloud to start playing. “Ash loved these too! It was always either these or the Spice Girls that were playing in her room.” Suki said as she looked at Eve's phone. “Oh babe, come here.” Eve said as she noticed that Suki had tears in her eyes, pulling her into an embrace with her arm wrapped around Suki's shoulder. “I know you miss her, but you can still reach out and contact her. She probably misses you too. How about you send her a message?” Eve said as she pressed a kiss on Suki's curls, taking a moment to sniff her hair. “You used my shampoo? You're as bad as Arthur!” Eve giggled as Suki began typing a message to Ash. “I wanted my hair to smell like yours because the smell comforts me so much. I might have to start buying the same shampoo as you so that I can smell of coconut all the time.” Suki said as she leaned further into Eve's touch. “You're so cute, babe. How's the message to Ash coming along?” Eve asked, causing Suki to hold her phone in front of Eve’ face.

Suki, 11:40am

Hey putt, I miss you so much. Can we call some time this week? Maiṁ hamēśā tuhāḍē nāla hāṁ, cāhē tusīṁ mērē tōṁ dūra hōvō. x

“What does the bit at the end mean?” Eve asked as she looked at the text message. “I am always with you, even if you are far from me.” Suki said as she looked up at Eve. “That applies for us as well doesn't it? I'll need to make a note of that.” Eve said as she squeezed Suki a little bit tighter. “It does indeed. I just hope she responds soon because I do really miss her.” Suki said as she nuzzled her head into Eve's shoulder. “Don't worry, she's typing already.” Eve said as she looked at Suki's phone.

Ash, 11:41am

Hi Mum, I miss you too. We can call on Wednesday if that's good for you too? I hope you're looking after yourself. Maiṁ cana tō laikē atē vāpasa taka taihānū pi'āra karadā hāṁ. x

“See, she's going to call you on Wednesday if you're free. You don't need to worry about her, but she seems worried about you. What does the end of the message mean though?” Eve asked as Suki sat up next to her. “It translates as I love you to the moon and back. She's always said it to me ever since she was a child. She learned it in English first and then learned it in Punjabi when she was about 6 and just never stopped saying it to me.” Suki said as a smile spread across her face, remembering a 6 year old Ash saying it to her whilst laid in bed as Suki tucked her in. “That's so sweet. Regardless of how much you've hurt her in the past, she still loves you to moon and back.” Eve said as she placed a kiss on Suki's temple.

“If it's 11:42am now, that means we're almost home. Just another 33 minutes on the train and then we can get a taxi back to Walford so it should only be about 55 minutes until we're home.” Eve said as Treacherous (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift started playing. “You like Taylor Swift?” Suki laughed as she recognised the voice. “Hey, don't laugh. She's a great singer and she's a badass. This song is Taylor's Version because she's rerecording all her old albums due to her old manager selling her masters, the money grabbing git.” Eve said, causing Suki to giggle at how worked up Eve was getting. “I love how passionate you are about this. I agree though, she has a fantastic voice.” Suki said as she ate another biscuit from the box. “I missed out on all the drama with her manager while I was inside so Lily gave me the run-down when I started living with the Slaters and now we both listen to Taylor together whenever she releases a new album.” Eve said as she picked up a biscuit and bit into it.

As they sat and ate their biscuits, Forever by Lewis Capaldi started playing. “Oh, this was picked because of the last time we came. I reached out to hold your hand in that gay bar and you dismissed it, but then when you came back with the drinks you brushed my hair. I wish we’d gone back this time, but you did the same in the hotel bar last night too, so maybe you’re not comfortable enough yet. I wouldn’t want to force you into something you’re not comfortable with.” Eve said as she squeezed Suki’s knee. “This sounds more like a break up song if I’m honest, Eve.” Suki said as she locked eyes with Eve. “That’s because I thought it was. I thought that after last time we wouldn’t get the chance to come to Leeds again like this. I thought Nish would want to be all over it. I thought I’d lost you.” Eve said as she stared down at her hand, watching as Suki’s hand slid on top of it. “I’m going to change the song, okay? You never lost me though, you never will.” Suki said as she squeezed Eve’s hand and skipped to the next song. “You can’t promise that. I know you can’t.” Eve said as she locked eyes with Suki. “I can, Eve. I promise, you’ll never lose me. Nish can try all he wants, we’re going to be together and be free.” Suki said as she wiped tears from Eve’s cheek.

They sat in silence with Suki hugging Eve as Nothing by Bruno Major continued playing. “Now, before the next song starts, I want you to promise that you’ll listen to it without judging me. I like girl bands, but this song has a more prominent meaning for me too.” Eve said as she looked at Suki. “It’s not another one that’s going to make you cry is it?” Suki asked as she handed Eve a tissue. “No, I promise it won’t make me cry.” Eve said as Secret Love Song by Little Mix and Jason Derulo started playing. “Oh I know this, Honey’s daughter Janet loves Little Mix.” Suki said as she looked at Eve adoringly. “I promise we’ll be able to kiss on the dancefloor soon, my love. We just need to get Nish out of the way first.” she continued as Eve dabbed more tears from her cheeks. “I’m going to go and sort myself out in the toilet, keep the music playing.” Eve said as she stood up and took out her earphones, squeezing Suki’s hand before walking away.

By the time Eve came back, two more songs had played and they were almost at their destination. “Oh there you are. I was starting to think you’d got lost.” Suki laughed as Eve sat down again. “Sorry, there was a queue. A kid had an accident and then there was an old woman who needed to go so I let her go before me.” Eve said as she put her earphones back in, noticing that Valentine by 5 Seconds of Summer was just starting. “I’m guessing this is another one you found becuase of Lily?” Suki asked as she looked at Eve. “Actually, this one was because of Stacey. It’s one of the songs she thinks perfectly describes us.” Eve said as she locked eyes with Suki. “Stacey recommended this? I didn’t think she was still into boybands, I guess I was wrong.” Suki said as she brushed Eve’s hair behind her ear. “Your face looks a lot less puffy and flushed now, how are you feeling?” she asked as she took in the sight of Eve. “I feel a lot better. Should we share this?” Eve said as she picked up the last biscuit from the box. “Yeah go on then, it won’t harm.” Suki said as she watched Eve snap the biscuit in half, handing the bigger half to Suki. “I had the bigger half earlier, you have it.” she continued as she took the smaller part out of Eve’s hand.

As they ate the biscuit, Say You’ll Be There by the Spice Girls started playing. “Is this because I said I liked Mel C?” Suki laughed as she finished her half of the biscuit. “It was already on the playlist! That’s why found it funny when you mentioned her earlier.” Eve said as she grinned at Suki. “It looks like we’re almost at the station. I’ll go and get your suitcase.” she continued as she stood up again. She picked up Suki’s suitcase and wheeled it back to their seats. “This is our stop, ladies. It was lovely getting to meet you.” Shabs said as she walked past Suki and Eve. “It was lovely to meet you too Shabs.” they both said in unison as Suki rose from her seat. “I suppose we’ll go and find a taxi outside the station?” Suki said as she linked hands with Eve after picking up Eve’s phone, Eve’s travel bag and her own handbag.

"I guess so. There are usually loads parked outside so it shouldn't be too hard to get home." Eve said as she held her arm out for Suki to exit the train. Then she departed the train herself and linked hands with Suki again, guiding her through the station and outside to the taxi rank. “Can you take us to 41 Albert Square in Walford?” Eve asked as she approached the first taxi she came to. Suki assumed that he had said yes because Eve climbed into the back seat, indicating for Suki to sit next to her. “I’ve had the best weekend with you, Eve.” Suki said as she joined hands with Eve again. They’d learned that talking too much in taxis often started unwanted conversations, so decided to spend the rest of the drive home in silence, safe in the memory that the weekend had actually happened.

“Can we just go back?” Eve said as the taxi came to a halt outside Number 41. “Get in that ginormous bath again.” she continued. “Bottle of bubbly.” Suki responded. “Room service and then…” Eve trailed off as she looked at Suki, receiving a giggle in response. “I suppose we, um, we don't have all that paperwork to go through.” Eve continued. “Yeah, if we have to. We could have a working lunch.” Suki responded as she locked eyes with Eve. “Yeah, if only I knew someone who owned a restaurant.” Eve said as she looked towards the front of the taxi, Suki still staring at her, receiving another giggle in response. Eve's hand slid over Suki's knee, Suki stretching her pinky out to connect with the back of Eve's hand. Then Nish opened the door of the taxi and completely ruined the moment, causing Eve's hand to quickly leave Suki's knee.

“Welcome home.” Nish said as he opened the door. “Um we were just talking…” Suki said as she looked at her husband. “I have an afternoon all planned out for us.” Nish responded. “Oh we've just got a little bit of paperwork to wrap up.” Eve said as she looked at Nish. “You don't need my wife for that do you?” Nish said as he glared at Eve. “Um, there's just a little bit of detail I need…” Suki said being interrupted by Nish. “Vinny's in the café, got a little job for you he says.” Nish said still glaring at Eve. “Come on” he said looking at Suki and nodding for her to exit the taxi, picking up her suitcase so that she could go home. Suki turned to look back at Eve as she exited the taxi and smiled, receiving a soft smile from Eve in response. Eve stayed in the taxi and watched as Nish guided Suki back to Number 41 before getting out as they reached the garden gate, Suki looking back at her over her shoulder looking slightly scared. And just like that, their dream weekend was over with a giant crash back to reality. Suki was now back under Nish's thumb and he seemed intent on keeping her there.