Chapter Text
As Suki sat down next to Stacey, untying her coat as she did so, she smirked at her. “What's that look for? You only make that face when you're feeling smug.” Stacey asked as she looked at Suki. “Well, what was it that you said in November? I'll never be able to hold Eve's hand in public or kiss her in a crowded room? I've done both in that exact spot in this pub in the past three months.” Suki said as a smile spread across her face. “Consider me well and truly proved wrong!” Stacey exclaimed as she picked up her glass.
“What are you two talking about?” Eve asked, placing her hand on Suki's knee as she sat down. “Suki was just saying she's proved me wrong twice.” Stacey said as she looked at Eve who was now visibly confused. “When I was acting as your protective rottweiler wife in November, I told her that she'd never be able to hold your hand in public or kiss you in a crowded room. I've realised now that Suki genuinely does love you and I'm so sorry for even saying those things.” she confessed before finishing her drink, not wanting to look at Eve, fearing her reaction. “What the fu-” Eve started, causing people in the pub to become silent at the sound of her raised voice, before getting interrupted by Suki who could see that Eve's anger was starting to get the better of her.
“Eve, look at me. Look at me. Darling, it's fine.” Suki said as she held Eve's face in her hands. “Those words have pushed me to prove her wrong and made me fight for you even more. Yes, I was going to leave without telling you, but I thought you were happy with Tessa and I didn't want to prevent you from finding happiness. When you ran to the station to find me and I locked eyes with you on the stairs, that was the moment I knew I'd never leave you again. Not by choice anyway. You are the love of my life, Eve. The opinions of other people will never change that fact.” she continued, watching as Eve's anger visibly subsided and turned into a soft smile.
As the general chatter in the pub returned, Eve allowed her eyes to meet Suki’s gaze as her smile grew even wider. “You're the love of my life too. When we were split up, it was like you'd carefully taken apart my heart like it was a LEGO set that you didn’t want on display anymore. Then, when Nish and Ravi did what they did, all I was thinking of was how much I love you. You're in my thoughts from the moment I wake up to when I fall asleep at night, and even then you sometimes invade my dreams.” Eve responded, gaining a giggle from Suki at the last line.
“I mean it, Suki. You're why I'm still alive and I- I'm the reason why you're still alive.” Eve continued with a slight sob. “Oh darling,” Suki started, softly wiping tears from Eve's cheeks with her thumbs. “Don't think about that now. We're supposed to be focusing on the future. Our future. Living together and being able to wake up next to each other every day. You hogging the duvet every night for the rest of our lives.” she continued before placing a gentle kiss on Eve's forehead. “Is- is she okay, mum?” Vinny asked as he turned to look at Suki and Eve. “She's fine, putt, just a lot of emotions today. Moving out of a place that was the first place she's felt was home in years in order to move in with her girlfriend is a big step.” Suki replied as Eve nuzzled her face into her shoulder, gently rubbing circles on Eve's back to calm her down.
A few moments later, Eve pulled herself away from Suki and went to the toilets to splash her face with some water, Stacey following behind to check on her. When they returned to the table, Elaine walked over from behind the bar and stood in front of Eve and Suki. “I hear congratulations are in order. On behalf of George and I, we really hope you're both happy living together and we're proud of you for taking your home back. Wherever he's disappeared to, I hope that useless weasel never comes back.” she stated as she placed her right hand on top of Suki's hand and her left hand on Eve's shoulder. “She's a diamond this one. I'm so glad you've found happiness together. You look after her, yeah?” she continued as she squeezed Eve's shoulder.
“There's never going to be a moment when I don't look after her. Not again.” Eve responded as she looked up at Elaine, determination visible in her eyes. “Well I'm glad to hear it. I never did like your ex-husband, Suki, he's a vile little man.” Elaine said as she grinned at Suki before walking away. Stacey returned from the bar with a vodka and Coke for herself, a brandy for Suki and another bottle of beer for Eve, with Vinny bringing a tray of drinks over for himself, Priya, Cindy, and Ian.
“How come you're here anyway? I thought you hated mum?” Vinny asked as he placed Ian’s pint in front of him. “Well, erm, hated is a strong word.” Ian replied, looking slightly sheepish. “What he's trying to say is, he did hate your mum, but now he wants to apologise. Eve and I talked some sense into him earlier. So far, he's doing a terrible job at apologising though.” Cindy said, digging Ian in the ribs as she did so. “Go on, apologise!” she continued as she looked at Ian.
“Suki, I- I just wanted to say I'm so sorry for the way I've treated you while you've been on the square. Sometimes I let my ego get in the way and that's why I was so harsh. It's just I don't really think before I speak and then I make myself look like a right doughnut!” he confessed as he picked up his beer, causing Stacey to laugh at him. “I realise now that I didn't know the full story, nobody really did. I shouldn't have been so quick to jump to conclusions and, well, I'm so sorry for that.” he concluded before taking a sip of his pint.
“Oh, I- thank you, Ian. I certainly wasn't expecting that!” Suki chuckled while picking up her brandy. “I'm glad you've finally admitted you're a doughnut though, everyone else was already thinking it.” Cindy added as she jokingly elbowed Ian. “Oh charming! I love you too.” Ian quipped before taking hold of Cindy's hand. “Convincing him to apologise was actually quite easy, I just told him the Panesars and the Slaters would stop buying food from Beale's Plaice.” Eve whispered to Suki who started giggling.
“Anyway Eve, what's your thoughts on ULEZ?” Priya asked, causing Eve to suppress a laugh while looking slightly embarrassed. “Well, I don't have a car, so it doesn't really effect me. This one's got no complaints about it though, have you love?” Eve asked Suki as she gently nudged her. “I think it's a great idea, but I barely drive anyway, so I've only payed the fee once!” Suki laughed as she placed her hand on Eve's knee. “I don't think I'll be driving again though. It was Nish's car and I don't really have a need for one.” she continued as she felt Eve's hand rubbing over hers.
“She's just saying that because she'd rather be sat next to me on the tube or in the back of a taxi.” Eve said, a smirk spreading across her face. “Eurgh, we don't need to know thank you. Seeing you two so loved up is making me feel incredibly single.” Stacey complained before finishing her drink. “Any tips for how to stay sane now we're going to be living with them Stace?” Vinny asked as he put his beer bottle down. “Invest in some good ear plugs, give them one night alone every week, and be extra cautious when entering rooms.” Stacey started, watching as Priya and Vinny started looking at each other in concern and Suki furrowed her brows. “Your faces! Seriously, they're really not that bad to live with. I think it was worse because they were newly reunited when they were living with me. They'll probably still dance together in the kitchen though!” she continued as everyone else sighed in relief.
After twenty more minutes of chatting and laughing, Ian placed his almost-empty glass down on the table. “Right, I think we're going to get going soon. I've got eels to collect in the morning.” he said, receiving a chorus of ‘boring’ and ‘light-weight’ in response from Stacey, Eve, and Priya. Vinny stood up with his beer bottle in hand, causing Suki and Eve to look at him confused. “I've got something I'd like to say.” Vinny started, causing everyone in the pub to stop talking.
“If you'd have asked me in June last year if I'd have accepted my mum dating a woman and moving her into our home, I'd have laughed in your face and told you to leave my family alone because I thought it would just be her being selfish. Then, in November, I realised that she has every right to be selfish because my D-, Nish has been in control of practically everything she's done since she was 18 and she's had no chance to figure out who she really is. Yes, she's a daughter, a mother, and an almost ex-wife, but she's also a friend, a confidante, my biggest supporter, and, as I now realise, Eve's soulmate. Eve brings my mum more genuine happiness than I have ever seen her experience in my entire lifetime. She makes her smile bigger than I thought it was physically possible for her to smile and I've noticed that the same thing happens for Eve too. Both of them bring each other such joy, but are also a great comfort for one another when they're having a hard time. So, with that, I'd like you to all to raise your glasses and join me in celebrating the love of my mum's life moving in with us.” he continued, raising his beer bottle in the air as he exclaimed “To Suki and Eve!” before taking a sip and placing his bottle on the table.
“To Suki and Eve!” was echoed by everyone else in the pub, with the odd whistle or cheer being added on at the end. Suki gently nudged Eve so that she could get out of the booth and hug Vinny, firmly wrapping her arms around him. “Thank you so much, putt, that means so much to Eve and I. I forgive you and so does she.” Suki whispered as she leaned back and held his face in her palms. They remained that way for a moment before Eve gently coughed behind Suki, causing her to let go of Vinny and turn to face her.
“Is it my turn to squash him yet?” Eve asked as she looked at Suki, who now had tears in her eyes. “He's all yours, just don't break him!” Suki giggled as she rubbed her hand on Eve’s arm as she headed back to the table to sit down. “Come here you!” Eve exclaimed as she pulled Vinny into a tight squeeze, her right hand holding onto the back of his head and her left on his back. “Thank you for that. It means more to her, well, to both of us, than you'll ever know. She really loves you, Vinny. You're her baby boy. Nothing will ever change that.” she whispered as she held onto him.
Vinny pulled himself away from Eve and wiped his cheeks, a few tears having fallen from his eyes as they hugged. “I know, but I'm still so sorry for everything. I was so selfish and trapped her in a terrible situation that she should never have been in.” he said as he looked at Eve. “You also helped her get out of that situation, so stop being so harsh on yourself for it. What you and Ravi did with Nish was very brave. Thank you for protecting her.” Eve said as she squeezed Vinny's shoulder. Both of them returned to their seats and grinned at Suki.
“What? Why are you both grinning at me?” Suki asked, feeling slightly timid. “I'm just so proud of you mum. You're finally walking the right path with Eve.” Vinny replied as he placed his hand on top of Suki's. “Come on then, why are you grinning?” Suki asked as she looked at Eve. “That my darling, is because I love you and I'm so unbelievably proud of you. Now how about we finish these drinks and go home?” Eve suggested before taking another swig of beer from her bottle, already knowing that Suki would say yes.
“Of course!” Suki squealed, slightly more enthusiastically (and louder) than she'd expected, before finishing her brandy. “Come on, drink up.” she said as she tapped Eve's knee as she picked her bottle up again. “Good grief Suki, give her a break.” Cindy remarked as she stood up. Ian stood beside her already putting his coat on. “Right then, goodnight everyone. And Suki? Congratulations again. I'm proud of you. My mum is too.” Ian said, before pulling the door open for Cindy to exit before him.
“I suppose us young’ns will have to just stay here then. It's probably best to actually, give the love birds some time to christen the bed.” Stacey commented as Cindy and Ian left. “Young? You're a grandma!” Priya laughed as she looked at Stacey. “I really didn't need to think about my mum having sex, thanks for that Stace.” Vinny remarked, pulling a face of disgust as he did so.
“Excuse me, Stacey, I really don't appreciate you talking about me and Suki like that in front of her family.” Eve said as she placed her newly empty bottle on the table. “Oh calm down, Eve. It was a joke!” Stacey exclaimed as she watched Eve putting her coat on. “Yeah, well, jokes are supposed to be funny, but nobody's laughing.” Eve pointed out as Suki took hold of her left hand. “Just leave it Eve, she's obviously drunk. Now let's go home for hot chocolate and snuggles.” Suki mumbled as she leaned into Eve.
As Eve was about to open the door closest to her, Elaine placed a bottle of prosecco on the bar. “Eve, take this home with you. It's the least you both deserve. Consider it a moving in present.” she said as Eve and Suki walked towards the bar, still hand in hand. “Elaine, there's really no need for that! Just your support is enough for us.” Suki replied, placing her hand on top of Elaine's on the bar. “I think your girlfriend has other plans.” Elaine cackled, nodding at Eve who was now holding the bottle of prosecco. “Thanks for this Elaine. Linda has been a great support to Suki since Christmas and I know that works the other way too. We can't thank you all enough.” Eve commented as she dropped Suki’s hand and instead shook Elaine's hand.
“No need to thank me darling, I've been an ally for years. I'm just glad you're both happy together. You make a brilliant couple!” Elaine replied as she grinned at Suki and Eve, letting go of Eve's hand. “I think so too, even if I do say so myself!” Eve laughed as she felt Suki taking hold of her hand again. “Come on then, let's get you home missus.” she continued as she placed a small kiss on Suki's head and then walked towards the door. “Goodnight everyone!” Suki shouted as she opened the door, preparing to let Eve walk out first.
“Goodnight!” they heard in unison from everyone left in The Vic as they walked out. As the door closed behind them, Eve turned to look at Suki in the light that was shining through the glass in the door. “I'm so proud of you for tonight. Like, really, really proud. I bought some strawberries while you were out later, so we can recreate Leeds if you want to.” Eve said, raising her eyebrow suggestively. “Eve Unwin, are you suggesting we eat strawberries and drink prosecco while in the bath together? I think that's the best idea I've heard all day!” Suki exclaimed as she leaned in to quickly kiss Eve. “I might even carry you up the stairs, if you play your cards right.” Eve mumbled as she leaned her forehead against Suki's.
“Well what are we waiting for? Let's go home.” Suki said as she pulled away from Eve. “Yeah, let's go home.” Eve replied as they started walking towards number 41. Suddenly, butterflies started swirling in Suki's stomach. She had been waiting so long for this moment and now she was walking hand in hand with Eve towards the home they now shared.
Once they reached the front door, Suki reached into her coat pocket and pulled out her key, not realising Eve had already put a key in the door. “No need, Vinny had me a key cut earlier.” Eve explained as she unlocked the door and pushed it open to allow Suki to walk inside. “Look at the keyring he got me!” she continued, pointing at the tiny England shirt that was hanging from her keys. “Did I- he get the right one?” Suki asked, closing the door and then looking at Eve anxiously.
“You did this? He made me think it was him. Yeah, it's the right one! I cried for ages when Jill Scott retired, you know that.” Eve responded as she pulled Suki into a hug. “Thank you so much for this. I appreciate it when people remember the little things. Now get yourself up them stairs. I'll bring up the strawberries and two glasses.” she continued as she pulled back, placing a small kiss on Suki's forehead. “You don't need to tell me twice!” Suki shouted before practically running up the stairs as Eve walked towards the kitchen.
“Home at last.” Eve sighed to herself as she entered the kitchen. Number 41 as no longer the house Suki shared with Nish. It was their home. A place where Suki could feel safe whenever she came home.