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As soon as Eve walked through the door of number 41, she was hit by the smell of a margherita pizza and the sound of the Women's FA Cup final commentary. That's strange. Suki's not the type to order pizza and watch the football. Eve thought to herself as she hung Suki's grey coat up on the coat hooks in the hallway. "Hiya lo-" Eve said as she sauntered into the living room, pausing at the sight that greeted her. "Oh, so you decided to join in too, did ya?" she continued as she looked at Suki.
"Well, I didn't think it was fair that I should miss out on all the fun. Even if I couldn't go, I thought it would be a nice surprise for when you got back." Suki replied as she paused the television and shuffled across the sofa, tapping the cushion as an indication for Eve to sit next to her. As she got closer to Suki, another scent became more noticeable to Eve. "Are you wearing my perfume?" she giggled as she sat next to Suki. "It only felt fair. You're wearing my jewellery, my perfume, my clothes, and my boots!" Suki exclaimed as she looked at Eve.
"You look very cute in that shirt, by the way." Eve commented as she took in Suki's outfit. She had paired Eve's burgundy shirt with her own navy blue jeans and Avani's Converse. She would have worn Eve's, but they were a size too big. "I did want to come over, but I think we would have taken all of the attention off the happy couple." Suki laughed as she winked at Eve, who knew that the real reason Suki probably hadn't come was because she was desperately needing some peace and quiet after their trip to Brighton. Suki had loved it, of course she had, but her social battery was now very depleted and they were going to a gig in a few days time so she wanted to get her energy levels back up.
"Trust me, that would have been the least eventful thing to happen tonight. Whitney and Lauren got locked in the taco van by Penny and then Whitney ended up going into labour in there!" Eve exclaimed as she explained the events of the night as Suki looked at her in utter disbelief. "Oh my gosh! Is she okay?" Suki asked in concern. "Yeah, I think so. That's why I came home. Stacey left and Sonia's gone to the hospital with Zack, so I'd have been stuck with Reiss making uncomfortable conversation and nobody wants that!" Eve laughed, picking a slice of pizza out of the box on the coffee table. "You really have taken being me to the next level haven't you? Usually you'd be eating this off a plate." she commented as she looked at Suki. "I was going to put my hair up in this as well to get the full Eve look, but you didn't text me before you came home, so I didn't have chance." Suki responded, picking up Eve's beanie from beside her on the sofa.
"You think all your hair would fit in that?" Eve asked before taking another bite of her pizza. "I know it will, I tried earlier!" Suki proudly replied as she held the beanie in both hands. Her hair was already in a bun, which made it easier, so she tucked in a few stray pieces as she pulled the beanie onto her head. "There we go. What do you think?" she asked as she turned to look at Eve. "I think you look very adorable. How did you learn to do that anyway?" Eve asked as she picked up a can of Canzo lager from the coffee table. "Ash used to do it. You just tie all your hair up in a low bun and then put the hat over. She used to have a fringe, so she just left that as it was." Suki explained before taking a sip from her own can.
They sat in silence for a moment as Eve finished her slice of pizza and sipped some of her lager. Truthfully, it gave her time to fully take in the fact that Suki was sat next to her while dressed as her. “I never thought this would happen you know. I thought we wouldn't make it. Before you came back in December, I thought I wouldn't make it.” Suki confessed as she grabbed Eve's free hand. “Who'd have thought that almost five months since that day we'd be sat here dressed as each other?” she asked as she looked at Eve, who squeezed her hand.
“I'm glad we made it, but I'm even more glad I get to see that smile and make you giggle every day. I love you so much, Suki Kaur Panesar.” Eve confessed as she turned and locked eyes with Suki. “I guess it's a good job I love you too, Eve no-middle-name Unwin.” Suki laughed as she looked at Eve. “Come here.” she continued as she pulled Eve towards her. Suki pulled Eve in as close as physically possible and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “How did Stacey react then?” Suki asked as she continued to hold Eve.
“She couldn't believe it! She was gutted you weren't there. I think she's started liking you more than you think. Elaine looked slightly upset when I spoke to her though.” Eve said as she snuggled into Suki. “Why what did you say? You didn't insult her while dressed as me did you?” Suki asked in a joking manner.
“Of course not! I just said that at first I thought the couples theme was really soppy, but your other half, your everything, I mean, what's not to celebrate?” Eve asked as she pulled back to look at Suki. “What did you just call me?” Suki asked as she locked eyes with Eve again. “I said that you're my other half and my everything because you are. You make me feel things nobody else has ever made me feel.” Eve confessed as she looked into the eyes she loves so much. “Well, I feel exactly the same way about you, so I guess that means we're both soppy.” Suki said as she pulled Eve into her lap.
“Oh! Hello you.” Eve whispered as she rested her forehead on Suki's. “I can't believe we've never done this before.” she continued as she got herself comfortable sitting in Suki's lap. “Ey up, love.” Suki replied in a Yorkshire accent, making Eve giggle. “That's because you're always pulling me into your lap, so I thought I'd give it a go since I'm dressed as you.” she continued as she leaned in to kiss Eve's cheek.
“Come on, love, give me a proper kiss.” Eve whispered against Suki's ear as she leaned in. “Not with that wig on!” Suki responded with a laugh as she leaned back to avoid Eve's attempt at kissing her. “Is this better?” Eve asked as she pulled the wig off her head and threw it, not caring where it landed. “Yes, that's much better, but your hair is a mess!” Suki giggled as she smoothed down Eve's hair before leaning in to kiss her. It was soft and tender, but passionate, with Suki’s hands finding their usual positions in Eve’s hair.
“I love you so much.” Suki whispered after a few moments as Eve wrapped her arms around her in a hug. “I love you too. What's brought this on?” Eve asked before kissing Suki’s shoulder. “Am I not allowed to tell the woman who called me her everything that I love her? I won’t bother next time!” Suki exclaimed jokingly, mimicking the way Eve had said it all those months before, as she leaned back to look at Eve. “I mean it though. You always make me feel so loved and I feel like I haven't had the chance to properly make you feel that loved yet.” she continued as she felt Eve pulling her closer.
“You don't have to prove anything. I already feel so loved by you.” Eve stated before kissing Suki's cheek. “I know, but it's your birthday in a few weeks and I want to spend the day making you feel as loved as you make me feel.” Suki explained as she stroked Eve's cheek. “What did I do to deserve you, eh? This is exactly why I said you're my everything.” Eve uttered as she leaned in to kiss Suki again. The kiss was tender and chaste, with Suki pulling away and leaning her forehead against Eve's so that she could continue their conversation.
“You're my everything too. I couldn't imagine anyone else I'd want to spend the rest of my life with.” Suki whispered as she entwined her right hand with Eve's left. “Wait… where's your ring?” she asked as she held up their joined hands and inspected Eve's ring finger. “Oh, I moved it over to my right hand. I thought it seemed a bit weird making it look like I'm married when I'm clearly out with someone who's not got a wedding ring on, so I'm wearing it as a normal ring. Before you start worrying, Stace doesn't mind because she doesn't even wear her ring. I just thought since we’re not hiding anymore…” Eve trailed off as Suki kissed the empty space on her ring finger.
“What did I ever do to deserve you?” Suki asked as she grinned at Eve. “I didn't want to make a big song and dance out of it and make you feel like I was pushing for us to get engaged, so that's why I didn't tell you earlier. Plus I thought people would think it was weird I was dressed as you with my wedding ring on because you never wear yours from Nish.” Eve explained as she looked down at their joined hands. “I would never think that. You said in November that we'd take things at my pace and we've done that.” Suki commented as she stroked Eve's cheek with her free hand. “Your drama GCSE is shining through, by the way. Proper dedication to the character.” she laughed as she pushed Eve's chin upwards with her left index finger, forcing her to look at her.
“That's probably because I've been studying the character for two years and I've got to know the intimate details of her life quite well, so that gives me an advantage over everyone else.” Eve said as she smirked at Suki. “You only got that privilege because you dismantled the 60 foot tall walls I'd put up to protect myself. There's only one other person I've done that with who isn't family…” Suki trailed off as she felt herself beginning to blush. “Why have you suddenly become all shy?” Eve asked as she looked at Suki in confusion.
“Well, erm… Before you and I were even frenemies, I sort of had, well, I did have, a crush on Honey. It was completely unrequited, but I shared so much about myself with her. She even held my hand on the day of Jags’ funeral to comfort me. Then a few weeks later we went to an awards ceremony, got a little bit tipsy, went back to 5A to continue drinking, and she was rambling about something and I just kissed her, but when she didn't kiss me back I told her to leave because I was so embarrassed. I ended up being a complete bitch to her after that, I fired her, and the rest is history.” Suki confessed as she looked down at their linked hands, not wanting to look at Eve in case she thought differently about her.
“Oh, love.” Eve whispered as she gently cupped Suki's face in her hands. “Did you really think I would care about some crush you had before you even knew me? I didn't care about the neighbour, and I don't care about Honey. What I care about is the wonderful woman whose lap I'm sat in and whose twinkly eyes are staring right back at me. That's who matters in this situation. Yes, I'm slightly shocked you had a crush on Honey, but at least now I know you've got a type.” she continued, starting to giggle at the end.
“You don't mind?” Suki timidly asked, her eyes growing wider. “Of course I don't! Like I said, you're the only one that matters to me. However, you've just reminded me of something else that happened tonight.” Eve said as she gently removed herself from Suki's lap so that she could sit next to her. “I was enjoying that.” Suki whispered as she snuggled into Eve who was now flicking through photos on her phone.
“Right, here we go. So, Billy and Honey were dressed as Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Ian was James Bond and Cindy was… Well, I don't actually know who she was dressed as, but anyway, that's beside the point.” Eve started as she showed Suki a photo of Billy and Honey and then swiped onto a photo of Ian and Cindy. “Basically, Honey came over to me while she was tipsy and said that Cindy looked amazing. Not just in a ‘I’m complimenting a friend’ type of way either. She was full on gawping at Cindy while she was stood at the bar getting more drinks for her and Ian.” she continued as Suki started giggling.
“You're telling me Honey thinks Cindy is attractive?” Suki asked between giggles. “Well, I'm guessing so, yeah. That's the vibe she was giving off.” Eve giggled as she placed her phone on the coffee table and then wrapped her arms around Suki. “At least I know I'm not her type, so it probably wouldn't have worked anyway.” Suki mumbled, her head pressed against Eve's chest. “Oh, charming! I'm sat here cradling you and you're thinking about what could have been.” Eve laughed as Suki pulled away slightly.
“Darling, you're the only one for me. You know that.” Suki reassuringly said as she turned around and placed her hand on Eve's cheek, lightly brushing her thumb against her skin. “I know, I was just joking. I'm glad you had her after Jags died, you would have probably just been struggling on your own otherwise.” Eve commented as she looked at Suki. “I was. For a while. Then she came to the funeral, gave me a pep talk, told me that the pain would stop, and then she held my hand.” Suki said as she held out her hand, slotting her fingers between Eve's slowly and then rubbing her thumb on the back of Eve's hand. “The day I told her that I got Jagvir sent to prison to protect Vinny, she just hugged me while I told her. The the day after, when she'd had time to process everything, she said that she wouldn't punish me for it because she was my friend and I was already punishing myself.” she continued as she looked at their interwoven fingers, not wanting to look at Eve's reaction.
“That's what people who love you do. They wrap their arms around you and love you even when you don't feel particularly loveable.” Eve replied as she used her free hand to tilt Suki's head upwards to lock eyes with her. “She seemed to really care about you. I don't think she's angry with you anymore for the way you treated her. She was gutted you weren't there tonight. Apparently Billy thought you were too boring to dress as me, but Honey thought you'd be there.” she continued as she wiped tears from Suki's cheek with her thumb.
“He thinks I'm boring? He's the one that used to fall asleep in front of the TV every night and leave Honey talking to herself. He probably still does it now.” Suki snapped, her upset quickly turning to anger. Eve wanted to respond, but her shock at how quickly Suki's mood had switched resulted in her laughing instead. Gently pulling on their connected hands, Eve brought Suki back into her embrace, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before wrapping her other arm around her. “Sorry, I'm not sure what came over me there.” Suki giggled after composing herself.
“I do.” Eve commented, gaining a confused hum from Suki in response. “You still care about her. You just don't know how to talk to her or if she wants to be friends again and that scares you. Her rejecting you again scares you.” she noted as she dropped Suki's hand and pulled her in closer. They stayed like this for a few moments with Eve pressing the occasional kiss to Suki's temple or into her hair. “How do you always know exactly what to say?” Suki asked, her head still pressed against Eve's chest.
“Because I love you so much and I know exactly what you're like. Like how you fiddle with your earrings to calm yourself down, how you run your hands through my hair when we hug or kiss, or how you have a specific order in which you take off your jewellery every night and you never deviate from it, even if you're tired. I also know that, although you seem incredibly confident, you're actually quite shy.” Eve replied as she stroked her hand on Suki's back.
After a moment, Suki pulled back and locked eyes with Eve. “I love you so much too. The fact you've picked up on these little details means more to me than you will ever know. You, my love, are the best thing that has ever happened to me.” Suki said as she cupped Eve's cheek, gently brushing her thumb across it. “When I feel ready for it, could you help me talk to her? Honey, I mean.” she continued as she looked at Eve timidly. “Of course I will, love. If you feel ready for that, just tell me and I'll help you.” Eve responded before gently kissing Suki's cheek.
Suki turned herself around on the sofa and leaned back against Eve, letting her head rest on her chest. “Want me to press play?” Eve asked as she picked up the remote and leaned back against the arm of the sofa. “Yeah. Sorry if I end up falling asleep though.” Suki sleepily replied as she got herself settled. Eve pressed play and started rewatching the match she had already watched a few days before, feeling Suki's heartbeat beneath the hand she had wrapped around her shoulder.
Soon she realised Suki had fallen asleep about 10 minutes after the match restarted. As the match continued and two more Manchester United goals hit the back of the net, Eve restrained herself from celebrating as she usually would, deciding on a silent fist pump instead so that she wouldn't wake her. After the match ended, Eve turned off the TV and gently stood up before waking Suki up. “Hey, sleepyhead. I think we're ready for bed, don't you?” Eve asked as Suki looked up at her blearily.
Suki rubbed at her eyes in order to see Eve properly. “I told you I'd fall asleep. Sorry.” she groaned as she sat up and stretched. “No need to apologise, love. You can sleep on me anytime.” Eve replied as she started clearing the coffee table while Suki took her shoes off. “Keep the pizza, we can reheat it tomorrow.” Suki mumbled as she rose to her feet, gently leaning on Eve for support as she stood up. “Blimey, you really have aced being me.” Eve giggled as she held onto Suki's arm.
“Well, it's not that hard.” Suki responded playfully as she moved towards the hallway to replace Avani's Converse in their spot in the hallway. “Oi! I think you'll find it wasn't that hard to be you either. We know each other too well to find it hard.” Eve rebutted as she walked into the kitchen to dispose of their cans. Suki quickly wrote ‘For Suki and Eve only. S x’ on a sticky note before placing it on the lid of the pizza box.
As Eve returned to the living room, Suki handed her the pizza box. “Oh, thanks love.” Eve said as she took the box from Suki's hand, their fingers brushing briefly before she walked back into the kitchen. “I'll be up in a few minutes if you want to go on up. I'll bring up bottles of water for us both.” she added as she put the pizza in the fridge. “No, I'll stay here. We can brush our teeth together like we did in Leeds.” Suki managed to get out before softly yawning again.
They both ascended the stairs in silence. Eve headed towards the bedroom to place the water bottles on their respective sides of the bed and Suki headed towards the bathroom to prepare their toothbrushes. “There you go.” Suki said as she handed Eve her toothbrush. “Thank you.” Eve replied, placing a gentle kiss on Suki's temple. Silence returned as they brushed their teeth, only breaking again as they left the bathroom.
“Can you help me get changed? I'm exhausted.” Suki confessed as she turned to look at Eve just outside their room. “Of course I can, love. Pyjamas under the pillow?” Eve asked as they entered the room. “Sit down. I'll handle the rest.” she continued as she guided Suki towards the edge of the bed.
As Suki sat down, Eve climbed onto the bed and knelt behind her. “Right, now to sort your hair out.” Eve said as she took the beanie off. “I completely forgot I had that on.” Suki giggled as the beanie fell to the floor. Eve silently took out the pins that were holding Suki's bun in place and then removed the hair tie that was wrapped around it, allowing Suki's natural curls to fall across her shoulders.
As Eve worked on her hair, Suki had been unbuttoning her shirt, allowing it to hang loose by the time Eve had undone her hair. Eve got down from the bed and kneeled in front of Suki, gently pushing the shirt from her shoulders, leaving Suki in her vest and jeans. “You are so beautiful.” Eve whispered as she slowly pulled Suki's vest up and over her head.
They continued in this way until Suki was sat on the edge of the bed in her pyjamas, Eve placing a small kiss on her forehead before gently tapping her legs to signal that she could get into bed. As Eve changed into her own pyjamas, Suki shuffled down under the duvet and laid on her side waiting for Eve. “Cagī tar'hāṁ saunvō, mērē pi'ārē. [Sleep well, my love.]” Eve mumbled as she climbed into bed beside Suki, pulling her closer so that they could spoon. Suki’s only response was her now immediately identifiable hedgehog sounding snoring.