Archive of Our Own

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Carla sat in her office, staring at Sarah, unimpressed by the words that had just left her mouth. All you could hear was the tapping of Carla’s pen on her desk, loud enough to convey the sheer annoyance that she’d even been any part of this conversation and Sarah stood in front of her boss' desk, clutching onto her clipboard wishing the ground would open up and swallow her whole. Carla eventually dropped her pen, pinching the bridge of her nose whilst she let out an exasperated sigh. Have I genuinely put myself so far back on the shelf that this is what it’s come to. “Sarah, I’m not going on some sort of...” She scoffs as if unable to even form the words “...blind date.”

“Carla, you’re seeing it as a negative I get that but why not? Genuinely why not? She’s great, got her head screwed on and well... she’s your type to a T.” Sarah said still clutching the clipboard, her voice did not feel as confident as it did when she first knocked on the office door and entered with her Great Plan. 

“Pft, my type, I don’t even have a type.” Carla huffed, now sat back in her chair arms securely crossed over her chest. 

That statement alone shifted Sarah’s stance entirely, she broke out into a chuckle, nodding her head and furrowing her brow “I mean you do Carla and she’s it. Come on, one dinner, two hours max and if you don’t like her then it’s two hours lost. Come on Connor, I know you’re curious... a small part is.” 

Truthfully Carla was probably a little curious, she hadn’t dated in a long time, had sworn off women after the last one had cheated on her after a long line of cheaters and liars before that... not to mention the unemployed ones too who just wanted to live the life of luxury via Carla’s factory profits. Yes, she was curious, of course she was but still she was probably terrified too even if she didn’t want to admit that to herself, or Sarah for that matter. 

“Fine, I’ll go” she finally succumbed with a groan, a protestant one at that as she stood and walked over towards her filing cabinet, leaning on the side of it pointing at Sarah “But I’m telling you, if she’s not a bloody saint, your on coffee runs for a month.” 

Sarah stood, smile finally cracking across her face, arms in the air still yielding the clipboard “That sounds a lot like a yes Mrs. Connor.” 

“Hmm, you can put the details in my calendar but right now can you get back onto the floor and do what I pay you for... manage that lot because I swear I’ve just saw Sean flaunting a bra from the spring collection across his chest.” 

And with that the door to her office closed behind Sarah, leaving her still leaning on the filing cabinet. What the fuck was she going to wear, she knew nothing about this woman. Usually when Carla had a client or someone to butter up she’d know them, what makes them tick, what would give her the upper hand but this, this she had nothing. She was going in completely unarmed. 

Across the cobbles at Weatherfield Police Station Lisa sat hunched over her desk staring police reports, case files hoping somehow the answers where just going to magically appear, at this point she needed a miracle to happen, she’d been working on this one particular case for weeks and they were no further forward with a substantial lead. Nothing. Nothing to grasp onto with both hands and push for a conviction, never mind the fact that the CPS were on her back. She sat up, stretching her back, knots popping as she did so, she glanced at her phone. 

Betsy:

Mum won’t be home tonight staying at Laurens x 

Lisa:

Remember your charger, see you in the morning sweetheart. Love you x 

Betsy: 

I will. Love you too x 

With that Lisa placed her phone back on the desk. Suppose she could work late on this case, now that she didn’t have to be home to cook dinner or more painfully so, be subjected to Betsy’s Friday night reality TV. Just as she was about to hunch back over her desk and bore her eyes back into the paperwork scattered across her desk Kit walk in striding over and sitting at his own desk adjacent to Lisa’s, swinging his legs onto the desk and crossing them with a grin. Oh what the fuck did he want. 

“I have a...  proposition.” Kit ventured. 

“I feel like I’m not going to like the sound of this already Green” Lisa said deadpan, eyes remained locked on her paperwork. 

“You know Sarah’s boss, right” 

“Hmm, the factory owner. Heard rumblings... why?” 

“Well apparently she, eh, she bats for your team.”  Kit knows he should’ve chosen his words better but they were out before he could stop them. 

“Bats for my team” Lisa glared at him lips tight “and what is it you want me to do with that information.” 

“Well, she’s single. Sarah thinks it’d be good for her, you know get back out there. To you know, go on a date.” 

Lisa laughed at that immediately recognising what was being insinuated “And what if she’s not my type, Green.” 

“It’s Carla Connor, she’s everyone’s type.” The matter of fact way he said it did peak Lisa’s interest, even if she didn’t let Kit see it. 

“And what do I get out of this?” She said now sat crossed legged in her chair, head held up by one index finger resting on her temple. 

“Oh I dunno, a nice dinner, a pretty view and a social life Swain, even if it’s just for a few hours.” 

He was probably right, not that Lisa would ever let him know that but he did have a point. A very good infuriating point. Lisa hadn’t been on a date in years, probably not since Betsy was knee high, the job and Betsy were her focus. Always had been, she had convinced herself that was all she needed for years, she’d had Betsy alone, climbed the ladder to Detective Sargent alone, bought her home alone, she probably along the way decided she was better off alone, subconsciously. 

“If it’ll shut you up, I’ll go.” 

“You’ll thank me for this Swain, I’m telling ya.” 

Christ, Lisa thought to herself, Betsy is going to be insufferable with this information. 

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Saturday night rolled around quicker than Carla would have wanted but here she was stood in her bedroom slipping into what could only be describe as date night attire. Her hair was still in rollers when she picked her wine glass up from her dresser, taking a sip and watching herself in the mirror, looking back at her was an older version of herself now, older than the last version of herself that got ready for a first date. She’d finally opted for an emerald green dress, worlds away from what she wore to the factory but she owed it to herself to feel beautiful and this dress certainly always did the trick. It was silk, cool against the skin, thin straps holding it up and it wasn’t necessarily fitted it just draped in the elegant way that silk always did. Her makeup a little smokier than usual, and she’d decided to finish of the look with a pair of black heels that were waiting for her at the front door the less time spent in them the better.  She was pulled from her thoughts by a soft knock on her bedroom door. 

“Come in Ry.” She called out to her nephew placing her wine glass back on the dresser so she could begin the final task of unpinning her rollers. 

“Aunty C, look at you.” Ryan said with a smile on his face “I’m just heading for my shift but I just wanted to say good luck.”

“Thanks Ry, if it all goes horrendously bad I expect a large glass of wine waiting for me at the Rovers.” 

Ryan saluted with a chuckle “You got it, text me if you need anything beforehand.” And with that he was backing out of Carla’s bedroom. She could hear the faint movements of him picking up his keys and his footsteps thudding down the stairs of the flat. 

Staring back into the mirror she finished off her hair until the soft curls lay just over the straps of her dress and taking one last sip of her wine “You’ve got this Connor.” She said to her own reflection. 

Lisa had just parked up outside The Bistro turning her engine off and giving herself one last glance over in the rearview mirror. She’d left her home only after convincing Betsy she’d keep her location on at all times and she’d be home at a reasonable hour, which had made her laugh, she was the detective and the mother here but Betsy had always been fiercely protective because it had only been them since Betsy was born, they were their own little team. 

She stepped out into the cold evening air, grateful she had opted for a black dress coat over her crisp white shirt and black suit trousers, not massively different from what she wore to work minus the sweater vest of course but it made her feel confident, strong, put together even if that's not how she felt. As she walked towards the entrance her stomach did a little flip, nerves, butterflies, whatever it was it felt unfamiliar in her body. 

She was eventually seated in a little table in the corner of the restaurant, quiet, secluded despite how busy it was being a Saturday night. Now comfortable, coat off, she’d flagged the waitress down and requested a bottle of red wine to the table along with some water for both her and... her date. Carla Connor, at least she knew a name and that she owned a factory on the street, if nothing else. She poured the wine into her glass first and then the glass opposite her own before she caught herself in the mirror beside her, she checked her hair, scrapped tightly back into a low bun, she would’ve worn it down but the thought of hair being around her neck when she already felt hot with nerves was probably not the best move so, low bun it was. 

Just as Lisa had finished preening herself in the mirror she caught the reflection of a brunette walking into The Bistro, heat prickled at the back of her neck, yes the bun was a good idea tonight. Christ, she’s beautiful. Before Lisa had caught up to herself the brunette began walking straight towards her table, eyes focused entirely on Lisa and nothing else. Surely that is not my date, she thought. She spun back around in her seat and the reflection did not do her any justice at all, the sway of her hips, the long line of her legs in those heels, the way the low light of The Bistro seemed to reflect against her eyes. 

“Carla. Carla Connor... I believe I’m your date.” Carla said finally reaching the table, extending her hand out towards Lisa. Lisa stood up immediately reciprocating the action “Lisa... Swain” She said shaking Carla’s hand and swallowing she bundle of nerves that had collected in the back of her throat. 

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Introductions done, Carla slid her own coat off revealing her dress entirely before Lisa pulled the chair out for Carla to sit “Oh wow, I’m being treated like a lady tonight” 

Lisa chuckled, feeling braver than the nerves in her stomach would lead you to believe “Ah well, shouldn’t you always.” Lisa now sitting back down opposite Carla raised her wine glass and gestured towards Carla “To being forced out of our respective homes for... date night.” She laughed at the last part, nerves clearing getting the better of her just slightly. 

“To date nights.” Carla replied, clinking their glasses together. They both took a sip, eyes never leaving each other. Lisa had sworn she’d never seen anyone so beautiful in her life, visually at least. The night was still young. And Carla, who was very rarely at a loss for words was in fact at a loss for words right now. Maybe Sarah was right, maybe she did have a type and it was sitting across from her. 

Placing her glass back down on the table after taking a sip, Malbec she noted. Impressed. “So, Lisa was is it you do for work?”  

“You mean they haven’t told you?” Lisa responded swallowing the sip of wine. “God, Sarah’s really let you come in blind.” 

“Mhm, something like that.” 

“I’m a detective, I work with Kit. Detective Sargent.” Lisa explained somehow the pride of the title still made her puff her chest a little. 

Carla allowed that to settle and smirk slowly appeared across her face, a teasing smirk “A detective. Wow, I’m impressed.” 

Lisa looked on at Carla’s playful smirk, the glint in her eyes, the low raspy voice and she was just thankful she was sitting down because she was convinced her knees would not be strong enough to hold her up. And if she was to put it bluntly right now opposite her was the most beautiful woman she’d ever laid eyes on.

They both sat over dinner and conversation flowed, it was easy, natural like they’d been doing it for years which for Carla was surprising. Yes, she was outgoing on a surface level but Carla never usually felt this settled or at ease with anyone, well she hadn’t done in a very long time. There was a calming presence to Lisa and despite her obvious job title there was a softness to her, an openness to her and when she spoke about her daughter, Betsy, her lips would twitch up at either side - she’d told Carla how she had Betsy on her own, before she went from PC to DC and eventually now a DS, she’d said she decided that even if she wasn’t with anyone she knew she wanted to be a mother. 

“And you did it all on your own?” Carla said in awe of the woman sat before her. 

“Mhm...” Lisa replied swallowing down the last piece of her food “I did. Doctor’s appointments, scans, insemination, everything. I didn’t need a partner to do it, although my sister did help me me chose the donor cause I was frantic about making the wrong decision on that but the rest, the rest... I was just so excited to actually have a little mini-me to go through life with.” Lisa finished picking up her wine glass sipping down the last mouthful in her glass before picking the bottle and refilling both Carla’s and her glass. Carla sat that absolutely still, to her there’s was nothing or no one else in that moment just those two talking, learning about each other, well as much as you can learn on a first date. 

“That’s - you’re incredible.” Carla finally managed. 

Lisa chuckled searching for her wine glass again, she wasn’t used to compliments, hadn’t had them in a long time, well none that actually stuck or sunk in but there was something in Carla’s eyes, the conviction behind what she said that caught her off guard a little bit. 

The rest of the evening passed by, underneath the noise of The Bistro, the two of them sat at their table engrossed in each other. It was the kind of date you don’t want to end, there was still enough mystery that left you hungry for more but they’d both shared enough to get a sense of the woman sitting opposite them. Carla had paid, after much persuasion Lisa finally succumb. 

“I’ll be paying the next one.” She said sternly but with a smile, a full smile that produced dimples on both her cheeks. 

“I’ll hold you to that Mrs.” 

“Please do.” Lisa replied before helping Carla put on her coat then her own and they walked towards the door. Thanking the waitress as they walked by with a smile and a polite nod. Lisa walking just a step behind Carla, her hand placed low on Carla's back, a feather light presence as they walked out into the cool air of the night that had fallen heavily over the cobbles. 

“I’m just down there.” Carla twisted her head in the direction of her flat. 

“Can I walk you down, feel better knowing you’re safe at your door. Occupational hazard an’all” Lisa said, purely because she did want to leave her presence, not yet anyway. 

“Of course...” Carla whispered, her voice smaller somehow because she wasn’t used to this, whatever this was, it felt nice, safe “I’d like that.” She continued. 

As they made their short walk across the cobbles and eventually stood outside Carla’s flat where they were now face to face, both waiting for the other to inevitably end the night with a quick goodbye and the wonder if they’d see each other again, Carla reached her hand out, between the small gap between them and caught Lisa’s hand, thumb brushing over the top of her hand “I’d really like to see you again Lisa. I can’t believe I almost said no to this” she giggled, it was almost endearing, something innocent in it and entirely different from the teasing smirk she had adorned throughout dinner. 

“I mean I almost said no too so absolutely no judgment but I’d like that” Lisa said and involuntary smile spreading across her cheeks before she plunged her free hand into her coat pulling out her phone, unlocking it “Pop your number in there and we’ll get something arranged Carla. Thank you for night.” After they had swapped respective numbers they then returned to staring at each other under the orange glow of a streetlight, Carla leaned in slowly, slow enough that Lisa had time to stop her, had time to turn her cheek towards Carla but she never, their lips brushed in a soft kiss. One kiss. Brief, barely there but it did something, it quietened the world for a second and Lisa could swear she could hear her own pulse. “You looked beautiful tonight, Carla.” 

“Hmm, could say the same to you. Sarah was right clearly I do have a type.” She smirked the teasing had returned, feeling emboldened by the kiss. “Please let me know when you’re home safe, detective.” 

“I will, don’t worry.” Lisa said finally placing a kiss to Carla’s cheek now and turning to walk back to her car. 

Carla stood watching her walk down the cobbles, she had a purposeful walk. Christ, she was something else. Carla only went inside after Lisa had disappeared from view. Resting her back against the inside of the door, head thrown back, smile plastered over her face. She could feel a dull ache in her cheeks for smiling and she couldn't remember the last time she'd smiled so much.

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Carla sat her desk awaiting Sarah’s presence and the inevitable I told you so, which truthfully she would allow her to have because since her date with Lisa she’d had a little spring in her step and in true lesbian fashion they had been texting back and forth since Saturday night, getting to know the intricacies of each other’s lives. On queue Sarah appeared at the office door, two mugs in hand “Right, spill the details” she said as she walked further in to office, placing the mugs down on and desk and sitting on chair opposite Carla, legs crossed, shoulders braced with anticipation, her grin unable to contain the excitement of the gossip she’d probably been waiting all weekend on. Surprised she hadn’t actually shown up at the bistro to get the information first hand, in real time. 

“It went surprisingly very well... I enjoyed myself.” 

“Knew she was your type.” 

“Yes Sarah, as much as I absolutely love discussing my love life with you I’d like to keep an air of mystery please” she laughed into her cup before taking a sip, “But thank you... for you know setting it up.” She finished off waving her free hand in the air towards Sarah. Oh she was being coy. 

“You deserve to be happy is all Carla, she’s a good one.”  Sarah said, excitement slightly contained with that breadcrumb of information. 

“Well, we’ll see how it goes.” Trying to play it cool but the smile on her face told a completely different story, she was already very clearly smitten with a small but mighty blonde detective. That in itself was an insane concept, a detective. Christ, if you’d have told 17 year old Carla who was still scrambling to escape a rough council estate that she had been on a date with a detective, she’d have laughed in your face. Sarah gulped down her coffee with the kind of speed and efficiency that is painfully needed for a Monday morning, “right” she slapped her own thighs “I better actually do some work today otherwise you’ll have me fired before end of business.” Sarah laughed as she vacated the office, allowing Carla to focus back on her sketchbook that had been abandoned for the brief gossip. Just as she was about to pick up her pencil to resume sketching out idea’s for the Summer line, given the Spring line was already in production, her phone rang pulling her from focus.

“Hi Lisa, you ok?”

“Hi, yeah need out of this house, I’m heading to Roys for a coffee if you can pull yourself away for a quick one.” 

“Day off of doing nothing panning out well then...” She giggled down the phone, sensing the woman on the other end did not actually do well with doing nothing, maybe it came with what it took to be a detective “I’ve actually just had one and I really need to get these sketches finished, you could though, bring me a little slice of vicky sponge... only if you want to, obviously.”

“Well my morning was peaceful until Betsy turned my living room into a production line for this final piece she’s putting together for college, anyway one broken sewing machine later, several meltdowns and a slammed bedroom door, I decided needed a coffee and fresh air before I come up with a solution for her. But yes, I’ll bring you a Victoria slice Carla.” She huffed out a laugh before taking a breath, like she had used one breath to just get that off her chest. 

“I mean I have a factory full of sewing machines.” Carla replied, matter of fact. Straight to the point.

“Yes I’m aware Carla” clearly Lisa was not picking up on the intent behind what Carla said “anyway I’ll be round in-“ 

Carla cut in, clearly detective mode was well and truly clocked out. “No, wait, back it up, I mean I have a factory full of sewing machines, I can clear a space for her to work here.” 

“Carla, no I can’t ask you to do that.” 

“You’re not asking love, I’m offering. Solutions and Victoria sponge deliveries all in one phone call.” Also, Carla would be lying if she said she wasn’t even a little bit curious to see what Betsy was planning for her final look, fashion, design, it’d always been her thing, she liked the process, the why’s of it, the designing of it, the relief and pride of a finished piece.

“Are you sure Carla, I don’t want to put you out?” 

“See you both soon, Lisa.”

As Carla hung the phone up she initially went back to her sketchbook until the blatant realisation hit her, she was going to come face to face with Lisa’s daughter and they’d just had their first date. Oh shit, was I too forward. But it was done now, she couldn’t take it back. 

Lisa stood outside Betsy’s bedroom door, coat still on, she took a deep breath and released her shoulders before gently knocking on her door “Bets...”

“Come in mum.” She said her voice still clearly wrapped in holding back tears, frustration and stress. 

“Oh darling” Lisa said as she walked in and rushed straight over to where betsy was curled up in the corner of her bed “I have a solution for you.” Lisa had now perched herself beside her on the bed, legs dangling off at an angle so that her shoes weren’t touching the duvet, she pulled Betsy into a cuddle, cradled her against her chest. 

“Well unless you’ve bought me a new machine, I don’t know what other solution we have right now” she mumbled against Lisa’s chest. 

Kissing the top of Betsy’s head then smoothing out the curls with her hand “Hmm, not quite. But... Carla has offered to clear you a space in her factory for the afternoon to let you use one of her machines.” 

A gasp, Betsy now clambering her hands against Lisa’s chest to leverage herself into an upright position “No way! Shut up! Mum you’re kidding? She offered that?” 

“Apparently so.” Lisa said knowing how strange it was that they had just fallen into this already, Lisa had never introduced anyone to her daughter, let alone someone she’d went on a date with 48 hours prior, but it was for Betsy’s benefit. A solution. And she also couldn't ignore the feeling it gave her, how Carla willing offered her daughter space without so much as a second thought.

“No but that’s so kind of her!” She giggled “Ok, let me get my shoes on, I'll grab my sketch book and materials packed.” 

Lisa pushed herself off the bed and watched Betsy practically bounce from room to room collecting everything the needed. Putting her shoes on, her coat and grabbing her phone before popping an earbud into her ear and flicking her thumb across her phone screen. Choosing a song to fit the vibe no doubt. 

Stepping through the doors of underworld with their hands full, Betsy’s hands clutching a huge art folder across her chest and a big slung over her should crammed with all of her materials, Lisa balancing three takeaway boxes from Roys for the three of them and a coffee for herself in a to-go cup. A wall of noise hit them straight away, sewing machines, rails of products being wheeled across the factory floor, boxed being sealed, and inaudible clatters of voices and laughter fighting for dominance above all else. 

“Wow...” Betsy had stopped in her tracks at the entrance, eyes glancing around her, head pivoting, taking in anything and everything all at once. Lisa watched her, the awe in her face, the sparkle in her eyes, the one she got when her creativity was flooding through her brain itching to be released. The clearing of a throat is what caught both of their attention, Carla had saw them from her office and made her way downstairs to greet them. “Welcome to underworld, Swains.” 

Betsy stood eyes tracking Carla up and down before whipping her head towards Lisa “Oh my god mum, she stunning.” She had tried to whisper but the excitement forced it out of her throat louder than anticipated causing Lisa’s cheeks to flush and Carla to chuckle, hand covering her mouth before reaching the other out for a handshake “You must be Betsy, I’m Carla.”

From the factory floor the noise seemed to lull momentarily before Sean’s voice carried across the entire factory “Oh aye, Mrs Connor, what’s a copper doing here. You been naughty again?”

Carla spun on the spot, one hand on her hip and the other wafting a pen in his direction “Sean, I’ll hand you your P45 if you don’t sit back down and sew.” And behind her she heard a collective giggle from Lisa and Betsy, Mrs. Connor how official. They both whispered to each other before realising Carla and turned back around, promptly straightening themselves back up like respectable members of society. 

“Come on, let’s put your coats in my office. You can show me your brief and then we can get you sorted .” Carla said, smiling towards them both before landing her gaze on Lisa. Well Betsy was truly a mini-me. Same blonde hair, same flushed cheeks when they giggled, endearing really. 

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All three of them had made their way to Carla’s office which looked over the entire factory, the floor to ceiling windows showcasing Carla’s domain for the perfect view of every corner of the place. Carla sat forward on her office chair, glasses perched on her nose scanning over Betsy’s sketches and the final look draft, Betsy stood just beside Carla hunched over her art folder now open on display taking up the entirety of the desk and Lisa sat on the chair opposite them both, the chair clients would sit in for meetings, she sat leaning back sipping her coffee watching the entire scene play out in front of her. Honestly she was just glad Betsy could speak to someone about how you have to let the material speak, it has its own language. She also noted how fuckin' sexy Carla looked in her glasses but this was neither the time nor the place.

“Betsy this is amazing, you’ve really took the brief and ran with it. I'm a little lost for words. Insane.” Carla said taking her glasses off now and turning her head towards Betsy. 

“D’you think.” Betsy said staring down at her drawing before glancing sideways to Carla “That means so much coming from you, y’know someone who knows what they are talking about...” She finished with a laugh whilst jerking her head in the direction of Lisa. 

“Alright, alright” Lisa mockingly gasped, her hands raised slightly whilst she still clutched her to-go cup “We’ve all got our strengths.” 

“We do indeed, you’re right. Anyway you mum catches the bad guys we just make pretty things out of material.” Carla giggled at the mother-daughter banter between the pair. “You ready to get this material downstairs and we’ll bring this little masterpiece to life?” Carla stood up, her hand placed gently in between Betsy’s shoulder blades. 

“Yeah please... Mrs. Connor.” 

“Drop the sarcasm Bets.” Lisa said over her coffee with an eye roll as both of them began collecting material and sketches whilst laughing amongst themselves. 

“Oh she’s going to fit in just fine...” Carla said with a smirk towards Lisa. “I’ll be back in a bit once Betsy’s sorted, make yourself a home.” 

Lisa stood in Carla’s office looking through one of the windows she could see Betsy sitting at a machine and Carla standing behind her one of her hands placed gently on Betsy’s shoulder and the other pointing towards the machine as she nodded, clearly speaking about something and whatever it was seemed to go down well with Betsy because her laugh echoed throughout the factory. The factory workers smiled at Betsy as they walked back, one of them had stopped to look over at her sketches and nodded with a smile, clearly impressed. Lisa stood there watching it all unfold, one date and this woman had already seemed to find a little pocket of space in her life and very clearly had won Betsy over without any hassle. It felt, dare she admit it, like the start of something. Something, not that she could name it yet she wasn’t about to go screaming anything from rooftops but maybe, just maybe, Carla was going to be more important than she had ever planned. 

“Oh aye, are you boss for the day?” Carla said deadpan, clearly trying to hide the amusement in her voice, as she walked into the office to find Lisa sat in her chair gently swirling back and forth. 

“Don’t knock it, I'd have them lot whipped right into shape in no time.” Lisa said, still clearly remaining sat in the seat. 

“Hmm, that right mrs...” Arching her brow, realising her chair was not going to be vacant anytime soon she perched herself on her desk, facing Lisa, legs crossed. “She’s doing great down there, talented kid you’ve got.” 

“What can I say, takes after her mum...” Lisa said as she puffed out her chest, trying to look like the office chair wasn’t swallowing her whole. “Thanks though, seriously. You didn’t have to do this but it means more than you know.” 

“Anytime, honestly.” Carla gaze now focused solely on Lisa “Anyway, when are you taking me out on this second date.”

“How long have you been waiting to ask that?” 

“Since I sat down at the first.” Carla smirked. 

“Bold, I like it. How about this Friday?” Lisa replied with her hand now fumbling with an invisible thread on her trousers. 

“Oh detective, making you nervous am I?” With that came a playful swat onto Carla’s thigh. Oh, she was going to enjoy this. 

The noise of the factory had begun to disappear one by one the machines stopped, all bar one machine, lights went off in the loading bay, kitchen tidied, empty boxes lay built ready for tomorrows delivery lines to go into them, coat hangers became emptier as each factory worker started to whittle down and go home to their own lives for the day. 

From to door of Carla's office, Lisa called out over the factory floor “Bets, you’ll need to wrap up soon we need to go home for dinner its-“ Lisa looked the clock on the wall “It’s just after 6.” 

Sewing machine still whizzing underneath her fingers, eyes still tracking each stitch “Mum, I’m not finished yet!” 

Carla walked up closer behind Lisa, almost pressed against Lisa’s back she bowed her head a little to whisper so that Betsy couldn’t hear “She can come back each day after college to finish it, I’ll keep that work station free for her.”

Lisa turned to face Carla and stopped for a moment realising quite how close they were, here eyes instinctively flicked down towards Carla’s lips “Thank you, I’ll let her know.” still watching Carla’s lips. 

“Mhmm.” Was all Carla could manage, her tongue subtly brushing against her own lips to combat the sudden dryness. Then quieter “you’ve not idea how much I've wanted to kiss you all day and you looking at me like that isn’t helping.”

Proud of herself, Lisa winked “Friday, darlin’.” Date night. Their second date, she could hold off until then right?

Later that evening Lisa was pottering around her own kitchen whilst Betsy was upstairs getting sorted for bed, she could hear her footsteps, then a door clicking, then the shower turning on, the humming of the pipes coming to life. Lisa herself already stood in the pyjamas, hair drying on it’s own and a cup of tea just poured to take upstairs to bed with her, she picked her phone up and swiped up before she found her way to the text thread between her and Carla. She smiled thinking about the her, her smile, that raspy voice. Christ, that voice was doing things to her that were not ok to admit after a 48 hour period of knowing someone. 

Lisa: 

Bet’s is on a half day tomorrow, is it ok if she pops to the factory around 2? 

Carla: 

Yes of course! I put her things in my office for safe keeping, let her know just head straight in. It was nice seeing you today, Night Lisa x 

Lisa: 

Thanks again, hmm yeah it really was. Night Carla x 

Across the street Carla lay in her own bed smiling at her phone before she put it onto charge and turned the lamp off. Friday could not come quick enough. 

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Carla stood at the counter of Roy’s cafe, arms stretched crossed on top of the cake cabinet whilst she watched Roy make up her order: 2 coffee’s and 2 panini’s to go. “Take your time Roy, you’re buzzing about like you’re being timed.” 

“All part of the customer service” Roy said over his shoulder as he finished off securing the lids of both coffee’s. 

“Thanks Royster I appreciate it.” Carla rested her head now on her crossed arms, a small smile appeared as she watched Roy eventually place her order on top of the cabinet beside her “On the house Carla, off you go back to work.” Roy said as patted one of the takeaway boxes like that in itself was Carla’s queue to head back to the factory. It was a fleeting visit, more so than usual but she wanted to get back to the factory in time for Betsy arriving, didn’t want to leave her to that lot, that lot being the factory workers, not yet anyway. As she hurried herself over the cobbles with at a quicker pace than usual, she somehow managed to juggle both coffee’s and lunches whilst pushing open that doors to Underworld. 

“You’re here already, sorry I had just popped over to Roy’s” Carla huffed out a laugh and she held up the contents of what she had nipped out for. “Got you some lunch, didn’t think you’d have time to eat after college.” 

Placing the both boxes down on the table that sat in front of the sofa in her office, sliding a coffee over to where Betsy was perched on the edge of the sofa. 

“Sorry Sally...I think it was... told me to come in and wait on you. Hope that’s ok.” Betsy stared down at the to-go cup before picking it up and flicking her eye line between the cup and Carla. 

“I made sure I got you oat milk, it’s a latte. I text your mum to make sure I got you something you’d actually appreciate.” Carla said as she shrugged her jacket off and hung it on the coat hook before dragging a chair over and sitting just adjacent to the sofa. 

“Thanks Carla, you didn’t have to do that...” Betsy smiled. 

She seemed shy without Lisa here but Carla wanted to make sure she knew she could come and go as she pleased until her project was finished. Carla took a sip of her own coffee before placing it back down and pushing one of the takeaway boxes towards Betsy, “eat first, then you can go down when you’re ready and get sorted at your station.” 

Nodding once with conviction and an eager thumbs up Betsy started to tuck into her lunch, shovelling the panini into her mouth before taking a bite “Thanks Carla... I really... I’m really grateful for this.” She said in between bites which of course caused Carla to chuckle as she lent back in her chair and flicked her hair out of her face with her fingers. 

“So, you’re going on a second date with my mum then?” Betsy stated, there was no bite in what she was saying just a subtle curiosity, the way she said it, sounded almost something like quiet hope. 

“Mhmm, I am. That ok?” Carla said that last part quieter, tentative. She knew they came as a package deal so Betsy being comfortable was just as important. 

“Yeah, I think you’d be good for her. It’s only ever been mum and me but she deserves something that’s her own.” 

Carla nodded at that, let it sink in “You’re wise ain’t ya for a teenager.” 

“17 going on 27” Betsy said in a mocking tone, arms folded, eyebrow arched. 

Carla snorted just as she had taken another sip of her coffee, waving her hand up towards Betsy “I could’ve sworn you were mocking a certain detective there.” Both of them settled into a steady rhythm, sipping their coffee, eating their lunch and discussing different materials, different looks. She’d discovered Betsy had always loved fashion, that she used to put on little catwalks for Lisa in their living room, would raid through wardrobes for hours putting together different looks. And that once when she was 12 she cut up one of Lisa’s sweater vests. I mean who willingly wears them anyway, I was doing her a favour, Betsy had said deadpan, flicking her hands out dramatically as she told the story. 

“Right enough hilarity, you’ve got a project to finish and I’ve got a virtual client meeting in-“ Carla turned her head to look at the clock and turned back to face Betsy with a groan “in 5 minutes, god I’ve taken almost a two hour lunch break.” 

“Hmm, perks of being the boss an’ that.” Betsy began collecting her stuff before bouncing out of that office. Carla watched her go, christ she missed that, forgot what I felt like to genuinely find excitement in creating. Carla loved that she owned Underworld but she did miss the creating, the art of it, of having an idea and just making it for the sake of simply just creating, not for clients or deadlines - a piece of art that was just hers to wear. 

Lisa looked at the time on her dashboard as she sat in her car outside of Underworld 18:45, her hand still hanging over her steering wheel after what had possibly been the most gruelling shift she’d had in a while. Her engine was off but she was trying to muster up the energy to get out as she stared at her hand that was now bandaged up, Kit should definitely never have passed his first aid training. Eventually she let out a breath as her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, trying to brush off the day. She could still see Carla’s office light on and a soft blur of movement through the small window on the main door to the factory. Pulling her keys out of the ignition and opening her car door she swung her legs out and made her way up the steps, to persuade Betsy it was home time, to let Carla close up. 

“Only me.” Lisa called out as the door closed behind her, only one light lit on the factory floor, the one above Betsy’s head, she hadn’t even looked up, hadn't noticed that Lisa had arrived, clearly either too focused or had her earphones in. She looked up towards Carla’s office next, and saw her walking towards the door holding her hand up with her brows furrowed, clearly she had noticed the bandage wrapped around Lisa’s own hand. 

“Come in, I’m just finishing off this email.” Carla called out before walking back to her desk and sitting down behind her laptop and a pile of folders. 

Lisa made her way into the office “How’s she getting on?” Lisa huffed out, throwing herself onto the sofa, exhaling the weight of her day. 

“She’s almost finished, looks beautiful. Your hand...” Carla pointed towards the bandage, using her other hand to hold her glassed in place on the edge of her nose “What happened?”

“Just a tussle during an arrest.” Lisa shrugged, looking back out onto the factory floor as she watched her daughter pivot materials and run stitches. 

“Mhmm, a tussle. You going to let me fix it, the bandage I mean. Looks like it was done in the dark.” 

“Kits handy work.” Lisa laughed. 

“I see well, tell him not to give up his day job. I’ve got a first aid box over there, let me finish this email and I’ll sort it.” Lisa sat on the sofa listening to Carla tap on her keyboard and glancing at Betsy's laser focus. And despite the day she’d had, sitting here she was more than conten. Carla’s need to fix things, to hold people up around her, let them shine or give them first aid if need be in Lisa’s case that was. It made something flutter in Lisa’s stomach, something she wasn’t going to pay attention to, not yet anyway, not this early on. 

Closing the laptop over and walking towards the backroom of the office Carla had grabbed the first aid box and sat herself down on the table in font of the sofa where Lisa was still spread out, almost melted into one with the sofa cushions. "Right lets get this one off you" Carla said as she gently picked Lisa's hand up, unwrapping each layer of bandage before throwing it into a little ziplock bad she'd found in the box. Lisa's bruised and cut knuckles finally on display as Carla held her hand in her open palm. 

"The other guy looks worse." came quietly. 

"Mhm, I'm sure. Real life hero you are." Carla flicked her eyes up but there was a pause when she caught Lisa's face, something softer, something warm and underneath all of that a small glint of attraction as much as she hated herself for it in this moment. But the toughness of it, the morality of a detective, she'd be lying if she said it wasn't damn right attractive. Pulling herself from her own thoughts she busied herself with finding an antiseptic wipe from the first aid box. 

"It was a guy, known to us for domestic violence, we finally got him. His partner, well I suppose his ex-parter, well I hope it's his ex now..." Lisa rambled "anyway she finally found the courage to call us out. Not that I should be saying any of this." 

"You're exhausted, it's allowed. My lips are sealed, I promise. You're a hero Lisa." Carla swallowed the lump in her throat 

"Shudup..." Lisa said with a soft smirk like she knew, she knew she was a hero. That's not why she did it though but hearing Carla say it, well, that created an entierly different feeling all together. 

"This may sting a little." Carla held up the wipe, trying not to dwell too much on the why's of it, just the here and now. Carla began stroking the wipe over each knuckle, small, light touches just ensuring the area was clean before she began with the bandage. She worked wrapping the bandage around Lisa's hand. Eventually she held up Lisa's hand and placed a soft kiss on the bandage where her knuckles sat underneath it "There you go, even hero's need some TLC..." she said with a wink towards Lisa which inevitably cause a flush to grace Lisa's cheeks. 

"Thank you Carla, for fixing me up." She looked out towards the factory floor still seeing Betsy hunched over the sewing machine, paying absolutely no attention, probably didn't even realise Lisa was here yet. "I swore to myself I'd wait until Friday but..." Lisa leaned in closer to Carla and brushed their lips together, one kiss, then a second before Carla's hand slid to the back of Lisa's neck pulling her in closer, she needed this kiss, she needed more. Carla's tongue swiped over Lisa's bottom lip on the third kiss and now there was heat, pent up probably since that first date. Heads tilting, lips and tongues finding rhythm and shared moan in between breaths. 

"Mmm... needed that." Carla eventually pulled back. 

"If that's what I get for an injury I might just have t-" 

"Don't even finish that sentence, detective." She smirked at Lisa, straightening out herself before reaching over to straighten out Lisa's collar. 

"I better go get Bets packed up." She said still smiling, dimples very much on display as her eyes were still focused on Carla's. 

"Ok, I'll get sorted in here and then I'll walk you both out." Carla whispered, leaning in again for one last kiss, softer this time. Laced with something less frantic, there was no heat to it but something different, something that felt a lot like someone who was starting to care. 

Lisa finally managed to get Betsy to pack up her things and tidy up her work station with the promise of a takeaway when they got home. They both had later starts in the morning so it had been concluded that they would have pizza, curl up on the sofa and watch a movie to wind down.

All three of them walked out of Underworld, Carla taking one last glance round to make sure everything was turned off before closing the main door and locking up. "Can Carla come for pizza too... to you know, say thank you for the work station and patching you up." Betsy said as she draped her arm around Lisa's shoulder, nodding her head towards the bandaged hand. Betsy had said it loud enough that Carla could hear the invite for herself.

"Oh no, I couldn't crash your night. Thank you though." Carla said sliding the keys into her coat pocket before ruffling the top of Betsy's curls. 

"Not at all, you're more than welcome. Bet's is right, you've been an angel." Lisa smiled toward Carla then back to her own daughter who simply nodded back in return. 

"Yeah alright, as long as you're both sure?" Carla joined them as she walked at the opposite side of Betsy. All three of them walking down the steps of Underworld. 

Chapter Text

Carla had decided to pop home first before heading over to the Swain’s for a takeaway, she wanted to feel comfortable and she’d been in her work attire since 8am this morning so she wanted a freshen up too. Doing just that she now stood in her bedroom staring into her floor length mirror, joggers and a hoodie was what she had opted for, fresh face and hair still slightly damp from her shower, that was tomorrow’s issue, she rummaged around her dresser for a hair tie before sweeping all of her hair into a messy bun, keeping the sideburns loose. If Lisa couldn’t find her attractive when she was stripped bare of her armour then what hope did she have, she chuckled to herself at that thought before spraying on a little bit of perfume onto her wrists and heading towards the kitchen, where she found Ryan drinking the last of his coffee before he was about to head out to his shift at The Rovers. “I’m just heading out Aunty C, I’m on until close so don’t wait up.” 

“Oh, I’m actually heading out. I’ll keep the living room lamp on for whichever one of us is home first.” Carla said as she picked up her keys, eyeing up one of the bottles of red wine she had stacked in the corner of the kitchen counter. 

“Right, I mean... you don’t look dressed to be going out out, where ya off too?” Ryan looked her up and down before turning his body around to dump his cup in the sink. 

“Eh get that washed. I’m going to Lisa’s, Betsy invited me round for a takeaway with them.” She said trying to keep her tone neutral, simply because she knew exactly what Ryan was like, better interrogation skills than half of Weahterfield police station. 

“Hmm, so I guess I should say, I wont wait up.” Ryan wiggled his eyebrows with that signature Connor smirk. 

Standing with the bottle of wine now in hand backing her way out of the kitchen towards the front door “That...” She pointed “doesn’t even deserve a response Ry.” 

She’d decided to walk to Lisa’s, after the address had been sent over it made sense because it was only the street over from Coronation street and it meant she could have a glass of wine with her takeaway and her days to risking getting behind the wheel after one glass were definitely behind her, especially given tonight’s company. Number 31 she looked up a modest little semi-detached home, the lights were glowing from the windows and she could see someone moving around in one of the upstairs rooms, no doubt Betsy. Then she spotted Lisa’s car in the driveway, confident she was the right place she walked up the short path and knocked on the door, taking in plants dotted around the doorstep. Of course she was a plant lesbian she chuckled to herself, admired it actually, the thought of a steely detective coming home and nurturing plants, watching them grow, it was sweet she thought. Suddenly after knocking on the door she felt a sudden flutter in her stomach, not nerves, not really but the sudden realisation that she was about to enter Lisa’s home, her safe space,  she felt a little privileged in all honesty. 

“Mum can you get that.” Betsy shouted down the stairs, still standing at the top of the staircase tying her hair up. “It’ll be Carla.” 

“Well we’re not expecting anyone else are we, hurry up though so we can order takeaway Bets, I’m starving” Lisa called back whilst walking towards the door to let Carla in. With one final deep breath she pulled the door open getting Carla with a smile. Lisa was glad when she opened the door to see they had all gotten the memo of post shower comfort. “Come in Carla,” she said as she stepped to the side, she got a whiff of Carla’s perfume as she stepped into the space. She was sure in that moment that Carla could genuinely wear anything and still look gorgeous. 

“I brought wine, hope this one’s ok.” Carla held the wine up and smiled, hunching her shoulders slightly for effect. 

“You can come anytime if you come loaded with wine.” Lisa chuckled as she showed Carla into the living room. Carla had handed Lisa the wine and was instructed to make herself comfortable on the sofa whilst Lisa grabbed two glasses. Carla sat on the edge of the sofa looking around at the pictures dotted around the living room, a visual representation of Lisa and Betsy’s life together, of them both growing together. The living room itself was homely and not a world away from her own interior, sleek, warm, all be it less black than she had in her own living room but still, it was cosy, there was lit candles placed around the room, a little basket of blankets in one of the corners, and opposite that was what looked like a reading corner, one solitary chair and a bookshelf behind it, the warm glow of a floor lamp curving over from the back of the chair. It was lived in, but beautiful all the same. From just behind the sofa there was an open plan kitchen where Carla could see Lisa pouring the wine into two glasses, the sleeves of the hoodie she wore pushed up midway, the light casting a shadow along the outer line of both arms, nice arms... Carla internally scolded herself before looking anywhere but Lisa again.

As Lisa placed a glass of wine down on the table in front of Carla and taking up the space next to her on the sofa they heard the rapid thuds of Betsy clambering down the stairs before bursting into the living room and standing for dramatic pause “Can we order now, I fear I’m beyond starving... whatever that is.” 

“Ravenous probably” Carla smirked over the rim of her wine glass. 

“Probs beyond that too Mrs.C.” Betsy said deadpan as she slumped herself into the chair at the bookshelf with an exasperated sigh. 

“I mean we were waiting on you...” Lisa said and she picked her phone up the arm of the sofa “you want your usual Bets?” That was agreed with a nod from Betsy and an eye roll that clearly said of course mother. “What about you Carla?” 

“Oh d’you what I’ve had a hankering for one with spicy chicken on it, red onion, you know... the full works.” Carla said as she leaned back on the sofa, head tilted at an angle towards both Swains, almost in a daydream state thinking about it. 

“If that’s how you look thinking about Pizza, you can stay.” Betsy snorted. 

The initial chaos of ordering food and getting settled had subsided and all three of them now sat in silence eating their pizza’s and the low glare from a movie playing that every one of them was engrossed in The Devil Wears Prada. It was Betsy and Carla who had actually agreed on it, Lisa had groaned about it but it was on anyway, clearly she was fighting a losing battle, she’d said it was “2 against 1... And this wasn’t what she signed up for.” However there was no real angst behind it, without admitting it aloud it was actually precious to see Carla and Betsy interact, they had the same dry wit, same interests, could clearly bounce off of one another, same feistiness. Yes, she could definitely get used to having Carla around, plus it gave Betsy someone else to yap to and she does a lot of it.

As the film credits rolled they'd all found themselves in much more comfortable positions, especially after eating a pizza each, Betsy still on the chair with her legs flung over the arm of it and a pillow wedged between the other arm of the chair and her head, on the sofa Lisa sat with her legs stretched out on the table and her ankles crossed over each other now very much slouched into the sofa and beside her was Carla, she herself had settled lazily into the sofa her head now resting on Lisa's shoulder. Lisa and Betsy had both noticed, making eye contact when it happened before they both shared a smile at the sight of Carla Connor, who Betsy had become aquanted with at Underworld where she was all sharp edges and professionalism but here right now reasting asgainst Lisa, she was softer. In her joggies and hoodie she looked content, her face looked younger somnehow when it softened, it glowed differnetly. Her eyes glimmered under the glow of the television, cheeks a little flsuehd from the wine and her smile was easy, not forced or performative just there, natural. Lisa's hand was resting on Carla's back, gently stroking up and down, slow, rhythmic, soothing. Yeah, she could definitely get used to this. 

"Right boomers..." Betsy stood up with a groan, stretching her arms into the air "I'm off to bed. G'night. Thanks for coming over Carla. "

"Night sweetheart" Lisa stetched her neck out, an invitation for Betsy to come over so that she could kiss the top of her head. Their praticed goodnight ritual. 

"G'night darling, I'll see you tomorrow at the factory." Carla lifted her head from Lisa's shoulder giving Betsy's upper arm a small squeeze before placing her head back down onto Lisa's shoulder. As they heard Betsy's footsteps disappear upstairs Carla eventually let out a sigh a lifted her head back up to look at Lisa "I should probably get going too." She rapsed as her eyes flicking from Lisa's eyes to her lips and then back again. 

"Mhmm" was all Lisa could manage, having Carla this close to her all night had been intoxicating, the smell of her shampoo, the warmth of her body pressed agaist her own and that look she gave Lisa was proving difficult for her resist. They both lay there bundled into each other just watching, taking each other in before Carla stretched up and kissed Lisa. Lisa's own hand which had previously been stroking Carla's back stilled and the tips of her fingers pressed into that spot of Carla's back where her hand now sat paused. Carla had initially went in for a soft kiss, slow. That was until Lisa sat forward a little and her other hand came up to cup Carla's jaw, her fingertips laying just below her earlobe, pressing deeper and Carla's hand dragged its way up Lisa's torso, fighting not to slide under Lisa's hoodie and explore her, instead her hand found it's way up her torso, above her clothing of course, and rested on her breast giving a gentle squeeze which in turn cause a low gravily moan to escape Lisa's lips. That made Carla pull back a little, resting her forehead on Lisa's, catching her own breath, trying to calm herself down. "Let's not get carried away just yet detective." She whispered "You've got a second date to take me on first." 

That caused Lisa to chuckle, still low, her voice clearly thick with heat "Hmm, you're right. But I will say this, you are making it very difficult for my self control..."

"Good. Knowing i'm teasing your restraint is... well it's fucking hot." she pressed another brief kiss on her lips again before leaving a final wetter kiss on the side of Lisa's neck. 

Chapter Text

Carla stood in the kitchen of Underworld with her back to both Betsy and Sarah who sat at the little round lunch table, no doubt sharing side glanes and smnirks, she couldn't be sure but she could sense it, all Carla was in here to do was make her self a coffee after dealing with the packing disaster from this morning which could've been avoided but for her sanity she chose to forgive Kirk even if she was still giving him the glare everytime she walked passed him. 

"So you have a date tonight then with my mother." Betsy said trying to contain her smile whilst focusing her gaze entirely on Sarah, that alone caused Sarah to snort into her coffee.

Carla spun on the spot, teaspoon still in hand using it to point between both of them "I don't know if I like this combination... you two. But yes, I do. D'you know where she's taking me?" 

"Sorry boss, I've been sworn to secrecy." Betsy tilted her head towards Carla, arms folded in that defiant teenage way. 

"Boss?" came a dry chuckle "I don't remember employing you..."

"Hmm give it time, I know you're enjoying my company."

"That right? Big bets on yourself eh?" Carla replied over the rim of her cup before eventually taking the first sip of her coffee, her eyes fluttering with a sigh a the sheer need for caffiene this morning. Sarah sat smirking the entire time, head going back and forth between them like she was watching a tennis match. "I fear you've finally met your match, Connor." That caused both Betsy and Carla to let out a humurious Pftt. "I rest my case." Sarah laughed. 

"Right have we not all got something to be getting on with, you especially" pointing towards Betsy "your mum will be fuming if I've got you here gossiping all day instead of finishing your project."

Across the street Lisa and Kit sat in Roy's both eating a late breakfast and having a coffee while they hunched over the table discussing a case, whispering, just audible enough that they could both hear it. They'd decided needed a change of scenery, the greyness of the office and the buzzing of the overheard lights was not conducive to their thought process this morning, so it was decided they' head out. Half way through their coffee's now and plates cleared Kit sat back from his hunched position clearing his throat "So, a little birdie told me you've got a certain Mrs. Connor smitten..." raising one eyebrow as if expectant on more information. 

"That little birdie being Sarah then, eh?"

"I couldn't possibly say." he laughed "Although, hats off to you. Lisa Swain having Carla Connor smitten, I respect it sarge." 

With a groan and an eye roll Lisa finished up her coffee, straightening out her coat "Enough Green, right we better head back. Pin a few idea's on the board see if we can move forward with getting the potentials in for interviews." Kit merely replied with a flick of the wrist, acting out a salute. 

The factory was now locked up, it was still light out considering the time of day it was which Carla was grateful for she had definetely never been a fan of dark evenings and the winters that dragged on throughout Manchester. Spring was begining to ease it's way in and this year it felt a little more significant, new beginnings. She was sat on the edge of her bed, having backed away from her wardrobe which still lay open, she was sitting staring into it, hoping for some sort of inspiration as to what to wear tonight. With sigh she picked up her phone, which had been previously tossed onto the centre of her bed.

Carla:

Please can you give me some sort of clue for tonight. I've no idea what to wear x 

Lisa: 

You'll look beautiful no matter what you wear. It's just dinner x 

Carla: 

Charmer! Yes but it's not  JUST dinner. It's dinner with a VERY attractive detective x

Lisa chuckled to herself as she read that last message, she could almost imagine the smirk Carla had whilst typing that out despite the clear annoyance at not knowing where they were going. Lisa however stood in her bedroom, amlost as good as ready. She's choosen dark denims that were tight enough to show off her curves that contrasted nicely with the stregnth of her thighs, she had countless years of being on the beat to thank for those. On the top she had a dark silk blouse, top three buttons undone leaving the collar hang loose and below that a black cameo, peaking out just enough lace that let the mind wander. She felt good, it was a comfortable difference from what she wore day to day, from what Carla was used to seeing her in now - the tailored shirts buttoned all the way up, the suit trousers, the dress coats and more often than not a sweater vest. 

"Mum, I'm staying at Lauren's tonight remember." Betssy bounced into Lisa's bedroom with her overnight bag already slung over her shoulder "Ok, wow" she stopped in the doorway "You look so pretty mum." 

"Thank you Bets, I love you and remember to text me goodnight." 

"Will do mum, have fun tonight. You deserve it, remember that." 

With a hug and a quick kiss placed on Betsy's nose, she was gone leaving Lisa to finish the finishing touches of her hair. She was wearing it down, she passed her straightness over it one last time, to ensure there was no rogue bumps in it. 

Lisa had chosen to drive tonight since the restuaraunt was in the city cetnre because she didn't feel like having to wait on a taxi after their dinner, especially not on a Friday night, figured if she really wanted a glass of wine afterwards they could pop into the bistro or the rovers to finish their night off. Lisa was now sat outside Carla's flat she'd already text to say that she was here. She could see the staircase light being turned on from the little square window on the flat door which caused a quiet flutter in Lisa's stomach, anticipation, nerves, excitement, all in one fleeting feeling. But none of that could've prepare her for when Carla walked out of then flat and started walking towards the car after locking the door to her flat. She was walking with an elegance, a sway of the hips, her hair blowing in the wind slightly, the sight alone would've made anyone's knees buckle. As Carla got closer to the car Lisa could now make out what she was wearing, tight black jeans, a black satin halter neck that dipped just low enough on the front and from what she saw when she was locking her door, back to the car, the halter neck was backless. Fuck, she's going to spend the full night picking my jaw up off of the floor. As Carla stepped into the car, her perfume filled the space, it was a delicate combination between sweet and musky, not too powerful but it certainly made an entrance. 

"Wow..." Escaped Lisa's lips before she couldn't even stop it. 

Carla leant in for a soft kiss, ghosting Lisa's lips, present enough that it made Lisa chase her lips a little as she pulled back "Hmm wow yourself, detective." She said as her finger reached out a traced the line of Lisa's neck down to where her necklace lay "I like this... unbuttoned situatuon you've got going on." With that one action Lisa visibly shivered at the touch. 

Both of them sat there for a moment taking the other in before they turned the engine on and if both of them where honest they would've decided against dinner and went striaght back up to Carla's flat, calling it a night there. But, the teasing would be fun. You could tell by the sparkle in both of their eye's that they were going to have fun with each other this evening. 

As they began the drive to the resutaraunt which Lisa has booked, a little Italian place in town - Onda. Lisa drove with one hand on the steering wheel and they other placed on Carla's thigh, her fingertips tracing small patterns, edging higher every so often and then tracing closer back down to safer terrioroty and Carla sat there trying to keep herself in check, begging herself not to squirm too much under the touch, not enough that Lisa noticed. She had noticed however and it having quite the same affect on her. 

They were now sat in the resutraunt they had been seated in a booth, the seat curved into a U-Shape, food had been order and Lisa had inisted on Calra getting a glass of red wine. Initially Carla wasn't going to because Lisa was driving and on water but she'd been convinced that one glass would not hurt and it would go down nicely with her pasta dish, she'd convinced herself. Conversastion flowed easily, it semed it had done from the first time they met at The Bristro. Lisa was surpried to learn that Carla could not believe she was on a date with copper, let alone a second date. Carla had went on to explain, not in too much detail, about her upbringing, she'd been rasied in one of the rougher concuil estates that Lisa knew all too well and she'd touched breifly on the turbulant relationship she had with her mother. Just enough to get a aense of who she was now, not enough that you'd have to conduct a therapy session over a pasta dish. Lisa at one point in the conversation reached over a placed her hand on top of Carla's which was resting on the table, ther thumb stroking gently on the top of Carla's hand. In all honesty, she sat there completely in awe of the woman who sat opposite her, to learn that the fiesty, succesful business woman had maybe not always been so fortunate and it definetly filled Lisa with the urge to protect, not that she'd admit that to Carla, she didn't seem like the sort of woman who needed someone else to fight her battles. But quietly, someone in her corner, someone to lean on when the rest of life got too much.

The rest of dinner passed peacefully under the low glow of the restuarunt itself, they had definetely become more tactile with each other through the dinner, the touching of hands, the drifitng of eyes to each others lips, Carla's high heel brushing up and down a small patch of Lisa's leg. It was clear what they were doing to each other. As Lisa paid the bill, as promised, she stood up andn held her hand out for Carla to take as she stood up herself out of the booth. Lisa leant in and whispered low in Carla's ear "how about a night cap at mine, Mrs. Connor?" Carla blushed and simply nodded her head with a knowing smile because in that moment words had completely failed her. Lisa she begun walking, hand still in Carla's leading them out of the resturaunt. 

Chapter Text

Lisa stood in her kitchen pouring two glasses of wine, still fully dressed from their date. She watched as the wine filled each glass, but Lisa's senses were filled with Carla; she could smell her perfume clinging to her own blouse, could still feel the brushing, kissing Carla had placed on her neck as she fought to open her own door. She could feel Carla's presence in the kitchen doorway, arms stretched and resting on either side of the doorframe. She could barely find it in her to steady her hands long enough to pour the wine. That was when she heard Carla walk towards her, pressing her front up against Lisa's back, her breath ghosting the back of her neck "Are you going to take me to bed, detective?" Carla whispered into her ear; her tone was raspy, aching with want, with need, and it sent a shiver down Lisa's spine, goosebumps prickling on her skin, her arms, her thighs, her neck. Fuck, this woman was going to wreck her and she was going to let her. 

Lisa lifted both glasses of wine and turned around to face Carla, sweeping her gaze over her face, down her chest, and back up, maintaining eye contact. "Let's take these upstairs, hmm?" She used her nose to nudge against Carla's jawline, breathing her in once again, keeping her senses locked on everything Carla had to offer. There was no hesitation, Carla stepped aside, out of Lisa's radius, just marginally "Lead the way, please", the last part coming up as a whine that almost made Lisa's knees buckle. 

Lisa had barely placed the wine glasses down on her bedside cabinet before Carla had pulled her in by the belt loops of her jeans and spun her around with such a hunger that they both ended up slamming against one of the walls of Lisa's bedroom, Carla now pinned between it and Lisa. They could've crashed their lips together instantly, but Lisa was already enjoying Carla's harsh breaths, the blush that had appeared across her chest, the darkness that sat behind the hooded lids of her eyes; she was enjoying watching Carla slowly unravel. She was getting a kick out of watching the desperation of a woman this beautiful becoming messy beneath the weight of her own body. Lisa leaning in just enough, her thigh slipping in between Carla's: not pressing, not invititng her to rock, just there, just enough that Carla could feel the heat of Lisa's thigh against the heat of her core, she pressed her lips aganist Carla's parted mouth "You've no idea how many time's I've imagined you coming undone under my touch" Lisa murmered. 

An impatient groan escaped Carla's lips, her hands dug into Lisa's hips, pulling her in closer until she could finally grind against Lisa's thigh; she needed friction. Now. She needed her now; she'd never experienced an aching hunger quite like it. If she wasn't stripped and touched this second, she swore she'd combust. "Lis- Fuck. I need you. Now," she panted out before crashing her lips against Lisa's, her hands flying from her hips and sinking deep into her silky blonde hair, her nails digging into the nape of Lisa's neck to deepen the kiss. Their heads tilted, tongues fought against each other, their collective moans filling the entire bedroom. The only sound was their breaths, the moans, and the movement of Carla grinding frantically against Lisa's thigh. 

"Fuck, you're-" before Lisa could even finish her sentence, she was being forced back onto the bed with an urgency that had her hand flailing behind her searching for the bed behind her.  That back of Lisa's legs finally hit the bed, where her own body betrayed her and she landed with a thud, hauling Carla onto her lap, stradling both thighs. The grinding continued, didn't stop for a second. Low groans escaping Carla's mouth, her lips swollen from kissing, her head thown back giving into the sensations from between her legs "Fuck Lis-" was all she could manage before Lisa's hand grasped the hem of her top and pulled it over Carla's head, there was no grace in it at all, the sheer need for each other had overtaken trying to make any of this look elegant. Throwing Carla's top onto the floor, Lisa paused momentarily. At her eye level was a lace black bra that just about curved around Carla's nipples; it was sheer, and she could see everything through the delicate lace. Lunging forward, she pulled a cup of the bra down and latched her mouth around a perfectly hard, pebbled nipple, swirling her tongue around it before tugging it gently in between her teeth, which caused Carla to gasp and moan all at the same time. Lisa reached her hand around and unclipped Carla's bra with one hand and tossed it in the same direction as the top. "So fuckin' sexy...you're perfect", Lisa said before showing Carla's other breast equal attention. Carla bowed her head down, watching her body be worshipped one layer at a time, her parted lips pressed against Lisa's temple, "Show me, show me how perfect I am to you." She mummed, trying to control her breathing just long enough to get her words out. Carla began unbuttoning the buttons to Lisa's blouse as wet kisses were being peppered across her own chest. She pushed the blouse off Lisa's shoulders and tugged at the black cameo until Lisa lifted her arms. Carla now looked down onto Lisa's chest, she wanted to see the exact moment her breasts came free of her bra as she unclipped it "Lisa, you're stunning" she whispered, a stark contrast from the fractic pleas just moments before, her hands trailing up Lisa's torso towards her breasts made Lisa falter in her own endeavours, her head flew back as Carla pinched each nipple before splaying both hands and gently squeezing until she elicited a moan from Lisa. In the midst of all of this, a silver glint caught Carla's eye. She zoned in on a delicate percinig that hung from Lisa's bellybutton, snapping her head back up and arching her brow everything stopped, the kissing, the touching, the grinding "Oh my detective, aren't you full of surprises." she drawled as she flicked it with one of her fingers, a low raspy moan came from Lisa "Oh, you like that huh?" she smirked. 

Lisa, by this point, was fueled purely by her own arousal that was pooling between her thighs. She wrapped her arms around Carla and pushed them up purely by the muscles in her thighs before flipping Carla onto the bed. She now lay flat on her back, hair spread out on the bed, cheeks flushed. Fuck, she needed her now. Lisa hurriedly unbuttoned her own jeans and pushed them down her legs before moving on to do the same to Carla, yanking Carla's tight jeans down her thighs until she lay there in nothing but black lacey underwear, the same pattern as the bra that had been tossed aside. Carla instinctively dug her heels into the bed and parted her legs to give Lisa an entire view of how completely wrecked she was already. The mess glistening at the top of her thighs. Lisa knelt beside the bed, hooked her arms under Carla's legs, and pulled her towards the edge of the bed until her feet were perched on the bedframe. Lisa kissed her way up the insides of Carla's thighs until she met a glistening heat, and her tongue lapped it up against her thigh. "You taste so fucking good' she groaned before pulling Carla's underwear down because she couldn't wait anymore. Carla hissed at the cool air hitting against her core, before Lisa's tongue glided through her folds "Fuck Car-" she was cut off by Carla moaning, arching her back and digging her fingers into Lisa's hair, pulling her closer "I can't wait- Please. I. Need. You." and Lisa obeyed, flattening her tongue and stroking once, twice. The third time, teasing Carla's entrance each time before she started circling her clit, she watched Carla squirm, pinch her own nipples, the pure ecstasy taking over her entire face, that one vein in her neck became prominent with the strain of the moaning that was coming out of her mouth. 

Lisa found her rhythm, circling, sucking, and teasing Carla's clit as she now pumped two fingers inside her, curcling just enough to feel Carla tighten around her. 

"Yes, right there. Fuck just like that," Carla screamed, eyes squeezed shut, chest heaving. 

"Look at me." Lisa commanded, Carla's eyes flew open, and she watched her with intent, fixated on watching Lisa make her come undone "Good girl", Lisa mumbled against her core. She could feel Carla began to lose it, her thighs were trembling, her whol body began to jerk frantically, tightenning, pulsing around Lisa's fingers "I- Fuck...Lisa I'm gon-" the sentance came to an abrupt halt with one gututral scream, followed by Carla gasping for breath, fighting to regain herself, but he head was spinning, her body was still involuntarily spasming. Lisa was slower in her movements now "That's it, princess, ride it out," she said, kissing Carla's core one last time "You're perfect". Lisa crawled back up Carla's body before kissing her, tongue slipping into her mouth, before they both moaned at the shared taste. 

"Christ, that was... Fuck Lisa." Carla had refocused her eyes now as she looked up at Lisa, "Definitely full of surprises, aren't ya?" They both chuckled at that before sharing a kiss again. Carla's hand traced up and down Lisa's back, building up her own energy again before she rolled them both over so that she was now hovering over Lisa, looking intently into her eyes "You're gorgeous, you know that, right?" Carla said as she traced her fingertips up and down the outside of Lisa's thigh, leaving goosebumps trailing behind her. Lisa lay there, almost in awe of the woman above her, words completely failing her, swallowing the dryness caught in her throat. Carla began leaving kisses as she moved slightly down Lisa's body, leaving wet kisses in her wake, until she settled at Lisa's chest, kissing her nipples, licking in between kisses and then sucking when the moan coming from Lisa began encouraging her further. Carla's hand now slid between Lisa's thighs, her fingers gliding through the slick heat of her folds "Hmm, is this the effect I have on you, darling?" and a soft whimper came from Lisa as Carla took one of her nipples in her mouth again.

"Please. Fuck me. I can't take it anymore. Please, Car..." she was begging now, whining for it and pleading for it. Carla wanted to make her feel just as good as Lisa had, so she folded. The moment for teasing was gone. The primal need to be satisfied echoes in the air. As she slipped one finger in and then eventually a second, Lisa's head was flung back into the bed, the moans had turned into growls, almost "Fuck. Me. Now." She didn't want Carla to slowly find a rhythm she needed, frantic, deep thrusts. Carla obliged, propping herself up on her arm, watching the pleasure take over Lisa's entire being, her one hand still in between Lisa's thighs, her fingers curling inside Lisa in harsh, deep strokes, the heel of her hand slapping against Lisa's clit with every thrust "Faster..." Lisa pleaded, "Yes, yes. Fuck that's it. Rig- Right there." She was clenching around Carla now, her arousal dripping from Carla's hand, the muscles in her torso tightening and with a shudder ripping through her entire body "Take what you need from me, cum for me", Carla whispered into Lisa's chest. Her orgasm was crashing over her "FUCK!" Lisa screamed as she climaxed. Carla allowed her to ride it out before taking her fingers slowly from Lisa before licking the arousal clean from them "You taste...wow... You taste amazing." Carla said as she hummed at the taste from her own fingers. 

They lay afterwards in the centre of the bed, Lisa's head resting on Carla's chest and her arm placed heavily across Carla's stomach "Wow..." Lisa whispered into Carla's skin, that was just about all she could muster after having lost count of the orgasms they had given each other. Carla's fingers were threaded through Lisa's hair as she absentmindedly played with different strands "Well, detective, that was quite possibly the best seven orgasms I've ever had" 

"Keeping count, are we?" Lisa gigled

"When they feel like that, yes." 

And somewhere amidst the glow, the dishevelled duvet, bedorom filled with their scattered date night clothes and lazy smiles, they lay in each other's arms and drifted off to sleep.