Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Weightless. That’s what I’m feeling right now. I don’t know whether that’s the effect of being thirty seven thousand feet up in the air, or whether it’s the pure euphoria that’s surrounding me in this moment. 

Rana’s sipping away at the bottle of water she bought from the shop in the departure lounge as I gaze out of the window. It’s such a beautiful sight. It’s just whole sections of greyish orange below us and looking up, there’s the blackness of the upper atmosphere. We’ve got a beautiful view of the stars, they seem brighter than ever from up here. 

I’m still paying a degree of attention to the view but I can see out of the corner of my eye that Rana’s staring at me with those cute puppy dog eyes and her wide smile. We’re about half an hour into the flight and it’s so peaceful. First class is nice and quiet, it’s mostly old people and business travellers too busy typing on their laptops and iPads. Truth be told, me and Rana probably stick out like a sore thumb but it beats being in economy.

“You’re transfixed on the view aren’t you?” Rana softly asks as I glance at her.

I give a faint laugh “it’s absolutely beautiful. Sky isn’t bad either”

Wow. I’m cringing at my own chat up lines.

Rana’s rolling her eyes, I think she’s impressed that I was so quick witted with that one but she probably thinks it’s as cheesy as I did as soon as I said it.

“You’re a classic romantic aren’t you Kate Connor” she chuckles.

I can tell it’s not really a question so much as a joking statement.

I find myself merely shrugging and just offering my cheekiest grin. It’s my go to move every time I say something that’s cheesy or embarrassing and safe to say it works every time.

“Ooh we need to have a look at that Brochure don’t we!” Rana reminds me, her eyes lighting up and I’m pretty sure I can see steam coming out of her ears. I guess we got caught up in the sheer beauty of what’s outside and temporarily forgot what was happening.

I pull out the thin binder from my bag as well as a bottle of Diet Coke, again bought from the shop in the departure lounge. It’s still surprisingly chilled. Rana takes the brochure from me as I pierce the cap on my drink and take a long swig.

The fizz hits the back of my throat like a piece of glass cutting skin which makes me wince. I could buy food and drink onboard but the prices are high and the quality is ridiculously low. Besides, I got food poisoning last time I bought plane food. Filthy stuff.

“Gosh” Rana muses, eyes embroiled in the pictures of the villa “it’s beautiful”

She turns the brochure round for me to see and I’m fairly sure she’s excitedly pointing out various features but I’m not exactly hearing any of it. I find myself transfixed on her smile and how happy she is in this moment. It’s the first time we’ve both been happy for real in such a long time. Neither of us is trying to force it for the sake of the other. It’s genuine.

“......and the beach is only like a ten minute stroll from the villa and about five minutes in the opposite direction is the city.....Kate are you listening?”

I’m suddenly snapping back to reality as I pick up on what she’s saying. She rolls her eyes, probably realising that I wasn’t properly listening but she’s also smirking.

“Er...yeah” I offer in response “you were saying about the beach and the city being close by?”

Rana nods slowly and refers back to the brochure.

“So the only time we might need to use public transport is to get to and from the airport and if we want to go on one of those city tour things you know on those open top buses?”

I can feel my eyebrows jutting upwards at the suggestion. I’ve never exactly been a fan of tourism but if it makes Rana happy, I’ll go full Bear Grylls if necessary.

“Your wish is my command sweetheart”

*******************************************

About half an hour passes. Thirty odd minutes that’s filled with Rana and me exchanging embarrassing childhood stories. I’m still learning a lot about her even now. I think that’s a testament to our relationship that all these months later, we’re still discovering each other. In the grand scheme of things, it’s probably meaningless but it also feels good that we’re both comfortable enough to share the most intimate and private memories with each other.

I just love watching her smile. God her smile fills my heart to bursting point. In the last eight months, neither of us has had much to smile about. Now though, we’re free of all that. It’s just me, her and our future. Truth be told, I’m hoping that when we get back, Alya will have come round. I obviously hate her for how she’s treated me and Rana, I mean somehow Zeedan took the whole thing better than she did but ultimately, she’s still our best friend outside of all that and I know Rana misses hanging out with her as much as I do.

“What’re you thinking about?” Rana asks softly as she notices me staring into space. Well, almost. We’re not that high up.

Our gazes meet and i find myself huffing before answering the question.

“Just everything that’s happened this year....seems like it’s been one disaster after another. Luke, me running off to Devon and leaving you to deal with everything, ruining your relationship with your parents-“

Rana immediately shoots me down and grabs my hand across the table.

“Kate stop. I know it’s been a bit shit for both of us but it’s in the past now. There’s no point crying over spilled milk babe. We got there in the end and that’s what matters, alright?”

It’s like magnetism, as our lips meet softly over the table. There’s no feeling like it when we connect through a kiss. It’s like everything else drops away. There’s just me, her and the moment.

Predictably this moment is rather rudely interrupted. Why does this never happen in those fantasy novels like Twilight?

“Ladies and gentleman this is your captain speaking, we are about to fly through some heavy wind across the Atlantic. You may experience light to moderate turbulence as we do so. There is no reason to be alarmed”

Rana yawns as she crumples back into her seat. There’s still just under two hours before we land in San Sebastián, predictably I follow her in yawning myself. Ordinarily we’d be heading to bed at this time of night, Rana’s always the first up at the crack of dawn because being the hard working nurse that she is, her hours at the medical centre are not forgiving.

I just sit and watch as my love drifts slowly to sleep. I can barely keep my eyes open myself....

*******************************************

I’m not sure what it is that woke me, Rana shaking me or the intense fluctuation in pressure.

“Come on Kate, we’re starting to descend” Rana says softly, stroking my face.

Slowly, I pull myself up off the table. I’m clearly still half asleep and my hair is sprawled across my face. It looks like I’ve just come back from a messy Friday night in greater Manchester.

I can feel my ears searing as we get closer and closer to the ground. Conveniently enough, there’s a packet of suckable sweets  in my handbag. It always seems to be worse on the way down than it is on the way up.

Before long, there’s the sound of the wheels screeching and the sudden jolt as we touch down on the runway of San Sebastián airport. It takes a few minutes for the plane to come to a full stop, giving me time to sort my hair out properly. Rana isn’t exactly subtle as she watches in fascination while I run my brush through my hair. In hindsight, perhaps a ponytail would’ve been more appropriate for the flight.

Once again, a voice comes over the intercom as the plane comes to a halt and the gurney approaches the cabin door.

“Ladies and gentleman this is the captain speaking. In a few moments the cabin door will be released and you will be able to make your way from the plane and into the airport. I hope you’ve had a pleasant experience onboard flight A457B. The local time is approaching half past three in the morning. Thank you for flying with British Airways and on behalf of BA, have a very lovely holiday”

Rana smiles gleefully as she holds out her hand. The cabin door begins to open, allowing for a rush of cool air as the gurney locks into place.

“Hey” Rana grins as she nudges me “shall we ask if we can get a photo with the pilot? I really want to capture every minute of this holiday”

My heart just melts entirely at Rana’s request. It’s impossible to say no to those puppy dog eyes.

There’s a member of the cabin crew approaching us so I might as well ask the question.

“Excuse me?”

The stewardess stops and offers us a smile.

“I just wanted to ask because this is mine and my girlfriend’s first holiday together, if it’d be possible to get a photo with us in the cockpit with the pilot?”

“I’m sure that won’t be a problem, we wouldn’t usually but you have flown first class with us today so I’m sure we can make an exception” the stewardess replies rather enthusiastically.

Rana is uncharacteristically beaming as we follow the stewardess towards the cockpit. We’re both invited in and are greeted by the pilot and co-pilot.

Rana hands her phone to the stewardess to take the photo. The sound of the shutter snapping and a bright flash fills the enclosed space.

“Thank you so much for doing that for us. Brilliant start to our holiday” Rana exclaims as we leave the cockpit and head to the cabin door. I think it’s fair to say we’re both on cloud nine right about now. Everything is just perfect.

I really believe it can only get better from here.

Chapter Text

After the tedious and lengthy process of going through security and collecting their bags, Kate and Rana made their way to the entrance of the airport at some pace. 

“Good job we’ve both got that feel at home package” Rana chortled as she checked the multitude of messages that had appeared on her lock screen after switching her phone back on. 

Kate nodded in agreement as she too had her eyes on her phone. Both of their phones had location detection turned on and as such, had automatically adjusted to the Spanish time zone. 

03:25am

Rana nudged Kate’s arm. 

“There’s a taxi sat there, shall we see if the driver speaks English? Might be able to take us to the villa” she pondered. 

Kate looked around for any signs of a bus but immediately conceded defeat. It was the early hours of the morning and even in Spain, buses probably only run to a certain time. 

Slowly both women approached the taxi, the car was sign written in Spanish but the traditional taxi lamp on the top was in English. 

“Erm...excuse me?...do you speak English?” Kate nervously faltered towards the Male taxi driver. 

The driver smiled “yes, you need taking to your hotel?”

Rana shook her head and pulled out the brochure to show the driver. 

“This villa, we’re staying there. You know where that is?” she queried, pointing at the map reference inside. 

“Sí” the driver nodded “it’s about ten minutes from here. You need help with luggage?” 

Kate shook her head. 

“nah we’re okay” she says rather loudly for the time of night as she hauls her and Rana’s suitcases into the boot of the taxi. Rana can’t help but smile devilishly as Kate’s t-shirt lifts slightly when she’s picking up the second, heavier suitcase revealing her girlfriend’s toned abs. 

She stroked her girlfriends arm as they both got comfortable in the backseat of the cab. 

Both women were very tired from the flight and could easily fall asleep right about now but both have seen enough horror movies to know that’s probably not the best idea in the world. 

“We’re going straight to bed when we get there” Kate yawned, settling her head to rest in the crook of Rana’s neck and battling to keep her eyes open. 

Rana kissed her girlfriend’s head and stroked her hair. She too was extremely tired, worn out from the events of the last twenty four hours and what felt like an extremely long flight despite it being only a short haul. 

“Definitely. I’m knackered” she agreed “we can sleep in anyway, there’s no rush to go out. Although we’ll need to go to a supermarket to get some food in” 

Their conversation was interrupted by the driver who addressed them from the front of the taxi. 

“You mind if I smoke cigarette?” he asked, holding up a packet of Marlboro red in the mirror. 

Kate nodded “knock yourself out mate, it’s your taxi” 

The driver nodded in appreciation and offered a reassuring wink as he struck the flame to light the cigarette. 

“You would be surprised I think, how many tourists don’t like smell of cigarette burning” he chuckled, taking a long puff “so what brings you young ladies to San Sebastián?” 

Normally Kate and Rana would find themselves particularly uncomfortable interacting with total strangers but the driver seemed like a genuinely nice man who enjoyed chatting to his passengers. 

“A last minute holiday for us really. It’s actually our first as a couple” Kate replied with a smile. 

The drivers eyes lit up at Kate’s words, he seemed to be positively beaming in fact. 

“Romance eh? You definitely chose the right place to come. I met my husband here many years ago. It is our twelfth wedding anniversary next month!” 

Kate’s smile extended up to both sides of her face at the revelation that their taxi driver was also gay. It just proves, you never really know anyone. 

“You know...” the driver laughed “I know many couples who have popped the big question while holidaying here....” 

He not so subtly eyes both Kate and Rana in the mirror with that twinkle in his eye, causing both women to blush at the concept of one proposing to the other. Technically Rana still couldn’t propose yet because her divorce hadn’t completely gone through but it was certainly something to think about for the future. 

The car slowly came to a halt outside the villa which was beautifully lit up by the lamps and illuminated swimming pool. 

“End of the line ladies. I hope you’ve had a pleasant journey this morning. That will be seven euros and twenty three cents.”

Kate pulled out a ten euro note and handed it to the driver. 

“Keep the change mate” she chuckled. 

The driver put his hands together and bowed his head in appreciation. 

“Bless you miss. Not everyone would be that kind and I thank you. I hope you both have a wonderful holiday and if you’re looking for recommendations, the lobster platter at La Fábrica is an excellent dish. With that, I bid you goodnight” 

*******************************************

The young couple barely had time to take in the sheer beauty of the villa, it’s amazing aspects and the incredible view from the veranda as tiredness took over and they ventured straight for the king size bed. 

“Oh just leave all that for tonight” Kate yawned as Rana opened up her suitcase, as if to unpack “I’m just going to sleep in my t-shirt” 

Rana paused for a second before abandoning her efforts. Kate had a point and she was absolutely knackered if she was honest with herself. 

The pair threw their respective clothes to the floor and dived under the surprisingly thin luxury cotton sheets. Rana shuffled around until she settled comfortably in Kate’s arms and allowed herself to really relax for the first time in weeks. 

“Love you” Rana sighed, reaching her hand up to stroke her girlfriend’s face. 

Kate smiled and pressed a tender kiss to Rana’s neck. 

“I love you too, princess” 

*******************************************

The sound of gulls replaced the usual wake up call of the marimba tone on Rana’s phone. Being a nurse, she was always the first up and so she was the one with the alarm every morning which Kate usually managed to sleep through. 

Rana stretched out her arms and legs but felt the space next to her unoccupied. Kate was nowhere to be found in the bedroom. She pulled the charging lead from her phone and bought it to face her. 

3 missed calls - Imran

Imran - 2 messages

Facebook messenger - Imran Habeeb

Facebook - Imran Habeeb posted on your wall

It seemed that Imran already wanted her attention and they weren’t even a day into their holiday.

Having no messages or a note from Kate told her that she was probably just in another room, though being incredibly quiet about it. 

Rana slowly dragged herself out of bed and threw on a dressing gown. The time on her phone displayed as 10:25 local time. An unusual sight greeted her as she entered the kitchen of the villa. There was Kate, earphones in and dancing by herself as she packed food and supplies into the fridge freezer and cupboards. 

She once again pulled out her phone as an idea occurred to her and discreetly activated the video camera, walking very slowly around the kitchen, making sure she captured every moment of the action for posterity. 

It wasn’t long before Kate’s dancing caused her to turn, noticing Rana who had a huge grin plastered across her face as she continued recording her girlfriend’s moves. 

Her eyes widened in horror as she realised that her antics had been captured and would inevitably end up on Facebook for all her friends and family to see. Cringe wasnt even the word. 

“You sneaky bugger!” Kate exclaimed in pretend annoyance “you better not post that anywhere, Rana” 

Rana laughed menacingly “bit late sweetheart. I’ve just put it on Facebook and tagged our clan and Imran” 

“Ranaaaaa” Kate groaned, earning a loving smile from her girlfriend. 

Kate continued to unpack and load the shopping into their respective places.

“When did you do all get all this?” Rana queried, gesturing to the assortment of bags scattered around the unnecessarily huge dining table on which they were situated. 

Kate huffed as she took a break from bending and stretching to reach the cupboards “oh I woke up earlier than I anticipated so I figured I’d whip round the supermarket, get some stuff in. I didn’t want to wake you” 

Rana smiled and pecked her girlfriend’s lips. 

“What did I ever do to deserve you eh?” 

Kate’s eyebrow arched and a smirk worked its way onto her face. Rana helped her unload the last of the bags and quickly noticed Kate had forgotten one very important thing. 

“You forgot to get Milk, Kate” Rana couldn’t help but giggle at the irony. It probably wouldn’t have lasted all that long anyway. 

Kate shook her head confidently. 

“Nope” She chimed “I didn’t pick any up because it’s Spain. We’ve got these instead” 

She opened the door to the fridge freezer revealing many bottles of Corona and three bottles of Pinot. What else would you drink in that environment? 

Rana nodded, clearly impressed at Kate’s thinking. Still, a pint of milk might’ve been nice for the cold nights. Which are an actual thing in Spain believe it or not. 

Kate smiled devilishly and slowly pulled Rana by her waist “see I do think of you sweetheart” 

“I know” Rana sighed as she wrapped her arms around Kate’s back and rested her head on her girlfriend’s shoulder. 

Kate chuckled “what’s this for?” 

Rana shrugged “because you Kate Connor, are bloody brilliant” 

Kate smiled and planted a soft kiss on Rana’s head. She loved these small moments of emotional intimacy. It made everything they’d gone through to get here absolutely worth it ten times over. 

“I should probably call Imran” Rana sighed as she remembered the missed attempts to contact her when she’d woken up. She pulled out her phone and went straight to her brother’s number, tapping dial. 

“Hi it’s Imran, sorry I can’t take your call right now. Leave me your name and number and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can”

Rana rolled her eyes as she hung up. Typical of her to get the answering machine when she tries to call her brother. She quickly typed out a text to get him to call her. 

Hey, saw you were trying to get hold of me this morning but I was asleep, everything ok? R x

She quickly hit send and stashed her phone back into her dressing gown and turned her attention back to Kate who was cracking eggs into the frying pan. 

“What do you want in your omelette babe?” Kate asked softly. 

Rana mused over the choices of fillings and eventually to follow Kate’s own decision with a ‘bit of everything’. Her girlfriend had a joyful smile as she continued to cook whilst musing over her phone to the side of her. 

Kate let out a small giggle in response to something that she’d seen on her phone. 

“What’s tickled you?” asked Rana inquisitively. 

Chuckling, Kate put her phone in front of Rana for her to see the comment that Carla had left on the video posted on Rana’s Facebook. 

Practising for your first dance as a married couple? LOL x

Rana grinned and immediately went to her own phone to respond. Carla had been the most supportive of their relationship from the get go and had played peacemaker between everyone during the aftermath of Aidan’s untimely passing, she’d been an anchor to sanity for all of them. 

“My sister the joker” Kate mused sarcastically as she locked her phone and continued about preparing breakfast “so what do you fancy doing today? Stroll down the beach?” 

Rana barely had time to consider the options as her phone began to vibrate dangerously close to the edge of the worktop at which she was sat.

Incoming Call : Imran Habeeb

She put her finger to her lips, gesturing (politely of course) for Kate to be quiet and put the phone to her ear. 

“Hey what’s up?.....yeah we’re fine.....right.....okay.....yeah I mean it’s not like I was expecting him to and after everything that’s happened i really don’t care anymore....okay....love you, bye” 

Kate had a worried expression as she finally spoke up “is everything okay?” 

Rana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 

“Yeah that was Imran. He spoke to mum and dad. Turns out they weren’t interested in contacting me at all. They wanted his attention” 

Kate’s expression was now turning to one of confusion with a degree of disbelief. Rana’s parents had seemed obsessed with ruining their daughter’s happiness since they’d found out about the relationship, it was difficult to comprehend a situation with them that didn’t involve Rana. 

“Why what’s going on?” Kate queried as she placed two plates of omelette down opposite each other at the ridiculously long kitchen table. 

Rana sighed as she took her place “my dad is having a gathering for his sixtieth birthday and he’s invited Imran...but not me” 

Kate smiled and gestured around the room “well you wouldn’t have been able to go anyway because we’re out here, what’s the big deal? Besides it’s not like you have a good relationship with him anyway” 

“I know” Rana replied “but if he’s decent enough to invite Imran, it might’ve been nice for him to at least invite his daughter. I wouldn’t have gone but it’s the sentiment that I care about. I know it sounds childish b-“ 

Kate cut her off by unexpectedly laying a reassuring kiss on her girlfriend’s lips. 

“I understand, really I do” Kate confided “....is Imran going?” 

Rana shook her head. Despite receiving an invite, Imran had assured her that he had no intention of attending the gathering. His relationship with their parents was as dead as hers. 

Kate took Rana’s hand, stroking the it with her thumb. 

“Well that’s something, try not to let it get to you babe. Come on, let’s polish this off and we’ll go for a walk down be beach” she said with a grin. 

*******************************************

The sand beneath their feet was tender, soft but warm as the Spanish sun cast its heat upon the beach. Around them, music and the sounds of children playing in the shallow waters. It was a welcome change from rain battering the cobbles and the sounds of cars grazing the stones. There was no medical centre and no bistro here. No stresses and no pressures. 

“This place is so beautiful” Rana observed as she and Kate strolled hand in hand across the beach. 

Kate nodded in agreement. It was almost impossible to comprehend that yesterday she’d woken up to a relatively normal day in Manchester and here she was today with the woman she loved enjoying the sunshine and tranquility of Spain. 

“I fancy an ice cream” Kate giggled with a tinge of embarrassment “what about you?”  

Rana cocked her head, indicating faux confusion. They were on holiday in Spain. Ice cream was kind of a given. Kate immediately picked up on it and the two headed for the ice cream bar just a stones throw from where they’d been stood only a few moments before. 

Kate ordered a mix of Neopolitan, mint and cookie dough, Rana opted simply for a triple scoop of the latter. Kate handed over a ten euro note to the tender of the bar and they slowly continued their stroll down the beachfront. 

“It’s perfect this” Kate beamed, squeezing Rana’s free hand ever so slightly. 

Rana smiled between taking small bites from her ice cream. Kate bought them to a halt next to a rather overgrown palm tree and pulled out her phone. 

“Come on” She chuckled towards Rana “let’s take a selfie” 

Rana and Kate gave their best and widest grins and made sure their ice cream made it into the photo. The sound of the iPhone shutter captured the moment. Kate pulled up the photo on her camera roll and presented it to Rana. 

Rana smiled lovingly “aw that’s really nice. You’ve got a skill for taking good photos” 

“I know aye!” Kate laughed as she launched her Facebook app. 

‘Ice cream & sunshine vibes. Living my best life with my lady’ - With Rana Habeeb.  

Rana rolled her eyes as she heard the sound of her phone ping from the pocket of her floral playsuit. 

“I don’t even need to look to know you’ve posted that on Facebook” she giggled. 

Kate merely shrugged and smiled longingly at Rana. She was a true romantic at heart. A few moments followed before a very unexpected notification popped up on her lock screen. 

Alya Nazir liked your photo. 

Chapter Text

“Do you want to eat out tonight?” Kate asked as she poured a glass of the red wine she’d picked up from the local supermarché.

Rana sniggered a little at Kate’s unfortunate choice of words, earning a roll of the eyes from the former. 

“Honestly” Kate chuckled “you’re such a child” 

Rana shrugged innocently “where’ve you got in mind?” 

Kate yawned as she tried to remember the name of the restaurant that had been recommended by the taxi driver that had bought them from the airport. 

“The place that guy suggested, what was it called again?” 

Rana clicked her fingers as she knew the name of the restaurant. She had a gift for names and places. 

“La Fabricá” she confirmed which bought out a wide smile in her girlfriend. 

Kate nodded at what most would consider a dangerous pace as she too remembered it had been suggested to them on the night of their arrival. Yesterday had been spent mostly at the beach and in cocktail bars where the drinks were cheap and even more so at happy hour. 

Tonight Kate really wanted to take Rana out for a date night but could sense that it probably wasn’t at the top of Rana’s agenda. However that wasn’t going to stop her trying. 

“Do you fancy it?” Kate asked softly as she slowly sank into the sofa and leaned her head into Rana’s chest. 

Rana sighed and played with Kate’s hair whilst she considered the proposal “go on then, I suppose we might as well make the most of the night life whilst we’re here”

Kate laughed at Rana’s enthusiasm or lack thereof. She knew that her girlfriend was trying very hard to forget about everything that was going on back home and focus on their holiday. She couldn’t exactly blame her for wanting to be loved by her parents. Every child surely would. 

“What should I wear?” Rana asked as she looked down at the shorts and floral t-shirt combination that was her current wardrobe situation. 

Kate looked towards the bedroom “we can wear whatever babe, doesn’t need to be formal or anything” 

“Well then” Rana said with a smirk “whichever one of us is the slowest to get ready pays the bill?”

Both women jumped from the sofa and headed for the bedroom at speed.

*******************************************

The walk into town was steady, slow and peaceful. Palm trees surrounded the couple as they strolled arm in arm towards their destination. Rana had chosen a black jumpsuit  decorated with a red floral patterning, Kate opted simply for a red lace knee length dress.

The Sun had begun to set just as they’d left the villa, making for an awe inspiring scenery on their journey. 

“What’re you thinking about?” Kate whispered softly, noticing Rana’s somewhat blank expression. 

Rana looked at her, almost apologetically and offered a sad smile. 

“Just how far gone my parents really are....i know i shouldn’t expect anything less but i thought they might come round eventually you know? I figured that once they’d seen how happy i am with you, they might warm to us being together”

Kate was helpless. She wanted nothing more than for Rana to be accepted by her parents for who she was and who she loved but she also knew that they weren’t going to change their views. To them, Rana was no longer family. She was nothing more than an outcast. 

“Listen to me” Kate sighed as they came to a brief halt “its their loss Rana. If they’re willing to disown you just for being in love with a woman then they don’t deserve to have you as a daughter okay? You are worth so much more than that” 

Rana smiled and guided Kate’s head, bringing it to rest against her own. 

“I love you” she whispered, pressing her lips softly against Kate’s. 

Kate grinned as she slowly pulled away from the kiss “i love you more” 

Rana just laughed as they interlocked their fingers and continued walking towards the restaurant. 

“You know...” she mused “i’m still shocked that Alya liked that photo you posted on Facebook”

Kate had been just as shocked at first. Alya had been a thorn in their sides since their relationship had been exposed, something which was only exacerbated by her hostile takeover of Underworld. She’d barely been able to make eye contact with either of the women. Perhaps this was the first foundations of building bridges?

“Mmmm” Kate murmured in agreement “maybe she’s starting to come round, Sarah said the other day she’s being uncharacteristically nice to everyone at the factory lately” 

Rana raised her eyebrows. If Alya was being purposely nice to people, something really was off. After all, they say a leopard never changes its spots. 

*******************************************

Upon arrival and being shown to their table, it was evident that the restaurant was in fact a self serve buffet style arrangement as opposed to an everyday order & wait service.

“Not quite what I was expecting” Kate mused as she observed her surroundings.

Rana simply shrugged at the observation. It was nice enough and she knew that Kate didn’t mean for it to come across in a negative context. 

“I’ll get us some drinks if you want to get your food?” Kate smiled “I can get mine after I get the drinks”

Rana looked at her lovingly for a brief moment before sliding out of her seat. 

“Love you” she whispered on her way to the food counters. 

Kate loved nothing more than hearing those words spoken proud and aloud from the woman who had stolen every inch of her heart. 

Kate got up and headed towards the bar to order their drinks when her phone buzzed. Pulling it out of her handbag, she noticed a WhatsApp message.

Alya Nazir : Can we talk? x

Kate swiped away the notification and stuffed her phone back into her bag. On a list of her priorities, talking to Alya was definitely not one of them. 

“Bicardi and coke and a white wine por favor” she exclaimed hurriedly and passed over a ten euro note to the barman. 

She took a brief glance over to the food counters and could see Rana trying to decide what to stick on her plate. Truth be told, most of it was good old English choices. Eggs. Chips. Rice. Chicken. If it was English, it was probably there. 

Her attention was snapped back to the bar as the drinks were served. 

“Gracias”

Kate retook her seat and watched as Rana approached the table, plate decorated with assorted foods.

“I see someone’s hungry” she chuckled as her girlfriend sat opposite her and set her plate down on the table.

Rana merely shrugged “are you gonna get your food?”

“Er yeah” Kate acknowledged, rising from her seat “back in two ticks”

Rana checked her phone again as Kate was busy plating up and discovered a series of messages.

Alya Nazir : Rana, can we talk? Please?

Alya Nazir : Look I know I’ve been a bitch to you and you probably hate me but I want to make things right.

Imran Habeeb : sis can you text Alya? She’s doing her nut in here x

Yasmeen : hello my dear, don’t want to disturb your holiday but could you possibly get in touch with Alya as soon as it’s convenient, she really wants to talk to you. Y x

“Everything ok sweetheart?” Kate implored as she returned to their table, noticing that Rana’s cutlery hadn’t moved since she had gotten up.

Rana nodded slowly “think Alya’s been trying to get my attention all day, had two messages off her, one off Imran and another off Yasmeen”

Kate’s rolled her eyes in dismay. The entire idea of taking this holiday was to get away from all the stresses of weatherfield.

“You’re not obligated to reply to them Rana, this is our time to relax and put all that to the side so that we can have a well deserved break” she replied, a slight forcefulness in her voice. One that didn’t go unnoticed.

Rana reached her hand across the table, linking her fingers with Kate’s.

“I know babe” she reasoned “but it sounds like Alya’s finally coming around to us now. I think she really wants to make up”

Kate looked, having had her gaze fixed on the table.

“Better late than never” she muttered.

Rana couldn’t help but smirk, Kate was surprisingly cute when she got herself worked up.

She’d barely taken a mouthful before Kate spoke again.

“Just a shame your parents can’t come to their senses as well”

Rana’s knife and fork clattered on the plate as she abruptly ceased eating and angrily set down her cutlery.

“Why would you bring that up, Kate? Seriously!” she snapped.

Kate held her hands up “I’m just saying. It’s not like I’m wrong either”

“Why are you saying that?” Rana demanded “a second ago you were berating me for mentioning Alya when we’re supposed to be taking time for ourselves. My parents have made some bad choices Kate but it still doesn’t change the fact that they’re my parents. They’re always going to be even if I don’t have a positive relationship with them. You don’t hear me bad mouthing Johnny!”

Once again Kate rolled her eyes.

“Yeah well that’s probably because he isn’t homophobic and hasn’t tried to kidnap me for being who I am” she retorted sarcastically.

That was it. Rana had heard enough.

“I’m going back to the villa. I don’t have to listen to this. Enjoy your meal”

She kept her head steadfast as she walked away from the table, her girlfriend and the restaurant. Both of them needed time to calm down and consider what to do and say next.

Chapter Text

It wasn’t as if Kate hadn’t had a valid point back there. The fact that she had been bang on the money about everything was further sting to an already venomous situation in which she found herself caught in the crossfire.

Rana loved Kate but wished that she would abstain from dragging her parents through the mud at every given opportunity. Granted, their actions were far from those of an all loving and caring parent unit but she still found herself being able to love them despite the differences that had presented themselves.

Johnny, despite being a hundred times the parent that Saira and Hassan were put together, still had his flaws and had said and done things that were questionable at best but she’d never made quips about any of those things to Kate out of what she considered to be basic human decency. The fact that Kate couldn’t seem to mirror that was a real gut punch.   

Yet as she trudged her way through the mild heat that graced the evening air she almost felt guilty for just upping and leaving Kate behind at the restaurant like that. It was a feeling she’d become all too familiar with in recent months, yet it still cut deeper than she might’ve liked to admit. The worst part of it all was, she was the one feeling the burden despite usually being the victim of the scenario.

A vibration emanating from the pocket of her jumpsuit broke her attention away from the muddle of thoughts in which she’d found herself lost.

Kate : I messed up...I’m sorry....I’m going to head back to the villa....I love you. Please come back X

Rana sighed heavily as she slowly descended to sit herself down on the sand. Part of her wanted to stay mad at Kate and not be weak willed but the other part of her wanted nothing more than to go straight back to the villa as fast as possible and make up because there was nothing she hated more than fighting with the woman she’d fallen hopelessly in love with.

There was something oddly soothing about watching the waves curling, grazing the tip of the sand metres away from the tips of Rana’s toes. The beach was peaceful at this time of evening, visited only by those who also wanted to be alone with their thoughts for a short while.

“You’ll catch your death out here” called a voice softly from behind her.

Rana didn’t even need to turn around to see who’s voice it was, being one that she’d gotten used to hearing every day, first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.

“I wanted to be own my own for a bit” she replied “needed to clear my head I suppose”

Kate nodded slowly, knowing that she’d been unfair back at the restaurant.

“I didn’t mean to upset you before but I can see now that I shouldn’t have said what I did. I’m sorry” she admitted as she parked herself down beside her.

Rana glanced at Kate and took her girlfriends hand into her own.

“Kate...i love you more than I’ve ever known how to love another person before” she confessed “but i hate fighting with you because it hurts and you bringing up my parents all the time doesn’t help at all. That’s what they want. They want us to fight because of them because they think it’ll come between us and I’ll go running back to them and I won’t give them the satisfaction”

Kate buried her head in the crook of Rana’s shoulder, feeling her love’s fingers gliding their way through her hair.

“I’m sorry I’m a mess...I just always worry that one day you’ll wake up and decide I’m not worth the sacrifice” she confided.

Rana planted a kiss on Kate’s forehead “don’t be daft, you’re the best thing in my life and I wouldn’t give you up for anything or anyone. We’ve been through too much for me to ever throw in the towel....however much you drive me round the bend”

Kate could not stifle a giggle at the supercilious comment.

“I know that I need to change and accept that your mum and dad are always going to be a part of your life...it’s not fair of me to get in the way of that” she admitted.

Rana sighed in dismay.

“I don’t want you to change Kate” she asserted “that’s not what this is about. I just need you to try and see past everything that happened with my mum and dad. It’s behind us now and I want us to just focus on being happy and enjoying this life we’ve started to build for ourselves. No drama and no more these silly arguments”

Rana’s admission bought a tear to Kate’s eye. She’s always had a talent for choosing exactly the right words to play on the heartstrings. It was one of the traits she possessed that was both adorable and infuriating in equal measure.

Kate pulled Rana in and held her tightly, as if afraid to break the embrace in any way.

“I love you, Rana”

*******************************************

For Kate to wake to an empty bed was something she’d ordinarily consider the daily routine. Rana being a nurse, was always the first one up and in the shower and Kate would follow behind before enjoying a takeaway coffee from Roys or the Costa that had opened up on Victoria Street during the morning commute.

Today though, it was somewhat alarming that she couldn’t find Rana next to her. Where was she? How long had she been gone? Questions that immediately buzzed in Kate’s head with a desperate need for the quickest possible answer.

“Rana?” she called out as she made her way into the open plan lounge area. Her concern was quickly dismissed as she could see Rana standing out on the veranda, apparently on some kind of video call, though she couldn’t make out who with from where she stood.

Kate watched for a good few minutes as she set about preparing breakfast for the both of them. Eventually Rana retreated inside but from the expression on her face, something was clearly bothering her.

“You alright?” she inquired, not taking her eyes off her girlfriend.

Rana shrugged and offered a sad, unconvincing smile. 

“That was Imran” she replied “last night...my dad had a stroke...he’s in hospital and comatosed”

For a moment there was silence. Neither seemed to be able to conjure the right words and Kate certainly couldn’t say what she was thinking in that moment.

Eventually, words were replaced with action as Kate took Rana’s hand tightly.

“If you think we should go home, I’ll completely understand you know” she said hesitantly.

Rana shook her head confidently.

“There’s no need. He wouldn’t make the same effort if the circumstances were reversed and besides, my mum’s made it clear to Imran that I’m not welcome. I honestly just want to be here with you away from it all”

Kate’s eyes lit up at the admission, this was a true first for Rana and it felt like a huge step forward.

“I’m so proud of you, Rana” she replied softly “I’m not sure if I’d be able to have that bravery if it was Johnny in your dads place”

Rana pulled Kate towards her and planted a soft kiss on her girlfriends lips and proceeded towards the kettle.

“So what do you think we should do today?” she asked, flicking the switch down.

Kate smiled and slipped a leaflet across the unit towards her.

Aquarium - Sea Palace

Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz

“Mmm” Rana mused “you want to take me to see some exotic fish?”

Kate arched an eyebrow.

“Is that a no?” she asked with a hint of amusement.

“Nah” giggled Rana “I’m up for that....what are you rustling up by the way?”

Kate looked toward the worktop, a sealed packet of bacon and a box of eggs sat waiting to be opened & used.

“Ah” Kate murmured “I was getting stuff out to make us a nice breakfast, you hungry?”

Rana nodded profusely “famished”

“Well” Kate smiled, twirling Rana around “you make us some coffees and I’ll make us a breakfast that even Gordon Ramsay couldn’t turn his nose up at”

Unbeknownst to the giggling girls, Kate’s phone began to vibrate as a message appeared on the lock screen.

Imran Habeeb : We need to talk.

Chapter Text

Kate had spent all morning trying to figure out what it meant. Was it a mistake? What could it possibly be about? Of course, her first and primary concern was it being something that would affect Rana. She couldn’t stand to think of her girlfriend being put through any more agro. They’d both had enough of that to last them a lifetime.

‘We need to talk’

To say it made her feel uneasy was an understatement. She hadn’t dared to show Rana the message for the sake of keeping her mind at ease. She just wanted to enjoy the rest  of their holiday without any additional stress. On the other side of the coin however, she couldn’t bear the burden of keeping something from Rana, no matter how small.

‘You okay, Kate?” Rana asked with a reassuring smile, noticing Kate staring at her phone as they strolled hand in hand across the beach.

Kate quickly found herself being pulled back to reality, locking her phone and shoving it into the back pocket of the denim shorts she’d chosen for their day out.

“Hmm? Yeah sorry I was in a world of my own there. What were you saying?”

Rana laughed “I just asked if you were okay...you were engrossed in your phone and I couldn’t help noticing that you didn’t look too happy”

Kate merely huffed and shrugged her shoulders in an attempt to act casual, as if she wasn’t keeping a secret from the woman she loved that made her feel incredibly uncomfortable.

“Just er...” she began “....Alya. Yeah she keeps poking me on Facebook and she’s called quite a few times”

Rana rolled her eyes.

“Just ignore her babe” she replied.

Kate glanced at Rana, her expression one of unease but quickly offered an unconvincing smile. She didn’t want her to catch on to what was really playing on her mind. Today was about the two of them. Everything else could wait.

“So whats at this aquarium besides the obvious?” Rana asked with a grin.

It took Kate a moment to register the question before she remembered exactly what she’d seen on the leaflet, caught up in her own thoughts.

“Erm they’ve got like a restaurant” she replied “and this really cool three hundred and sixty degree underground tunnel that stretches for about a mile into the ocean. I think you’ll love it”

Rana smiled “as long as I’m with you, I will love it”

Kate tucked a few strands of hair behind Rana’s ear as they came to a brief halt only a few hundred meters from their destination.

“I hope that’ll be forever”

“Well...” Rana hinted “there’s still the small matter of my decree absolute not being finalised yet...but that shouldn’t be too much longer. I’ll speak to Imran about it later on”

Kate couldn’t help but feel slightly awkward at the mention of her girlfriend’s brother.

“How was he when you spoke to him this morning?” she inquired as they continued the last stretch to the aquarium.

Rana simply shrugged “no different to usual, you know Imran he’s practically married to the job...why?”

“Oh nothing” Kate assured “just Daniel said that Adam had gone away for a bit and left Imran in the lurch of it. Said he was having to take on all of the cases that Adam left”

“First I’ve heard of it. Can’t say I’d blame him if that was pressuring him” Rana murmured.

“Plus Yasmeen said he’s been getting a bit of stick from Sophie and Tim lately because of what happened with Sally and Duncan” she mused.

Rana huffed “he was only doing his job though and he actually helped get her out in the end, they should be thanking him!”

Kate nodded slowly, turning her attention back to the day ahead of them.

“Looks like this is the entrance” she exclaimed, pointing towards the sliding doors only a few feet away.

Rana arched an eyebrow “right then, let’s go and see what life’s like for Nemo and Spongebob shall we”

*******************************************

“So what did you think of the aquarium?” Kate beamed as they stopped off for Ice Cream whilst heading deeper into the town located in the surrounding area.

Rana nodded enthusiastically, trying desperately to avoid brain freeze from the mint choc double scoop she’d chosen.

“It was really good, I loved seeing those cute dolphins. Reminded me of when mum and dad took me and Imran to Spain. There was a Sea Sanctuary there that protects endangered marine mammals”

Kate smiled wide, she loved hearing about Rana’s childhood, a time when her relationship with her parents couldn’t have been tainted by anything. Rana was the ‘golden child’ as she’d once described it, growing up. Imran had always been the rebel child of the Habeeb clan.

“Ooh speaking of Imran” Rana remarked as she pulled her phone out of her bag and put it to her ear.

Kate’s heart began to race as her girlfriend listened to what her brother was saying on the other end, but quickly slowed when Rana smiled warmly toward her.

“Yeah....well why did you do that?....right...right okay....well thanks for letting me know I suppose.....alright I’ll talk to Kate...alright speak to you later...bye”

Rana chucked her phone back into her bag and turned to Kate.

“You didn’t tell me that Imran had text you this morning?” she asked with a mixture of confusion and wariness.

“No” Kate said slowly as she showed Rana the message on her phone “the way I read it...it seemed like something was up...I take it that everything is okay?”

Rana shrugged “the doctors have said they don’t expect my dad to recover....i don’t think he wanted me to know at first which is why he text you....”

“Oh Rana” Kate sighed,  pulling her in tightly “I’m so sorry....how’s your mum taking it?”

The younger woman scoffed.

“Well she’s certainly not interested in a medical explanation for him having had the stroke. She’d rather blame religion and the fact that her daughter is a lesbian I imagine”

Kate’s heart hurt for Rana, allowing herself the blame for something that was far beyond her control and couldn’t possibly have been prevented in any way.

“Rana this isn’t your fault” she affirmed struggling to keep back the tears that were slowly forming.

Again, Rana merely shrugged “Try telling my mum that”

“The offer still stands. If you want us to fly home so you can try and talk to her, I’ll understand”

Rana looked slowly to the ground and shook her head.

“I’m tired Kate. I’m tired of trying to talk to her. I’m tired of trying to get her to understand and accept that this is who I am. She’s never going to get used to the fact that I love you and want to grow old with you and that’s on her”

Hearing Rana say those words made Kate’s heart swell with love and pride. It would’ve been touching to hear any one of her former girlfriends convey such emotion but the fact that Rana had given up and was still giving up so much to be with her was a whole other scale of love.

“But what about your dad?” she cautioned.

Rana sighed deeply.

“If he does recover then great, nothing will change. If he doesn’t then as far as I’m concerned, my father died a long time ago anyway. I’ve got you and I’ve got Imran. You and him the only people I need in this world”

This time, Kate couldn’t hold back the tears and simply allowed them to flow.

“I love you so much”

*******************************************

For a few hours, Rana and Kate found themselves taking in the sun and dipping in and out of the built-in pool back at the villa. Kate would watch with utter fascination as Rana’s body glided seamlessly across the water, breaking the stillness of the surface.

“Don’t you know it’s rude to ogle?” Rana smirked as she approached the poolside.

Kate laughed as she took Rana in her arms.

“Well” she remarked as she planted a kiss on her lips “you shouldn’t look like that”

Rana laughed “I don’t usually. It’s amazing what makeup can do these days”

“Don’t be daft” Kate retorted, taking out her phone “makeup or no makeup, you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Come on I wanna take a photo of us”

Rana pulled a wide smile while Kate posed kissing Rana’s cheek as the camera on her phone clicked.

“Oh god I look a right mess” Rana giggled as she observed the photo that Kate had already set as her lockscreen and immediately sensed that her girlfriend would have a counter-argument.

Kate shook her head at a speed one would probably consider dangerous “shut up you’re beautiful...and there’s something I want to talk to you about actually”

Rana immediately gave Kate her full attention “Oh?”

“Yeah...” Kate rasped “I’ve been thinking that maybe it’s time we both give Alya the benefit of the doubt and hear her out if she really wants to make amends but it’s your call as much as mine...”

Rana tilted her head for a moment, she hadn’t really thought about reaching out to her former best friend and ex sister in law after she’d indirectly outed her relationship to the entire street...but if Kate was willing to give it a chance, so was she.

“Nothing to lose I suppose” Rana contemplated.

Let’s do it.

Chapter Text

The wait felt eternal as Alya’s FaceTime tone rang out..and out....and out...until eventually the black screen peered back and the face of Rana’s former sister in law and Kate’s former flat mate filled the screen of their shared iPad.

“Hi...” Alya faltered. It was the first time she’d properly talked to Kate and Rana since the latter of the two had returned from hospital and even that had been a brief exchange of unpleasantries.

Rana encouraged herself to offer a smile as Kate remained steadfast.

“Hi Alya...” she mused “hows things?”

Alya nodded cautiously, or perhaps that was just the lag of the iPad.

“Erm yeah not too bad. Very busy....I didn’t expect you to get in touch to be honest”

For Kate, that certainly made two of them. She’d not exactly had any intention of trying to draw any kind of line in the sand with her former flat mate. Until now. Months of exchanging unpleasantries stemming from her having been determined to take Underworld from her family, the snide comments towards herself and Rana after she’d become aware of the adulterous relationship.

Maybe time did heal wounds....

Rana glanced towards Kate, noticing her tense  and took ahold of her hand over her shoulder.

“Yeah...” she began “...to be honest you’ve got Kate to thank for that. It was her idea to try and put the past behind us and I hope we can because it’s not doing any of us any favours letting this animosity carry on endlessly”

Kate softened up and a smile creeped its way onto her face as she listened to her girlfriend’s brave admission.

Silence reigned for a few moments before Alya finally spoke up again “I’d like nothing more than that honestly and I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for my behaviour these last few months...I won’t try and make any excuses because there are none that justify my actions towards the both of you so I just hope this is an acceptable by way of an apology.”

Rana looked softly towards Kate with that smile that she knew was impossible to say no to “what do you think?”

Kate responded with a mere rolling of the eyes and a pouting smile, knowing that she couldn’t back out now even if she had wanted to. If making amends with Alya was what Rana wanted, so did she.

“Friends?” she suggested, moving her hand back and forth between herself and Rana and towards the face that filled the screen.

Alya took a moment to respond before breaking out a wide grin and nodding vigorously “yes! Of course! I’ve missed our antics!”

Kate watched as Rana and Alya chatted away, occasionally dipping into the conversation and more and more, she felt a realisation dawning on her. The realisation that Rana really was the one she wanted by her side throughout any challenge & hardship that life threw at her.

This really was her future. She was her future.

*******************************************

As the day went on, Kate found herself being unable to shift her thoughts from anything that didn’t involve Rana. She pictured herself proposing to Rana, both of them walking down the aisle, having a child, buying their first house together, picking out schools, getting their first pet. It was all she could think about. How Rana seemed to fit into everything she wanted in life, like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. It just wasn’t complete without her.

She’d never known love like this before Rana and that sometimes scared Kate. It scared her because she knew that it occasionally made her a little possessive. More than she would've liked to admit.

The thought of anything coming between the two of them scared her witless if she was being honest with herself.

She’d already come terrifyingly close to losing Rana on more than one occasion. She never, ever wanted to feel that dread again. Not now.

"What are you thinking about?" Rana whispered as she snaked her arms around Kate's waist, pressing a gentle kiss to the taller woman's neck.

Kate smiled at the contact "...the future"

"Oh aye?" Rana smirked as Kate turned to face her "got plans have we?"

Kate shrugged as she poured two glasses of the Pinot that she'd bought a few days earlier.

"Not plans as such but after what that taxi driver said the other night...I realised there's stuff I want to do one day...me and you...I don't want us to just settle for mundane"

Rana took her glass from Kate and quickly raised it to her lips "we won't, I want us to have adventures too and do all the settling down stuff as well but I feel like we owe it to ourselves to live a little first, especially after everything that we've had to overcome to get here. We've got all the time in the world for long term commitments babe"

Kate nodded slowly but the look in her eye was clear. Disguising feelings had never been her strong point. She was clearly disappointed and it didn't go unnoticed to Rana.

"Listen to me" Rana explained "I'm going to give you everything you want I promise but I don't want to rush into these things. I want us to enjoy what we have now and live in the present. We'll get there eventually and it'll be worth it when the moment comes”

Kate offered a not so convincing smile and quickly dropped the subject from discussion, even though she knew it wasn’t going to stop playing on her mind anytime soon.

Rana approached the fridge and sighed when she couldn’t find anything particularly appealing to eat. Suddenly, lunch had presented itself with something of a question mark.

"Do you fancy a Pizza?" She enquired and gestured towards the nearly bare fridge beside her "we haven't got much in, we can pop to the shops later on"

I simple shrug was all Kate could muster in response to the innocent question "whatever you want"

“Come on Kate don’t be like this” she sighed, doing her best to keep her voice from breaking. The last thing she wanted was to get upset and them end up arguing again.

Kate turned and slumped her way towards the sofa, resting her head in her hands as she slowly descended to her seating. Rana followed her, taking Kate’s hand into her own as she sat beside her.

“It won’t be forever Kate. I’m not definitively saying no to all these things because I want them too at some point but I don’t want to rush anything with you...with us because what we have is so special and I want to cherish that before we get bogged down with mortgages and shitty nappies and school fees and all that jazz”

Kate couldn’t suppress her laughter at the comment about nappies and she could tell from the twinkle in Rana’s eye that she meant every word. It would happen one day.

She nodded slowly, knowing Rana was absolutely right “I’m sorry...I guess I just get carried away sometimes when I think about what the future holds for us”

“I know, babe” Rana replied, trying to sound cautiously encouraging “but that’s the thing about the future, you never know what it’s going to throw at you until it happens”

*******************************************

After the couple had finally talked through the days turbulent turn of events over a pizza ordered to deliver from a local restaurant, Rana had popped out to the shops by the beach front to pick up some essentials, leaving Kate to read up on the surrounding agriculture & wildlife.

After about 15 minutes of what Kate could only describe as absolute boredom, she put her laptop on the coffee table and picked up the iPad and went straight to the FaceTime app, tapping on ‘Chelle’ and hitting call .

The marimba tone rang out for a few moments and Kate cringed as her own face reflected back at her before her face filled a very small box and the screen presented one Michelle Connor.

“Y’alright our kid? How’s San...whatsit?”

Kate sniggered “San Sebastian and it’s lovely”

“Alright for some ain’t it” she retorted and Kate could’ve sworn her eyebrows furrowed slightly “hows your missus?”

She hesitated to respond to Michelle’s question for a moment, debating whether to tell her about the difference of opinion they’d had earlier in the afternoon or just say everything was fine.

“Kate?”

The younger Connor was snapped back to reality by the voice emanating from the screen that rested on the arm of the sofa.

“Er yeah she’s okay...” Kate replied “we had a little moment earlier on where things got a bit heated but we sorted it out. She's just out getting some stuff at the shops at the moment"

Michelle raised an eyebrow, curiosity clearly burning its way to the forefront.

“Well don’t keep me in suspense” she mused.

Kate took a slow breath before speaking again, there was probably no avoiding it. Michelle was like a hoover for gossip.

“Just me being me” she admitted, a hint of self conviction in her voice “wanting everything to move faster than it needs to”

Michelle smirked “Rana”

Kate nodded in embarrassment. Was she really that transparent? Michelle had always said she was a terrible liar...

“Yeah” she confirmed “just after everything that’s happened with us and losing Aidan like that...I just want to know that I’m not going to lose her...that I’m not going to wake up one morning and find that she doesn’t want to be with me anymore. I’m scared that I won’t always be enough for her, Chelle”

The face on the screen seemed to contort into an expression of utter confusion and bewilderment.

“Are ya’ daft?”

Now it was Kate’s face that became a picture of confusion.

“Kate, she’s mad for ya darlin’. You and her are probably the most solid and loved up couple I know, quirks an all. I’ve seen the way she looks at you when she’s sat in the Bistro and honestly? I wish Robert would look at me like that once in a while. Trust me sweetheart, you’re worrying over nothing”

Kate’s heart fluttered somewhat as she listened to Michelle’s words.

“Do you really think?” she beamed.

Michelle chuckled “aye! In fact I’m surprised neither of you has thought about putting a ring on it yet........”

Chapter Text

The thought couldn’t escape Rana’s mind as she trudged her way around the local supermarket, which for a Spanish city did seem to follow a lot of English lifestyle and by attachment, English food.

It was by pure chance that she’d ended up doing a crossword in a moment of relaxation over the late lunch they’d enjoyed when calm had resumed between herself and Kate. Kate hadn’t been paying attention as she’d found herself raving about a new album by one of her favourite artists.

Seven across. Eight letters. Three vowels.

‘a plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration by others.’

Proposal.

A word that until today, hadn’t been at the forefront of Rana’s mind in any capacity. Sure, she’d thought or rather more accurately, fantasised about  one day getting down on one knee, asking the all important question but the fact that the word had presented itself to her in such a unique fashion on today of all days hardly felt like a coincidence.

Rana almost felt a degree of hypocrisy as it continued to niggle in her head whilst she tried to think about other things but it kept coming back to her. Proposal. Propose. It was hardly the best timing in the world for her to be even entertaining the notion of asking Kate to spend the rest of her life with her, especially with her divorce to Zeedan still hanging over her.

Yet there it stayed, like a stuck record playing endlessly over. Distraction eventually came as the vibration of her phone broke her train of thought.

Kate : pick up some more wine, we’re running low haha. Love you x

Rana shook her head, going to no effort to conceal the broad smile that quickly worked its way across her face. Her eyes quickly averted to the wine selection and in particular, the rather posh looking bottle of Rosé that sat proudly at the very front.

Picking up two bottles, Rana headed swiftly for the checkout. Fortunately, the young lady that served her seemed to be almost fluent in English which meant Rana was well on her way back toward the villa within minutes, carrying a linen bag on each arm.

Thoughts of her fathers declining health briefly touched on her mind as she allowed herself to contemplate what the near future might hold for the two of them. She didn’t want Kate to know but part of her longed to see him before it was too late, something that seemed like an enormous task given her mothers less than welcoming attitude at present and the last thing either of them needed right now was another row.

Turning the handle of the door, she found herself greeted by quite the unexpected spectacle. Kate dancing away as she ploughed the hoover along the marble floor, headphones in and completely in the zone without a care in the world.

“Oh my god, don’t move I want to remember this moment forever” she laughed, abandoning the bags on the worktop and reaching quickly for her phone to capture the display of domestic bliss.

Kate immediately pulled her wireless headphones out, giggling in embarrassment as she realised that Rana had witnessed her attempting something that resembled dancing but didn’t quite fit the description of it.

“Ah shut up you, c’mere” she beamed as she pulled the smaller woman in for a hug.

“I wasn’t expecting you back so quick! I was having a tidy up, trying to get the place looking all nice for you. I haven’t even got to the rose petals yet”

Rana’s eyebrow shot up in curious amusement, Kate was apparently going all out romance.

“It must be love”

*******************************************

“Can I ask you something?” Kate asked as she poured the first glass from the second bottle of wine that had accompanied a romantic dish consisting of Parmesan Linguine with Shrimp.

Rana gazed lovingly at the woman sat opposite with a shy smile.

“Course” she replied.

Kate hesitated “did you always want to be a nurse? I mean was it what you wanted to do when you were young?”

Rana shrugged, she hadn’t expected her childhood to be the subject matter of Kate’s question.

“I don’t really know what I wanted to be when I was younger” she mused “except when I was five and I wanted to be Princess Jasmine from Aladdin”

Kate choked mid gulp, as she tried to contain the laughter that had ignited from the last part of Rana’s recalling of her childhood.

Rana smiled as she continued “but I always knew that I wanted to help other people and I guess it just went from there”

Kate felt her heart flutter slightly, Rana’s tendency to put others before herself only made Kate’s love for her ever stronger, more profound.

“I’m so proud of you, Rana” she quipped, trying to keep her eyes from betraying her.

Rana looked up from her wine “really?”

Kate nodded with some enthusiasm and reached for Rana’s hand.

“I mean we’ve both been through a lot this last year or so...more than most couples our age and you’ve never let any of it stop you and that’s before we even start on you putting up with me and my antics...”

She felt Rana’s fingers tighten softly against hers as the younger woman’s eyes met her own.

“Because I had you to support me through it all” she shrugs, though with a loving smile “I couldn’t have got through any of it without you and Imran...being with you is worth every ounce of pain my mum can throw at me, I wouldn’t change any of it”

Kate smiled, letting a single tear cascade down her face and pressed a kiss to Rana’s lips.

“I am so ridiculously in love with you” she remarked and pulled Rana in closer, pressing deeper still into another kiss.

*******************************************

“Oh god no look at me” Rana squealed in embarrassment as she and Kate looked back through their respective Facebook photos from times before their lives had collided.

Kate was almost rolling around in laughter at a picture Rana had come across from an 80’s themed party she had attended in 2013 with a rather regrettable outfit & hair combination.

“No offence babe, but whoever let you go to a party looking like that needs locking up in a mental institution” she mocked, snorting with continued laughter.

Rana merely shook her head in a mixture of disbelief and mortification.

“I’ll have you know that I turned quite a few heads that night, even caught a couple of the girls staring” she remarked.

Kate’s eyebrow arched as she regained her composure “you must’ve had the lesbian charm even then”

A coy smile formed from the edges of Rana’s lips at the suggestion. She’d never exactly indulged any of the looks from women in the past and she knew that as long as Kate was in her life, her head would never be turned by any other woman.

Their respective trains of thought were disturbed by the iPad’s FaceTime screen pulsing. Kate looked to Rana in confusion, her girlfriend reciprocating the scepticism with a shrug as Imran’s name appeared on the call.

“Imran? What’s up?” Rana queried, sensing that something wasn’t quite right.

Imran took a deep breath before finally speaking up with a low, defeated tone.

“ Rana it’s dad....he’s gone ”

*******************************************

It wasn’t like Rana hadn’t expected to hear the words sooner rather than later but it still dealt a difficult blow. Knowing that her dad had passed away whilst she was so far from  his bedside, having been unable to say anything equal to a goodbye. He’d left this world, leaving his daughter behind in life and in death.

Imran had said that he’d died peacefully during the night whilst Saira had been staying with him. In a way, the knowledge that her brother hadn’t been there either made it slightly easier to bear. Despite their mother’s insistence to the contrary, Imran made sure that Rana would be the first to know, before even Toyah would receive the news.

Kate found herself once again powerless to make things better for Rana. There wasn’t anything to be done except to listen, to understand and be the shoulder to cry on. Kate had never exactly been a fan of Hassan but she knew that Rana was devastated despite his reservations toward them both & to their relationship right until the end.

“He died hating me” Rana sniffled as she buried herself deeper into Kate’s chest.

Kate slowly ran her fingers through Rana’s dark curls, conjuring the words to try and comfort her girlfriend.

“He didn’t hate you Rana. He couldn’t have. I don’t think anyone can honestly leave this world hating another person. Especially not family. He might not have understood what we have but you’re his daughter and he loved you, whether or not he was capable of showing it”

Rana wiped away the tear stained mascara, thanking her lucky stars she was wearing a jumper that she wasn’t too bothered about and looked up into Kate’s eyes, deep hazel whirlpools of beauty.

Picking herself up, the words simply fell out of her mouth before she even had the time to process them. 

“Marry me”

Chapter Text

I’m pretty sure there’s barely a second between me having said the words and the realisation of the magnitude of them. Marry me. Not exactly my best timing in the world if I’m being honest. Kate’s looking at me with wide eyes and a stunned expression. I’m not sure either of us has any idea what to say next. It just slipped out before I could even think about it.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t what I want, it’s exactly that. I want nothing more than to marry Kate but it wasn’t like i meant it to come out like that. If anything, maybe I was just thinking aloud.

“Well...that’s...sudden” Kate remarks, i’ve clearly caught her somewhat off guard.

“....are you proposing to me?”

It’s as if I’m frozen because I don’t really know the answer to the question that’s been put to me. I don’t think I’m proposing, not properly anyway....

I can feel myself cringing trying to figure out what to say “not officially...just with everything that’s happened...and I know I should be thinking about my mum and Imran right now...but all i can think about is how you’re the best thing in my life and I want to spend the rest of it with you”

Kate doesn’t even try to conceal her adorable smile, I think that means that she gets what I’m trying to say. I can feel her heart beating faster and faster as she reaches down and her lips meet mine.

“Well if this isn’t an official proposal, this is me unofficially saying yes, I’ll marry you” she grins “but I’m expecting a full blown official down on one knee extravaganza when we’re back in Weatherfield”

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t already have a few ideas, but I’ll keep those to myself for the time being.

“Your wish is my command, babe”

*******************************************

My dads funeral is tomorrow, as is traditional muslim practise in the event of a death in ‘our’ religion. I’m by no means devout but I have my beliefs that are important to me. Part of me feels guilty...or at least wants to feel guilty that I’m not cutting our holiday short to fly back for the funeral but deep down, I know that if the circumstances were reversed, he wouldn’t do the same for me.

I loved my dad. Despite everything that he did, I loved him as only a child does with a parent. He did a lot of terrible, unforgivable things but he also raised me and Imran, gave us a childhood, taught us right from wrong and encouraged me to work hard and make something of myself. I’ll always be thankful for that.

I know that part of Kate is relieved that he’s gone, because it means he can’t hurt us anymore and I don’t hold it against her. If anything, I actually think I understand where she’s coming from. I don’t think he’d have ever accepted our relationship if he’d recovered and was still here now.

I don’t think I’ll be grieving for long, not really. Not as long as my mum...and maybe Imran. I don’t know what that says about me, but it was hard to feel close to a man who hated & disowned me because of who I fell in love with.  It’s a cold truth, but truth all the same. He stopped being a father the day he tried separate me from everything I know and love.

“Hey babe, do you fancy taking a walk down to the Flea Market? Take your mind off things? It’s really nice out and I bet they’ve got some proper nice bits and bobs!” Kate asks, disconnecting me from my thoughts.

There’s only a few days left before we fly home to Manchester anyway and Kate had mentioned her wanting to visit the market on the flight over. More than once in fact.

“Yeah, it’ll be nice to get some fresh air and have a look around” I find myself offering with surprising enthusiasm “we should probably try and find a souvenir for your dad and Carla”

Kate nods in response “good point and you should get something for Imran. I’m sure he could do with something to lift his spirits a bit”

After about five minutes, we’re both ready to head out the door and into the heart of San Sebastian’s ‘old town’. Kate just looks at me and smiles and I know in that moment, I’m looking at my future.

*******************************************

It’s a sight to behold. The old town offers some beautiful sights within its ancient, yet somewhat contemporary architecture. It’s buzzing with life, laughter and light. I don’t think I’ve ever seen crowds quite like this in an environment that doesn’t have strobe lights and exceptionally loud music.

I can only watch lovingly as Kate stares around, awestruck at the tranquility of the surroundings. It’s like I subconsciously fall in love with her all over again when I see her like this, so happy and content. For that brief yet somehow infinite space of time, I can forget everything else. There’s just her.

“Wow...” she exclaims “it’s so...vibrant! Imagine the high streets of greater Manchester if they were like this!”

Of course, I have to laugh at Kate’s ever present love for the city. It’s cute. However, I’m not going to resist the opportunity to make a little sly dig.

“If they were like this, you’d actually have a decent sense of fashion, have you seen some of the stuff you wear?”

Kate’s reaction is somewhere between faux scorn and impressed, though definitely taken aback by my quick wits. I’d been waiting for just the right moment to make such a dig and here it had presented itself.

“Now I’ll have you know that this” she states, hovering her hand between her jacket and cargo shorts “is the height of lesbian fashion”

I can only smirk, the thought of making a comment about it not being the eighties anymore briefly playing but perhaps I’ll save that one for another occasion. I wouldn’t want to offend her for real.

We continue along the street, passing by stalls, merchants and the towns people. I can see Kate eyeing up some of the clothes, every so often her nose does this little crinkle when she spots something that she particularly does not like. It’s amusing.

We come to a stop at a stall full of old vinyl records and equipment and it’s clear that Kate has her attention on an item.

“Rana” she says with some excitement “look at this”

She indicates towards an old, dusty vinyl cover that is sat in the middle of the assorted records.

The Rolling Stones | Mono LK 4605

She looks towards me with a big grin on her face, though my own face is probably a picture of confusion which she immediately clocks.

“It’s their very first album to ever be released on vinyl back in the sixties, dad loves them” she continues but lowering her voice to a whisper “and it’s really rare, I don’t think they realise how much it’s actually worth”

For a minute there, I thought her excitement for the ancient band was her own. The tag on the cover says it’s only €20 and Kate quickly snatches up the bargain of the decade as a gift for Johnny.

“Beats a stick of rock”

*******************************************

A couple of hours passes and we’re pretty much finished after a successful wander through the flea market. We found an antique case of candles that supposedly calm the mind for Jenny and for Imran we picked out a navy camel hair coat. Kate’s got Carla’s gift of having a good eye for sizing which is just as well as i wasn’t entirely sure of his.

“Should we drop this stuff off at the villa and go for dinner at the restaurant on the beachfront or shall we just pick something up on the way back?” Kate asks.

If I’m being honest, I’m worn out from the walking and I can see that Kate is tired too.

“Let’s just get a takeaway...that little pizza vendor down the road from the villa?” I suggest.

Kate looks relieved and clearly agrees with the idea if her intense nodding is anything to go by. She’s a dork but she’s an adorable dork.

The quiet around us is quickly broken as we turn into one of the side streets and my phone starts to ring again. It’s a number that I don’t recognise which I wouldn’t usually answer to but for some reason I find myself accepting the call.

“Hello?.....”

For a second there’s nothing and then a familiar voice.

“Rana? It’s mum.....can we talk?”

Chapter Text

Kate felt uneasy as they headed toward the villa after a long day exploring the old town and renowned Flea Market at its heart. Rana had spent the entire way so far with her phone pressed against her ear, conversing awkwardly with Saira. Hearing only one side of an already uncomfortable conversation was frustrating for her.

Rana’s responses had mainly consisted of ‘yes’, ‘no’ and the occasional sigh that suggested some sort of impasse had presented itself between them. It wasn’t hard to figure out that Saira was once again berating Rana about something or other. It was like she couldn’t help herself.

“I’m just going to hang up before I say something I really regret. Goodbye mum”

Kate offered a hopeful smile in her direction but knew it was in vain as Rana looked toward her in defeat, stuffing her phone back into her bag.

“Need I ask?” she managed.

Rana took a second to compose herself and gave a simple shrug in response.

“Every time” she grumbled “every time I think she’s starting to come round, she finds something to use as a way of criticising me and the choices I’ve made”

On the one hand, Kate wanted nothing more than to muster something to the contrary but the sad fact of the matter was that Rana was right. A leopard never changes its spots and Saira was living proof of concept.

“I don’t know what to say, babe. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all okay” Kate admitted, tightening her grip on Rana’s hand ever so slightly.

Rana sighed “i just don’t understand how she can’t see past this, Kate. She’s had more than enough time to accept that me and you are for keeps and even now after my dad has died, she still can’t see the bigger picture”

“Come here” Kate breathed as she took her girlfriend into her arms. They stood for a brief moment and silence seemed to surround them as the sun began to slowly descend below the horizon “we’ll figure something out, she can’t shun you forever. Especially not now”

But Kate wasn’t really sure who she was trying to convince of that. Rana, or herself. There was only one way of getting her to talk to Rana and that was unthinkable.

*******************************************

The evening bought with it an uncomfortable sense of despair, the idea of returning to weatherfield and to the pressure being cast on them by the events that had transpired during the time away.

The time spent enjoying a mostly blissful atmosphere almost felt like an entirely different existence, one which would be sorely missed when life returned to the normal and mundane. Going from afternoons enjoying the sun and waiting for the heat to dip to days full of endless patients for Rana & customer service for Kate.

Only adding to the dread was knowing that Saira would inevitably be waiting for Rana’s return, if only to chastise her daughter some more for reasons that defy any kind of rationality. Yet she remained strong and steadfast, that was something that Kate remained persistently in awe of, making her love for Rana ever clearer.

“What’re you thinking about?” Rana whispered as she turned and gazed up toward Kate, having snuggled herself beside her, resting her head in the crook of Kate’s neck for a relaxed evening of rest before the preparations for the journey home.

For a moment Kate remained silent but quickly found her voice and let her thoughts become the words that needed so desperately to be spoken.

“Why don’t you tell your mum that you’ve dumped me?” she spluttered, perhaps not quite realising the gravity of her suggestion.

Rana sat upright and stared in confusion at Kate “what?”

“Tell her that you’ve seen the error of your ways?”

Kate almost hated herself for even allowing herself to entertain the notion but she couldn’t continue to see Rana being victimised by Saira. It wasn’t fair and Rana certainly didn’t deserve to be treated in such a manner by anyone, let alone her own mother.

“After everything we’ve been though?” Rana faltered as she tried to make sense of what Kate was trying to say “denials? How could I? I couldn’t!”

Kate softened “but if it helps you to build bridges with your mum”

Rana took Kate’s hands in her own, raising her hand to cup Kate’s face.

“Listen to me...you are the best thing in my life right now. I love you. I couldn’t throw that away, even pretend to. No”

“Okay...good” Kate nodded and decided to stray away from the topic of conversation, turning her attention back to the TV as they settled back into their previous positions.

Rana winced at the movie playing on the TV “how did he walk away from that?”

It seemed a given certainty that even though both women had pushed aside the brief discussion on the matter, there was a certain logic to it, one that neither could ignore forever.

*******************************************

The first streak of sunlight poked through the blinds as morning arrived in earnest. Today marked the final day of their vacation before heading back to real life and it’s challenges.

Kate was the first to wake, the morning sun burning her eyelids. Rana’s arm was draped over her waist, her head buried once again in the crook of Kate’s neck. Kate smiled at the sight of the woman she loved, so peaceful and innocent from that angle. Rana was so naturally beautiful, the sunlight giving her exposed skin a warm and vibrant glow.

It was almost instinct for Kate to trace circles atop of her girlfriends arm to wake her from the alluring slumber she was clearly deep within.

“Mmmm nooo” Rana murmured as she began to stir, slowly blinking away the drowsiness and craning her head to face Kate.

“Morning”

Kate reached down and placed a soft kiss on Rana’s lips “morning beautiful”

Rana grinned at the loving exchange and cuddled up close to Kate. The warmth of the contact made up for the cold that enveloped the bedroom from the air conditioning.

“I wish we could stay like this forever” she admitted “just me and you and this place”

Kate chuckled “that makes two of us, babe. Trust me there’s nothing I’d like more but real life beckons as it always does”

Rana grumbled as Kate shuffled out of the bed and draped her dressing gown over her shoulders.

“Come back to bed” she moaned but with a touch of seductiveness in her voice.

Kate laughed, as much as she would’ve loved to dive back under the sheets, the need for coffee was one of the few consistencies in her routine.

“I’m making coffee” she explained “Do you want some breakfast?”

Rana didn’t answer for a moment as she picked up her phone and poured her full attention into the message that had appeared on her lockscreen.

“Rana?” Kate repeated.

Her attention snapped back to Kate and the offer of breakfast. She didn’t exactly feel hungry anymore.

She shook her head slowly “just a cup of tea”

Kate frowned, sensing Rana’s change in mood instantly.

“What’s up?”

Rana shrugged and passed her phone to Kate. She turned the phone to face her and mmediately picked up on why it had changed Rana’s mood so suddenly.

Imran Habeeb : On the way to the mosque for the prayers . I’m going to record the whole thing for you in case you want to see the footage when you get back. Don’t worry about mum. Call you later xx

“Oh Rana” Kate struggled and sat back down next to her girlfriend. She pressed a kiss to her shoulder, rubbing her back in an attempt to provide comfort in that moment.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Rana wanted to laugh, if only to keep her eyes from betraying her.

“What’s to talk about....I disappointed him when he was alive and I’m disappointing him even now when he’s dead by not being there.....”

“....what sort of daughter am I?”

Chapter Text

I almost hate to be leaving this place. The perpetual paradise and escapism that it’s given us, the freedom to allow me and Kate to just live and love without anyone else casting aspersions and judgements. It feels like it’s been the longest time in which we’ve truly been at peace, yet is just the tiniest and most perfect little pocket of time in which I can say we’ve been able to just be a normal couple.

I know if Kate had her way, we’d probably never be leaving and I almost want to just go along with it. I could stay here forever. No cobbles, no rain, no lingering divorce and no patients vomiting on me three times weekly because they’ve allowed google to misdiagnose a hangover as swine flu. The reality of what we’re going back to is beginning to hit us both I think.

And yet, I actually feel strangely hopeful as we sit here in the airport lounge, waiting for the boarding announcement. Kate is sleeping gracefully next to me, or rather on me if you count half her body being sprawled across me. She sleeps beautifully and somehow, manages not to smear any of her makeup!

I’m not entirely sure what to expect when we arrive back in Weatherfield if I’m being completely honest. My mum is one thing but missing my dads funeral is another situation entirely. Imran recorded the ceremony...at least I can watch him being laid to rest. I can still play some part.

Kate already said she’d watch it with me as well as Imran which is some comfort..knowing I won’t be alone.

She smiles at me as we load our luggage into the taxi, I know it’s one of those reassuring smiles, as if to tell me it’s all going to be okay but knowing really that it’s probably all going to come crashing down when we set foot back on those cobbles....

Chapter Text

1000 miles and the better part of three hours later, they’d gone from lavish beaches and lush weather to the cold, dampened streets of greater Manchester once more. Mere hours and yet it was already beginning to feel like a distant memory.

As they dumped their suitcases into the back of Steve’s taxi, both Rana and Kate noticed their phones buzzing to life again after being switched back on post flight.

“How many?” Rana asked, with a somewhat grim expression.

Kate simply rolled her eyes as she took out her phone “three texts off Johnny, five off Jenny and there’s one from Michelle and Carla each. Oh and I’ve got half a dozen missed calls…you?”

“Well…” Rana replied “three texts from Imran, one from Yasmeen, a couple of Facebook messages and….”

Her expression soured as she trailed off.

“What is it?” Kate asked hurriedly.

Rana shook her head and sighed.

“I’ve got a missed call and a voicemail from my mum”

Reluctantly, she punched the voicemail button and made sure to put it on loud speaker as the voice tone cracked into life.

“We ready to go?” Steve mused as he closed the boot but Kate motioned for him to be quiet to which he simply shook his head and slumped back to the drivers seat.

“You have one new message. Recorded today at 11:27am.

Rana. I know you don’t want to talk to me but I can’t seem to get anywhere with Imran and despite the sickness that’s got ahold of you…you’re still my daughter and your father’s gone. We need to come together as a family again because that’s what your father would want but it can’t happen while you’re spitting in the face of our collective values by prancing around with that girl…call me when you’ve come to your senses

To listen to this-“

Rana immediately hung up and shoved her phone back into her pocket, watching Kate’s horror unfold across her face and knowing straight away that she must’ve been biting down hard on her tongue.

“She’s sick” she spluttered “I mean properly sick. I can’t believe she’d say that to her own daughter”

Rana just shrugged defeatedly and dropped into the back of the taxi, not even bothering to wait for Kate who followed on the opposite side.

“She’s never going to change…it’s about time I accepted that”

*******************************************

Silence lingered as Rana and Kate stepped back into the flat for the first time in a fortnight. Everything was exactly as they’d left it, down to the stray perfume bottles and strewn clothes that had been thrown out during the packing process.

The silence however, was swiftly broken by an untimely visitor.

“Alright sis!” Imran grinned as he enthusiastically wrapped his arm around Rana and winked knowingly at Kate.

Rana let out a sigh of relief “how did you know we were back?”

Imran broke away from the embrace as he motioned toward the kettle.

“I saw you going in the door but didn’t wanna shout after you so I figured I’d follow you up. I hope you don’t mind I’ve been coffee deprived all morning trying to sort through mounds of paperwork. Oh by the way, your divorce papers should be arriving any day now, Zee’s signed everything so it’s just your signature’s now and you’re a free agent”

“Erm” Kate chimed as she held her hand up sarcastically.

Imran laughed “well…almost. You know what I mean”

Having the papers arriving sooner than expected would be beneficial, something that Rana was acutely aware of and after all, Zeedan deserved to be able to move on and it meant she and Kate could press ahead with the engagement.

“At least there’s some good news today” Kate said “after that voicemail”

Imran look confused between the two of them.

“What voicemail?”

Rana sighed once more and pulled her phone out to play the message for Imran.

He listened with horror as Saira’s harsh words played back to them and he could see his baby sister wince at the mention of the sickness. Before the message was even finished, he cut the call and slowly slid the phone back to her along the worktop.

“How….” he began

“How can she say something like that….and still expect you to see her?”

She almost wanted to laugh, the suggestion was absurd and yet, part of her still wanted to.

“I’ve told her” Kate interjected “I’ve said that if even after everything, she still wants to see Saira then she should tell her we’ve stopped seeing each other. I don’t like it but if it works and she wants to see her that much…”

She hated the idea, it was like betraying one cause for the sake of another. Hurting Kate to appease someone like Saira. There was little to no justification and simply didn’t seem a worthwhile bargain.

But Imran turned skeptically toward her.

“It could work…if she thinks you’ve put all this behind you, she’ll let her guard down. Dad’s ghusl hasn’t happened yet because the hospital isn’t releasing his body until tomorrow. I know it’s not what you want to do but this might be your one chance to say goodbye Rana”

She couldn’t deny the logic and reasoning in Imran’s conclusion, even if it meant putting on a facade at her own expense.

“I’ll think about it” she said, staring straight ahead.

*******************************************

After a couple of days, life had returned to relative normalcy. Imran had arranged for Saira to meet himself and Rana in Speed Dahl to make preparations for the Ghusl the day prior, through gritted teeth, Rana endured the looks, the jibes and her mother’s eyes digging into her the whole time. She considered that it had been worth enduring so that she could say her final goodbyes to Hassan. He may not have deserved it but he had loved her properly once upon a time.

They’d agreed to have a family meal in lieu of a wake back at the Bistro, to try and talk things through. Rana found that she had little energy to try too hard with Saira and found herself just taking little notice of her mother’s faux praise.

“I wish your father was here, Rana” she said gently.

She slowly looked up, exchanged looks with Imran and slowly faced her mother.

“Yeah?”

Saira smiled and nodded “he’d be so proud of you for coming back to us, knowing that all that nonsense with that girl was just a blip”

Rana stared ahead, dead-faced.

“You did the right thing you know”

She threw her hands up and immediately stopped Saira in her tracks “I can’t do this”

“Rana, don’t…” Imran warned calmly.

“No I have to” she snapped “I’m sorry mum but Kate wasn’t a blip. She wasn’t a mistake”

Saira looked towards her, puzzled

“…of course she was”

“No you’re not listening” Rana said coldly “I love her…I never finished it”

Saira looked between the two of them, horrified while Imran made a conscious effort not to meet their mother’s eyeline.

“What…?”

Rana faltered slightly before delivering the truth bomb.

“Me and Kate are still together…I’m sorry, I lied to you”

Saira looked back between her children and back again at Rana with disgust as the realisation began to set in.

“You let…” she began “…your father and your god believe your lies as we sent him to paradise….you disgraced him even in death?”

Rana could feel herself holding back the tears as she pleaded “I had to! I needed to say goodbye!”

Saira didn’t seem to know where to look as Rana’s tears began to flow and Imran continued to refuse to look at her while he comforted his sister.

“It’s all about you isn’t it?!” she accused as she got up from the table and scoffed as she took a final look at Rana “you make me sick”

*******************************************

Rana found herself storming out of the restaurant, being grateful that Kate was working at the Rovers today, sparing her from witnessing what had just transpired, she still felt bad for even going along with the lie in the first place. Even with it not being her idea, the pit that it opened up inside was one that bore only pain and self loathing.

She headed toward Victoria Street at pace, determined to be anywhere but in the vicinity of the Bistro and by extension, Saira. Victoria Gardens was always a calming, soothing place to take time out and collect one’s thoughts. The entire gardens had been built to commemorate the lives lost in the Manchester arena blast, it had that history and melancholy feeling to it despite the sadness.

“I thought I might find you here” called a voice coldly from outside the gate.

Even after the display back there, Saira had seemingly followed Rana.

“Just go mum” she croaked “I’m done trying to be something that I can’t be just to have you in my life”

There wasn’t a single ounce of fight left in her, the damage was done and wasn’t reversible this time. To see a way past this just seemed impossible.

Saira slowly sat down beside her daughter, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter’s tear stained face.

“I can’t pretend to understand the love that you and Kate share, Rana” she admitted “we’re raised to be good Muslim women who follow our faiths completely”

Rana sighed.

“But” she continued “I may not understand it, but Imran told me about how she was there every single moment you were in that hospital bed after your accident and how she took care of you while you were on the mend”

Rana slowly turned to look at Saira properly for the first time in what felt to her like years, almost speechless that her mother actually seemed to be praising her girlfriend instead of chastising or badmouthing her.

“….and that sounds as much like love as anything that me and your father had”

The tears came thick and fast, this time stirred by happiness and warmth instead of sadness and pain, unrelenting guilt.

It was time to stand firm.

“Accept my relationship with Kate and we can be a family again” Rana stated “otherwise, I’m gone”

Saira looked down to her feet for a moment before turning to face Rana and took both her daughter’s hands.

“If it’s what I have to do to not lose my little girl…then I guess I have to try. I’m not saying it’ll be easy or quick Rana….but I can’t face losing you or Imran.”

Finally, a corner turned….

Chapter Text

Now seemed as good a time as ever. As the biggest obstacle seemed to have finally been overcome and set aside in the sand, now seemed the time to do it. To do it for real. But Rana wasn’t going to do it without making sure it was done properly, fashionably and with all the bows tied nearly. Kate was her everything, after all.

She’d already made the appointment earlier in the day, to find it. The one she wanted. Not for herself, but for the woman who she could see being there on the day. Every day. For as long as they both lived…till death did them part.

This wasn’t going to be any old run of the mill proposal. This was going to be the most lavish and stylish proposal Weatherfield had seen in a long time. Rana wanted nothing more than to show Kate that together, they were for keeps and for always.

In the meantime, she needed to confide in Imran.

Pulling out her phone with the intention of calling her older sibling, she could see that he was actually already calling her.

“Hello?” she asked, puzzled but smiling.

Imran’s voice cracked from the end of the receiver.

“You sound surprised” he replied “mum phoned me and gave me the news. Seems like she’s finally turned a corner with you and Kate”

Rana grinned “yeah, I’m really pleased and Kate’s happy. Part of me still hates myself for lying to her so I could go to the funeral but it worked I suppose. I actually wanted to see if we could get together at lunchtime so I could talk to you about something”

“Well I’m quite busy today but you are my baby sister and I’d be a shoddy big bro if I couldn’t make time for you. Pop by the office about half twelve and we’ll have a sandwich and a chat” Imran replied.

“See you then” Rana said and hung up with glee.

This was really happening, at last.

*******************************************

Twelve thirty seemed to arrive extraordinarily quickly and Rana arrived at the solicitors office in good stead. Excited to tell Imran her plans.

“So go on then” Imran mused “what’s this in aide of?”

Rana rolled her eyes at her siblings amusing pessimism.

“Trust you to think everything needs to be a problem” she laughed.

Imran gestured for her to take a seat.

“Well usually when you come and crash my lunch break, it’s because there’s a crisis. Coffee?”

Rana amusedly shook her head “only if it’s Decaf and there’s no crisis, I just want to tell you something important so you’re the first person to know”

He looked back at her, slightly confused and yet curious.

“Blimey, you’re telling me before Kate? I’m honoured!” he chuckled.

Rana noddled slowly “it’s about Kate….I’m going to propose”

Her brother had barely had time to sit down pass her the drink and sip his own before almost scoffing in shock.

“Seriously?” he asked, taken aback.

Rana nodded as she picked a sandwich from her bag.

“I kind of already asked the question when we were in Spain but it was a spur of the moment thing. I’m gonna do it properly. Ring, flowers, party. All that and I’m wondering if you’ll help me pick out a ring”

Imran’s mouth hung up, like he’d just witnessed something he couldn’t process.

“Earth to Imran?”

Slowly he began to blink again and the open mouth turned into a wide smile.

“Oh sis” he replied “I’m so pleased for you, both of you and as for picking a ring, I’m your man. I know the kind of bling girls like. Trust me”

Rana raised her eyebrows “straight women maybe”

Imran roared with laughter “you may mock, but it took me less than half an hour to find the ring I gave to Sabine when I proposed”

“Mmm remind me again, how did that end?” she sniggered

Imran paused.

“Well played”

Rana smiled gleefully, having got one up on her brother, completely unprepared.

“I do need to talk to Johnny though, I wanna ask for Kate’s hand in marriage before I pick a ring” she mused.

Imran blinked thrice “you really are pulling out all the stops”

Rana nodded slowly, her excitement building for what was to come.

“What can I say” she stated.

“I’m hopelessly in love”

*******************************************

It wasn’t necessary of course. Rana knew she’d have Johnny’s blessing with bows on, he’d shown her nothing but kindness and love, as if she was already carrying the Connor name. It may well have been a traditional formality but as she headed for The Rovers, she couldn’t help but feel giddy.

Having spent the afternoon eyeing up the most sickeningly expensive jewellery greater Manchester had to offer and going somewhat horrifically over budget, she’d decided on an Ernest Jones eighteen carat band with a sapphire stone. Kate had always stressed how diamonds weren’t always a girl’s best friend and preferred something more meaningful and sentimental.

Upon entering the Rovers, it seemed dead. Gone were the punters with nothing to greet her except the faint hum of of a quietened joke box that seemed to be playing Running up that Hill by Kate Bush. A most unordinary experience from the local drinking house.

“Hello?” Rana called out.

A head popped around the door behind the bar. Johnny looking surprised and slightly flustered but managing a smile.

“hiya Rana love” he beamed “I’m afraid if you’re looking for Kate….uh she’s having to work through the lunch rush at the Bistro, Robert seems to have messed up the bookings and Daniel’s apparently off sick…”

She smiled. Kate was a trooper on top of being an incredibly loyal member of Robert’s staff. She’d spent many an evening there in the days before, watching customers leaving, arriving, dining all the while paying more attention to the waitress than she’d ever consciously realised.

“Oh no I’m not” she replied with something of a twinkle in her eye “I actually wanted to talk to you Johnny. There’s a really important question I want to ask you”

She slowly pulled out the ring box from her handbag, opened it and presented it to Johnny on the bar.

“I….I want to ask you…for your daughter’s hand in marriage….and for your blessing, for us to move forward as a married couple”

She slowly looked at Johnny who was smiling but clearly holding back the tears.

“Rana sweetheart” he sniffled “I’d be….honoured for you to marry my daughter and make her your wife and you absolutely have my blessing. You’ve made our Kate the happiest I’ve ever seen her. You both deserve the world”

Now it was her turn to hold back the tears as Johnny embraced her across the bar.

“Not a word to Kate or Jenny though, I want this to be a big surprise” she said excitedly.

Johnny nodded vigilantly but with a smile “mums the word”

There was just one more thing to do….

Chapter Text

The same morning….

Kate wasn’t sure what had woken her up first, Rana stirring or the alarm marimba that echoed from the bedside table.

The pair hadn’t even been back a week and normal service was quickly being resumed. Kate secretly longed to be back in the bliss of San Sebastián with no alarms, no commitments. Just her, her girl and sangria. Lots of sangria.

As she finally began to move from the comfort of her slumber, she couldn’t help but notice that Rana was already apparently out of bed. Something that even with her role at the medical centre, wouldn’t require her to be up this early…usually.

As she walked into the lounge area of the flat, she could see Rana on the phone, a smile adorning her face but still too dazed to actually understand what was being said.

“Thanks very much for your time…yeah you too, thanks…bye”

Rana hung up and looked lovingly at Kate “morning sleepyhead”

“Who was that?” Kate asked, trying her best to stifle a yawn in Rana’s direction.

She almost certainly didn’t register it in her half asleep state but Rana’s expression quickly became like a deer in headlights in response to Kate’s question.

“Oh that?” her girlfriend laughed “it was uh….the hospital….yeah I was just chasing something up for one of my patients….thought I’d try them bright and early”

Kate nodded slowly, barely following Rana’s words whilst she attempted to properly wake herself up “uhhhh okay”

“Anyway” Rana teased  “you better wake yourself up, can’t have you serving customers semi conscious now can we. If you wanna jump in the shower I’ll make you a cuppa for when you get out”

Kate smiled softly in her slowly reducing state of daze as she rubbed Rana’s hand before heading off to the bathroom to freshen up and prepare for a day that would become one of the most important days of her life thus far.

*******************************************

After a quicker than usual routine, Kate kissed Rana goodbye and made a beeline for The Rovers, dressed in her work clothes, despite the fact that she wouldn’t be working today at all, she’d already asked Daniel to cover her shift the previous evening so that she could finally do the thing that had been so long put off, especially with Rana’s divorce papers due to arrive imminently. There almost seemed no better time. As her old mum Louisa had once said ‘ why put off till tomorrow what you can do today’ .

Words that were burned into her mind in this particular instance.

As she entered, it was immediately obvious that her dad and Jenny were in some kind of heated debate but it quickly ceased as her presence became an obvious distraction.

“Morning love” Johnny beamed “popping in to see your old dad on the way to work now?”

She could feel the expression on her face change unconsciously.

“I’m not actually working….I just needed Rana to think I am” she replied.

Jenny looked extremely confused.

“Come again?”

Kate closed her eyes, being careful to choose the words to explain her big plan.

“I want to propose to Rana.  We kind of talked about it in Spain and it just got me thinking of how she’s gotten me through everything with Aidan and Carla, she puts up with my moodiness and she’s given up so much for us. I want to show her how special she is to me. How much I love her. I have to do it now.”

Johnny and Jenny stood like rocks, as if waiting for some kind of a “but” to follow, one which wasn’t coming.

“Well….about time” Jenny remarked.

Johnny looked towards his wife, puzzled at her response.

“Which do you mean, about time? They’ve only been together for a few months, I mean properly like”

“Hello” Kate said, waving her hand “still here just FYI”

Johnny looked back at his daughter.

“Sorry love” he replied softly “I’m obviously thrilled for you, I mean we both aren’t we Jenny?”

Jenny nodded profusely “of course darlin’ you and Rana are smashing together and god knows, you two deserve a bit of good fortune after everything with her parents and that poor what his name…Luke, bless him”

Kate smiled and took both their hands into her own.

“Thank you, both of you”

Johnny suddenly broke away from the embrace.

“Wait here a second, I’ve got something for you” he said and was off up the stairs before either of the women could react.

“That man’s got MS and he’s up and down those stairs like a flippin’ yo-yo. He’s gonna do Himself an injury one of these days” Jenny remarked.

Kate knew that despite the comment being only in jest, she likely had a point about Johnny not being quite so pro-active given his health.

The sound of footsteps came down the stairs until the door swung back open and Johnny re-entered the back room with a little dark blue box in his hand. Unmistakably a ring box but not one she’d seen before.

“This” he said, holding up the box “is your mum’s engagement ring that I gave to her all those years ago and I’ve always kept it. She made me promise that I’d give this to you one day so that you could give it to the person you love like I loved her. You can give this to Rana”

Kate held her hands up to her face in shock as Johnny opened the lid. Inside sat the ring, utterly  dazzling, a stunning royal silver band with an ocean blue diamond gemstone adorned. 

“Dad….it’s beautiful” she sighed.

Jenny feigned a smile behind the rather more obvious look of disparity and indignation as she eyed up the ring.

“Isn’t it” she chimed, dryly.

Kate smiled and slowly closed the box before carefully tucking it into the pocket of her flowing red coat.

“Thank you dad, it’s perfect” she said as she embraced Johnny tightly.

Johnny chuckled “only the best for my little girl. Rana’s gonna be the luckiest woman in the world to marry you”

Kate raised her eyebrows as she composed herself. She was already feeling the pressure despite being barely started.

“Speaking of Rana, if she comes looking for me at the time I’d normally be on my lunch break, you need to tell her I’m having to cover at the bistro because I need to see Imran first and i wanna get the flat ready for tonight and I want it to be a surprise”

Jenny held her hands up “well hang about now, where exactly are you planning to propose missy?”

Kate had to stop and think for a moment but the answer was already obvious.

“I wanna do it with as many people around us as possible” she replied “I thought about waiting a few more weeks until around Christmas or New Year’s….but I can’t wait anymore. I’m ready to do it now. Today and here seems as good as anywhere”

Johnny nodded slowly “well tis a Friday, say eight o clock? This place should be lively and I can get all our clan here together. You get Imran, Alya and Yasmeen. Jobs a goodun!”

Kate took a few deep breaths.

“I’m really doing this….”

*******************************************

Every minute closer, it seemed more and more real. The minutes ticked by as Kate considered the gravity of the commitment she was about to make, asking the woman she loved so dearly to take a lifelong step forward as her wife. As excitable as it was, Kate was terrified at the even minuscule chance that she’d somehow manage to screw this up.

After a couple of hours of light hanging and two boxes of Prestons Petals finest decorative roses later, the flat had been transformed from a mundane abode to a something of a romantic love pit. She’d been grateful that Mary had been the one in charge during her visit, the idea of having Tracy serve her would have almost certainly resulted in the surprise being spoiled one way or another. Subtlety wasn’t exactly a word in Tracy’s vocabulary.

Her thoughts were suddenly broken by the vibration of her phone buzzing from the worktop.

Kate picked up the phone and grinned at the message.

Rana: really missing you. Hope you’re having a good day. Wish I could’ve seen you on my break. Can’t wait to see you later. I love you x

Kate knew this meant the coast would be clear to enact the next stage of the plan.

She hurried grabbed her bag and jacket before locking up the flat and making her way across the road to Barlow Legal, making absolutely sure Rana was not still around before hitting the buzzer.

“Hello?” Called a familiar Scottish voice.

“It’s Kate” she replied “I need to speak to Imran”

The buzzer pinged followed by the door de-latching as she entered quickly, to be greeted by Adam.

“Take a seat” Adam suggested “coffee?”

Kate shook her head “I’m not stopping, I just need five minutes with Imran”

“Someone say my name?” Imran joked as he stuck his head round the door.

He winked at Kate as he sat down “I’ll have a coffee though if there’s one going”

Adam scoffed.

“Then you can make it your bloody self. I’m not your lackey”

Imran simply rolled his eyes sarcastically.

“So?” He said, turning his full attention to Kate “both of you here in the space of a few hours, something must be afoot”

Kate pretended to not acknowledge what he’d said but she knew Rana would’ve spent her lunch break here than anywhere else on a day when they couldn’t spend it together.

“There’s something I need to ask you” Kate stated.

Imran sat back in his chair, adjusting his jacket “well don’t keep me in suspense!”

Kate reached into her bag and pulled out the same ring box that Johnny had given her earlier in the day and placed it, open on the desk.

“You know how much I love Rana” she began

“and I know things haven’t always been plain sailing for us since we got together but I know she’s the person I want to spend the rest of my life and I wanted to ask you if you’ll give us your blessing….”

Imran remained silent momentarily as he processed Kate’s words for a moment before breaking into smile.

“Have you…..spoken to Rana today?” he enquired excitedly.

Kate shook her head once more “no….why?…”

He raised his eyebrows in genuine surprise and proceeded to shake his head.

“Never mind…of course you have my blessing. You make my sister the happiest I’ve ever seen her and god knows after what you two have been through to get here…you deserve this moment…”

Kate could feel the tears coming “ah stop you’re gonna have me in floods in a minute”

Imran rose from his chair and embraced Kate tightly, planting a kiss on her head “you’re gonna make a brilliant wife…and a fun sister in law eh!”

Kate smiled as she wiped away her tears “thank you Imran, it means the world this”

He responded with a soft nod as he pulled away from the embrace.

“I better get to be best man mind you” he teased playfully.

Kate laughed as she nodded.

“I think that’s fair” she giggled.

“So?” Imran asked “where and when exactly is this shindig gonna happen?”

Kate composed herself “I’m doing it tonight. Dad’s getting everyone in the Rovers for about eight so I need you to pick Rana up from work, and take her back to yours because I know she’s still got some clothes there. That way she can avoid seeing the flat and then get her straight over to the Rovers”

Imran nodded slowly.

“I…think…I got all that” he said “you sure you’re ready for this?”

Kate smiled softly.

“I’ve been ready since the day I met her”

Chapter Text

Chaos seemed to be the order of the day. The happiest day, bar the biggest of them all. A day in which two people would make the same commitment, in the complete absence of the knowledge of the other. If ever fate was going to be given the burden, it was surely going to be on this momentous day.

Months of secrecy, deceit, pain, heartbreak that had seemed to recycle and repeat on a loop that had kept them apart, now just memories, albeit tainted and a stark reminder of what had been lost along the way; Luke, Aidan, Rana losing her father and Kate’s world being rocked by the fear of losing Rana after the car accident. So many moments of darkness that seemed to lead to this moment. A moment of light, warmth, happiness. All of the above.

Two people who couldn’t have been more different, promising to go forward as one.

6.30

“This whole cloak and dagger routine is really unnecessary, Imran. Can you just tell me why I’ve got to get changed at yours instead of back at the flat?” Rana groaned to her brother as they climbed the flight of stairs to the apartment that he and Toyah shared.

“Listen” Imran replied “I’m under strict orders and apparently the less I know the better”

A half truth, perhaps. He had already almost tripped himself up minutes before, both metaphorically and quite literally. The cobblestones of Coronation Street were hardly the most efficient things to walk on for any shoes that weren’t flats. Rana’s numerous broken heels could attest to that fact.

“You’re supposed to be a lawyer I thought you could worm your way out of anything?” Rana jibed.

Imran chucked “have you met your girlfriend?”

Rana smirked.

Kate Connor may have been a fox, but she certainly wasn’t one that you’d want in your henhouse on one of her bad days. Coming from the Connor family, a bad temper was something that came hand in hand. Kate had a tendency more than most to snap when things weren’t going her way.

“I suppose it’s as good a place as anywhere to propose to her, at least you’ll be there with Johnny and Jenny” Rana sighed as she rifled through the selection of clothes kept to the side of Imran’s wardrobe.

Imran nodded slowly, trying desperately to keep himself composed under the weight of the burden he was carrying to keep the secret.

Rana smiled as she picked out her outfit for the evening. A red striped black turtleneck, polka ankle length skirt and the somewhat cliched yet classic lesbian leather jacket.

“What d’ya reckon?” she enquired, signalling to Imran with a simulated combination of hangers and garments.

Imran eyed the garments and nodded once more.

“Very….80’s grunge” he replied with a cheeky smile.

Rana’s eyebrows shot up “behave!….and anyway, I’m surprised you even know anything about 80’s music, let alone grunge”

Imran laughed.

“I listened to Joan Jett along with the rest of them from time to time. Good job I never let mum and dad see my record collection though they’d have had a cow” he said jokingly.

Rana laughed “right I’m gonna use your shower since I can’t go home to use my own apparently, do you think Toyah will mind if I use her hairdryer?”

“No go for it” Imran mused, eyes dug into his phone at this point.

Rana nodded and practically sprinted toward the bathroom. Time was of the essence.

*******************************************

7:45pm

“Come on sis, these are prime drinking hours!” Imran groaned as Rana eyed herself in the mirror, knowing full well they were actually on a clock. 8pm was fast approaching.

Rana stumbled out of the master bedroom, clad in her best garments, glammed from head to toe.

“How do I look?” she asked.

Imran eyed her up and down “like a million dollars, you got the ring?”

Rana tapped her pocket.

“Safely tucked away in here” she replied “did you manage to get that little bouquet of roses?”

Imran nodded sternly, pointing towards a vase across the room.

“Sufficing to say Toyah was bitterly disappointed when I came home with roses and I had to explain that they weren’t for her so I’m somewhat in the doghouse” he replied sarcastically.

Rana lightly chuckled as she took one last look in the mirror, making the final checks to her hair before swiftly collecting the roses from the vase. 

“I’m ready” she said, breathing deeply.

“Right then sis” Imran replied “let’s go and get you engaged shall we?”

*******************************************

7.58pm

A slow walk from 19A that included a detour around the cobbled backstreets finally bought them to the doors of the Rovers Return, slightly pushing the clock to its very edge but at last, the moment was about to arrive. Rana hadn’t set eyes on Kate all day, amping the excitement of asking her to be her future bride tenfold.

As Imran held open the door, she could see already that the pub was dressed with decorations, balloons and streamers. The Rovers in full party mode.

“Here she is!” Johnny barked excitedly as he pulled Rana into a hug.

Jenny winked at Imran from behind the bar, with the older Habeeb nodding discreetly.

Johnny pulled himself back from the hug and turned toward the bar.

“Kate!” he shouted “she’s here love”

Rana looked around, completely puzzled. First towards Imran who offered no clues other than a  coy grin, the mark of someone in cahoots. She shot a look at Johnny and Jenny who stood firmly at the foot of the bar, just smiling toward her. Even Carla seemed to be pretending not to pay attention.

Before she could even try and decipher the situation, the familiar sight of her favourite person, her one true love came around the back, dressed in a black dress accompanied by a polka dot frill shirt.

“Don’t scrub up too badly right?” Kate teased as she approached Rana slowly.

Rana smiled “you could wear a bin bag and look like you’d spent the night in a bush…you’d still be the most beautiful person I’ve ever laid eyes on”

Kate’s lips met her own, delicately exploring. For that precious moment, everything else seemed to simply melt away into nothingness. There was just the two of them, together in the heat of the embrace.

The pair slowly pulled apart, both smiling at each other. Yet they needn’t have said anything. Every kiss they shared could say a thousand words.

“There’s….something I want to ask you” Kate said, hesitantly.

“Really?” Rana replied “I actually want to ask you something as well but you can go first”

Kate seemed caught off guard.

“It’s okay you go first then”

Rana shook her head “no no you go first”

At this point, the entire pub that was filled with half the street seemed to be curious as to what was unfolding at the bar.

“You don’t understand” Kate sighed

Rana raised her eyebrows “no, you don’t understand”

“Okay” Jenny interjected “getting boring now”

Johnny nodded “yeah come on love, champagnes getting warm”

Kate shot her dad a look of shock “you told her?!”

Rana looked between the two again.

“Told me what?”

Kate sighed in defeat.

“I give up” she replied as she slowly pulled out something from her pocket “I was trying to surprise you when you came in”

She slowly opened the box in front of Rana, containing the ring.

Rana looked slowly at the ring and then back at Kate who was smiling nervously at her.

Carefully, Rana reached into her bag, keeping her eyes firmly on Kate the entire time as she too pulled out her box containing the ring she’d purchased previously.

Kate’s eyed widened.

“Snap” Rana giggled as Kate laughed loudly.

“Well don’t just stand there like lemons” Carla interrupted, filming the entire thing “get on with it!”

Rana looked around nervously at the faces surrounding them.

“Well…this is as good a time as any I suppose” she said nervously, descending to one knee in sync with Kate as they continued to giggle toward each other.

“You go first” Rana said excitedly.

Kate shook her head “no you go”

“Seriously?” Jenny chimed “on three. One. Two. Three”

“Will you marry me?” The pair said in unison.

“YES!”

Applause filled the rovers as the pair exchanged rings and locked lips once more. The jukebox kicked into life as Johnny announced a free round for everybody. Rana and Kate simply enjoyed the moment. Rana could see that Imran had moved over to the far side of the bar but he offered a smile and nodded at his sister lovingly. 

Even without her mother there, there was no denying the fact that this was the happiest day of her life. The start of something. The start of everything.