Peter held Carla tighter than he ever had before. He ran his fingers delicately through the soft locks of her hair, before allowing his hand to rest on the back of her head.
"I didn't think I was ever going to see you again..." She whispered, her breath tickling the skin on his neck.
"I know, baby. I know..." He replied, holding her tightly to him. Her arms wrapped around his waist, body pressed into him, made breathing difficult. He didn't care.
As they pulled away from each other, Peter took Carla's face in his hands. He gazed longingly at her: green eyes gleaming with unshed tears, sunken and darkened from countless sleepless nights.
"You came to get me..." She whispered, her lips curling up ever so slightly at the corners. Peter's head inclined as he caressed her cheek gently with his thumb.
"Of course I did." He said, softly. "I couldn't bear to be without you..."
He watched as Carla's face changed: relief washed away by sudden horror.
"You haven't... You didn't-" Her breath caught in her throat.
"Baby, no." He sighed, embracing her once again. She placed her hands against his chest, allowing her head to rest against him. "Do you think I'd have to sneak in through cracks in the wall if I were dead?" He chuckled.
"I suppose not..."
"I'm going to get you home, Carla. I promise." He whispered into her hair, before placing a delicate kiss on the top of her head.
"How?" She asked, meekly. Peter sighed. He hadn't thought that far ahead.
"I suppose we'll just have to go back the way I came..." He said. He took Carla's hand, gently leading her back towards the wall.
He stopped, a look of puzzlement etched across his face. It was here that he had come in, he was sure of it. And yet, all that stood in front of him now was the intricate brickwork of the stone wall. Not so much as a crack in sight, let alone a gaping hole big enough for a man to walk through.
"But..." Peter trailed off, dumbfounded.
Having discarded his guitar on the other side of the wall in his rush to hold Carla once again, he had no means by which to tempt it back open.
They were trapped.
"Peter..." Carla whispered, realisation setting in. He draped an arm over her shoulders and pulled her into his side.
"We're not going to give up that easily." He stated firmly. Now that he was here, with his lover by his side, he was even more determined than ever to get her home.
The pair were disturbed by the sound of someone clearing their throat a few feet away. Peter felt Carla stiffen under his arm, and subconsciously held her tighter to him. They turned and spotted Liam: hands in his pockets, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other. Peter felt Carla relax slightly.
"You're really here then..." Liam stated, staring at Peter in disbelief.
"Looks like it." Peter shrugged. He felt strangely unaffected by the fact that the man he was speaking to had been dead for years. What bothered him more was the fact he had once been in love with Carla, and likewise the other way round.
"Well, I hope it was worth it." Liam stated, bluntly.
"What the hell does that mean?" Peter questioned, raising an eyebrow. Liam shrugged.
"You've put the whole of the Underworld in danger. God knows what's going to happen to Chelle and Carla now. And I'd place a hefty bet on the fact that you'll never leave here again. But, like I said: I hope it was worth it."
"Liam-" Carla started, but a shake of his head stopped her. He turned, and walked away from the pair: feet scuffing the ground as he went.
Peter couldn't bring himself to meet Carla's eyes. A heavy, weighted feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.
"What have I done?" He breathed. How could he have thought this would be a good idea? He knew just how volatile Dean could be from Michelle's tales. Maybe, by coming to the Underworld, he'd sealed all of their fates.
"Come on..." Carla muttered, grabbing Peter's hand and leading him away from the wall. He hadn't known what to expect from the Underworld, but it certainly wasn't this. It looked just like any normal town: houses lined up along streets; green spaces dotted around. The only abnormal element was the giant wall encircling the place, and the adjoining castle the towered over them, casting shadows across the buildings. That, and the suffocating expanse of blackness that stretched above their heads in place of a sky.
They walked for about ten minutes, before stopping outside a small terraced house. Carla pushed open the door and invited Peter inside. As they entered the kitchen, the sound of someone running down the stairs startled Peter. He eyed Carla nervously, but relaxed somewhat when she didn't react.
"I'll put the kettle on." She stated. "There's biscuits in the pantry." She gestured towards a door at the back of the kitchen. Peter followed instructions, and headed into the pantry.
"Carla! There you are! I was worried-" He heard a woman's voice exclaim, breathlessly.
"Sorry, Hayley." Carla interjected. Peter emerged from the pantry, biscuits in hand, causing Hayley to jump.
"Peter!" She exclaimed, rushing over and pulling him into a hug. He was taken aback for a moment, but soon wrapped his arms around the woman.
"I told you he'd come, didn't I?" Carla grinned, as Hayley pulled away. "I'm going home, Hayley."
"I'm so pleased!" Hayley smiled, excitably. "Let me do that! You two sit down and catch up!" She said, shooing Carla away from the boiling kettle. Carla rolled her eyes, but sat down at the kitchen table all the same.
Peter sat down opposite, taking hold of Carla's hand across the table. He had so missed being able to hold her. He'd felt a wave of relief wash over him upon seeing Hayley. He knew that Carla felt safe with her: trusted her more than most. It was comforting to know that even though she hadn't been with him, she'd had someone else alongside her with her best interests at heart.
"So, how did you get here?" Carla asked, still not quite able to take in the fact that he was sat with her now.
Peter retold his story with as much detail as he could remember. At some point, Hayley had joined them at the table, presenting them each with a mug of coffee.
"Sounds like you've had quite a journey." She said, once he had finished, taking a sip from the mug.
"It was a bit mad, yeah." Peter agreed. "What was it like for you?" He asked, tentatively. He wasn't sure whether Carla would want to talk about it.
"I don't remember." She replied. "I just remember waking up here." She shrugged.
"It's the same for all of us." Hayley confirmed, nodding.
"Did it hurt?" Peter whispered. Carla hesitated, before answering.
"I don't remember." She settled for, hoping Peter wouldn't ask anything else.
The truth was, she couldn't remember any of the last few months of her life. Each day she woke up, she remembered less and less about what had happened in her previous life. In fact, the only reason she knew she had married Peter on the day of the accident was because Michelle had told her several times since. She couldn't bring herself to tell Peter that she couldn't remember a single moment of what would have been the happiest day of their lives.
Hayley could sense Carla's discomfort, having spoken about this very subject several times over the past few days.
"Carla, why don't you go and have a bath? You look exhausted." She suggested. Carla thought for a moment, glancing towards Peter.
"You go up, love. I'm not going anywhere." He smiled, encouragingly.
"Okay then." She decided. She rose from her chair, flashing Peter a smile, before leaving the kitchen. As she left, Peter felt Hayley lay a hand on top of his.
"I can't thank you enough for coming." She said, her voice soft.
"No, thank you for looking after her." Peter smiled as Hayley blushed.
"It's the least I could do."
"It can't have been easy, Hayley."
"Well, no. It's been awful. Not even Michelle could calm her down sometimes. All she wanted was you." Hayley confessed.
"Well, I'm here now. And I'm going to get her home." Peter stated. He had never been more determined to do anything.
"I hope you do." Hayley sighed. "Things are changing around here, Peter. Since Carla came, and the rumours that you were coming started, people have started to see Dean for what he really is..."
They were disturbed by the sound of someone pounding on the front door. Hayley glanced at Peter, before calmly making her way down the hall. As she opened the door, it burst open, and Paul came strutting down the corridor.
"Where is he?" He demanded. Turning his attention to the kitchen, he spotted Peter standing by the sink. He lunged forward, grabbing him by the collar of his t-shirt and pinning him against the kitchen counter.
"Why did you come here?" He shouted, fury in his eyes. Peter shoved him away.
"You know exactly why." He stated, as calmly as possible.
"Did the consequences of what you're doing not cross your mind at all? Do you not understand what's happening?" Paul continued to yell.
"Paul, calm down!" Hayley pleaded.
"How can I calm down? He has destroyed everything." He shouted, before turning back to Peter. This time, he kept his voice low. "Dean's got everyone out looking for our Chelle. He knows you're here. God knows what he's going to do."
"She'll talk him round." Peter stated.
"You better pray that she does, or Dean is going to be the least of your worries. Do you understand me?" Paul threatened, through gritted teeth.
Peter just stared back, maintaining a strong front. But underneath, he couldn't deny that he was frightened. All he'd focussed on was getting Carla back. He hadn't stopped to think about the consequences if he didn't succeed.
Although, Michelle must have thought there was some chance they'd make it: why else would she have told him everything she had? Taught him everything he needed to know?
Another knock on the door disturbed them. Hayley rolled her eyes, leaving the room to open it.
"Is Paul here?" Peter heard Liam say. He sounded breathless, as though he'd run a mile to find them. A few moments later, he appeared in the kitchen.
"They've found her." He panted. "She's talking to Dean now."
"This is it then..." Paul stated, slumping down into a chair at the table. Liam nodded.
"Let's just hope she can convince him."
—
"You wanted to see me?" Michelle asked, innocently: heart pounding in her chest. Dean looked up from the papers on the desk he'd previously been focussed on; lips set in a thin line.
"Where have you been, Chelle?" He asked, knowing full well what the answer was.
"I went for a walk..." She lied. Dean sighed.
"I can read you like a book, babe. I know when you're lying to me." He stated, rising from his chair.
"Dean..."
"You brought him here, didn't you?"
"Who?" She asked, feigning ignorance.
"You know who, Chelle."
"You can't pin this on me, Dean..." She said, voice barely above a whisper.
"How did he get here?" Dean demanded.
"I don't know!" She snapped, rage beginning to bubble in the pit of her stomach. How dare he treat her like this: make her feel so small; like she really had done something wrong.
"I don't believe you." He said, coldly. Michelle could feel the tears beginning to bubble, and quickly blinked them away. There was no way she'd show him any weakness.
"What are you so afraid of?" She shot. Dean appeared taken aback.
"What?"
"He's just in love. That's hardly a threat to you, is it?"
"Chelle, he could ruin everything."
Up until today, Dean had the perfect life, in this perfect world that he'd created. His citizens looked up to him: respected him. They would do anything he wanted. He had made sure of that long ago. But now, with Peter Barlow roaming the streets telling everyone that would listen that he was going to take Carla home, a wave of unrest had rippled through the Underworld. If he was able to show people that there was a way out, then by the end of the week there would be no one left. Dean would lose everything.
"He doesn't care about the Underworld! He just wants to be with Carla. Why can't you just let them be together?" Michelle tried to reason.
"It's not that easy."
Michelle sighed, taking a deep breath. She took a step towards him, taking his hand in hers.
"Explain it to me, then." She said, her voice gentle. "Why is it so bad him being here?"
Dean felt sick with dread. His final cunning plan had begun to unravel. Bringing Carla to the Underworld was supposed to make things better. All it did was bring a whole heap of trouble.
"It's not supposed to be like this. I need him gone." Dean stated, sharply.
"Then let him go. He'll take Carla with him, and everything will go back to normal." She explained, stroking the back of his hand with her thumb.
"You know I can't do that." He said, flippantly.
"Why not?" Michelle snapped, frustrated. Dean remained silent, distracted by his own thoughts. She lowered her voice. "Is this because I wouldn't stay here with you?"
Dean's eyes met hers. He didn't want to outwardly admit it. He'd just thought that by bringing her best friend here, Michelle would be more inclined to stay. Or at the very least, it would teach her a lesson.
Michelle's stomach dropped at the expression plastered across his face. Without even having to speak, he'd confirmed her worst fear: Carla was here as a punishment for her.
She snatched her hand away from his, bringing it up to her mouth in an attempt to hide the shock of the realisation. After a few moments, she dropped her arm back to her side.
"Then I'll stay." She whispered, eyes dropping to the ground. She couldn't bear to look at him. "If that's what it takes. Just please let them go."
She met his eye once more when he failed to respond. He simply shook his head slowly.
"I can't make you do that, Chelle." He said. Michelle let out a breath, exasperated.
"Is this not what you want?" She snapped.
"Yes. But it's not what you want. If I make you stay, you'll just end up resenting me. And I love you too much to let that happen."
"Then why do it in the first place, Dean?"
"I was angry. I'm sorry Chelle." For just an instant, something resembling guilt flashed across Dean's face. Michelle felt as though his hard exterior was finally beginning to crack. If she just pushed a little further...
"You can make this right..." She whispered, taking a step towards him again. "You let me go, so you can let her go."
"I can't do that, Chelle."
"Why not? What's the difference?" Michelle questioned, exasperated.
"The difference is that I care about you, Chelle. Carla means nothing to me."
Michelle paused for a moment, before lowering her voice.
"But she means everything to him. Please just let them go."
Dean met her eyes once again. What had previously been anger in them had subsided to a look of pain. At this, his hardened barrier melted away entirely. Michelle couldn't remember the last time, if ever, she'd seen him look like this. So unsure. So vulnerable. So human.
"I don't know what to do." He whispered, partially to her, but mostly to himself.
It was true: he was in an impossible position. Should he let them go, it would encourage others to follow suit. Should he make Carla stay, he would have a martyr on his hands, and the people that had come to respect him would hate him for being so cruel. Everything he'd worked so hard to build would be torn apart in a matter of days, no matter what he decided. He was trapped between a rock and a hard place.
Michelle softened, a plan beginning to form in her head.
"You don't have to do anything." She reassured him. Dean furrowed his brow. "We'll call an Underworld Council meeting. They can decide what to do. They'll act like an impartial body. Peter and Carla can state their case, and you can state yours. Then we'll leave it up to them."
Dean thought for a moment. Leaving the Underworld Council in charge would leave him free of any guilt, but at the same time would also take away some of his power. Although, it didn't look as though he had much choice. After a few moments, he nodded.
"Okay then. But if I change my mind-"
"You can make the final decision." Michelle finished. Dean nodded, tight lipped. He reached for her arm, pulling her gently towards him. He wrapped his arms around her, embracing her.
"I love you." He said. Michelle nodded.
"I know." He let his arms fall once again to his sides. Michelle took a step back. "Would you like me to organise the meeting?" She offered.
"No, it's okay. I'll do it." Dean replied, returning to the other side of the desk. "Go and see Carla. I know that's what you really want." He stated, somewhat bitterly.
"Are you sure you don't mind?" She tested. He shrugged. She headed to the door. Placing her hand on the handle, she turned.
"Dean?" He lifted his head from its focus point on the desk, and raised an eyebrow. "I love you too."
Before he had chance to change his mind, she sped out of the door. She practically ran to Carla's house, banging on the door with a force so hard it felt as though she might go through.
It was Liam who opened the door.
"Oh thank god." He breathed, upon laying eyes on his sister. "Quick, come in."
He guided her down the hallway towards the kitchen, where the rest of the inhabitants were waiting: Hayley busy by the kettle; Paul at the table, head in hands: Carla sat in Peter's lap, arms draped around his neck, head resting on his shoulder.
At hearing them enter the room, Paul raised his head. He quickly rose from his seat, wrapping a protective arm around her and guiding her to sit down.
"What did he say?" He quizzed, voice full of alarm. Michelle shrugged. She glanced at Carla, who's eyes were fixed on her, wide with anticipation
"He said he doesn't know what to do." She said.
"But he's not angry?" Paul pushed.
"He's fuming." She explained, bluntly. "But he's scared too. I haven't seen him like that before. He was so unsure... So vulnerable."
"What are you saying Chelle?" Liam asked. "What's he gonna do?"
"Nothing." She stated. Silence billowed through the room. Paul raised an eyebrow, prompting her to continue.
"Because you are."
Paul and Liam shot her a confused glance.
"As long as we play our cards right, they'll be home by tomorrow."
Carla smiled at Peter, her face awash with relief. He held her tightly to him.
"What do you mean?" Paul pushed.
"I persuaded him to take it to the Underworld Council. We just have to agree to let them go, and that'll be that." She confirmed. The entire room let out a collective sigh of relief. Except Peter, who still looked confused.
"Who's on the Underworld Council then?" He pushed. Michelle smiled, as she, Paul, Liam and Hayley all raised their hands. Peter couldn't help but let out a laugh.
"Sis, you're a genius." Liam stated.
"Anyone for celebratory tea?" Hayley sang, waving the kettle in the air. Murmurs of agreement ruffled through the room: the atmosphere suddenly more relaxed.
But there was one thought still niggling away at Michelle, leaving her on edge.
Just as long as he doesn't change his mind.