A/N: Who drifts away from a fandom and rocks up again a good five years later? Apparently, I do.

Ilooked over all of the stories I'd written and I have to say, the majority of them made me cringe so hard. I was very young and I feel that this is reflected in my writing. I was quite a different person five years ago, I feel that my skills have developed and matured with me and so I thought I'd dip my toe in the water by releasing this one-shot. If the 'Carchelle' fandom is still alive out there, I may consider a continuation of this. I'm hoping that my style has matured and will continue to do so!

I have absolutely no idea how or why I've suddenly come back to this fandom, after being away for so long and moving onto other television shows, it just feels right to me. I think because it was such a huge part of my life at one point, my 'fangirl' heart never really gave out. I think if something was once really important to you, part of it remains so and I have found myself drifting back here completely unintentionally, but there's got to be a reason for me doing so.

As much as I did not enjoy reading back through my own work, there was something pleasantly nostalgic in remembering that part of my life. It's feels odd, in a good way, to just think about how much everything has changed and also makes me wonder what will happening in another five years. If I'll be sat reading this chapter, feeling the same way.

However, I'm getting all philosophical and strange, so I'll stop this rambling, welcome you to this piece and (on the very slight off chance that there may still be people here that I knew before) welcome back anyone who possibly may have known my writing.

Blue x

Glass Hearts

It was Ali who has informed her that the wedding was off, in fact the whole relationship was off. It seemed Michelle had called time on her Robert's partnership and the news had come as a shock to Carla.

"What are you talking about?" She murmured, glancing around the cafe to make sure they were out of earshot. That would certainly explain why her best friend hadn't answered a single message from her all day.

"She called it off, something happened with Robert." Ali pushed some money across the counter to Shona, who had placed his take out coffee on the glass top. He told her to keep the change before turning back to the concerned brunette. "She couldn't cope with what he had done and I don't think I blame her. You've all got more than enough on your plates."

"But what did he do? Is he back on the-" Carla cut off, glancing feverishly around her once more before lowering her voice. "Is he using steroids again?" She whispered, her brow creased with confusion.

Ali shook his head and beckoned her out of the door, taking her wrist gently and leading her around the corner, into the ginnel where they were out of ear shot.

"He's not back on the steroids, but they have affected his health. I went to see Michelle last night to pick up my shirt and Robert wasn't there. She told me they'd split up, but she didn't say why. She looked really upset."

"Of course she did, they were supposed to be getting married! What do you mean his health was affected?" Carla was no Miss Marple, but she had the distinct feeling that Ali knew more than he was letting on. A flash of guilt in his eyes confirmed her suspicions.

"I really can't disclose anymore information, it would be breaking patient confi-"

"Oh, cut the professional claptrap and tell me what you know. We're family."

"I accessed Roberts medical records after I left Michelle's yesterday." He admitted, glancing down at the cobbles and kicking at a rock with the polished toe of his shoe. "As I'm not directly involved with his care, I didn't have a right to look at them."

"I'm hardly going to go shooting my mouth off, what do you take me for?" Carla rolled her eyes and pulled out her phone, quickly firing off another text message to Michelle. "She hasn't answered me all morning, I'm going to see her and make sure she's alright. Tell me what you know and make it snappy."

"Robert had a heart attack, he was in hospital. I'm guessing that he either didn't stop his usage or that the damage was already done. But Carla, you can't tell anyone I told you this, I mean it, I'd lose my job."

Carla had just about recovered from the shock of the information Ali had just relayed to her, she was frozen for just a moment, her mind working rapidly to catch up with with her legs, which had started to carry her speedily in the direction of Michelle's flat. She waved her hand behind her, signalling 'thank you', 'goodbye' 'mums the word' to her friends son.

Her heart was pounding slightly by the time she reached the flat and a hint of nausea wavered her steps as she headed up to Michelle's floor. Slowing slightly, she took a deep, calming breath before proceeding. Unwisely, she had skipped breakfast that morning and was yet to have lunch, so she knew she shouldn't be exerting herself.

Carla knocked sharply on the door, shuffling impatiently while waiting for her friend to answer.

"Michelle!" She called out when the answer never came, rapping a little louder on the door. When these echoed harshly in the corridor and no answer followed, she felt panic rise hotly and settle in back of her throat. It was stupid, Michelle wouldn't do anything like that, but with Aiden's death so raw, so painful, her brain was jumping to all kinds of horrific conclusions. She could see Johnny in the back of her mind, calling in to see his son and finding him like...like that. Crouching down, she jammed herself up against the keyhole and squinted one eye shut, trying to get a glimpse of inside the flat. She could see the back of Michelle's sofa, a bottle of wine on the coffee table that seemed to be empty.

"Michelle, I'm coming in." Carla called firmly, though her voice shook slightly as she dug around in her bag, feeling for a set of keys. They were ones she'd been given for emergencies, or the time Michelle had kindly offered Carla the flat for a couple of nights when she'd taken a weekend break with Robert, in case she'd wanted a couple of nights alone. Roy was amazing, he'd done everything he could for her, but the idea of being able to sprawl across the sofa on an evening, watching a programme that didn't feature trains or an endangered species had been one she'd unable to resist.

It took her a couple of attempts to get the key into the lock, she knew it was silly to panic, she knew her best friend was okay. Well, as okay as anyone who had just called off their wedding could be. The knot of fear in her stomach still wouldn't loosen. She burst through the door like a cork from champagne, her eyes searching wildly around the empty living room. There was another bottle of wine on the kitchen worktop, not quite empty but barely a glass left.

Soft notes of music were playing from the bedroom, only just audible against the blood that was pounding in her ears. Carla strode purposely across the floor and seized the handle, throwing open the door.

"Didn't you hear me calling? I've been so worried! Why didn't you-?" Her words died on her tongue, her features softening instantly, heart clenching at the scene before her. "Oh, 'Chelle..."

Standing there in front of a tall mirror, her back turned, was her best friend. She was staring into her reflection with tears streaming down her cheeks. Her glossy hair had been pinned into what would have been an intricate up-do, only her hands had been shaking and clumsy. Rustic curls had slipped down to softly frame her face, which was shining with sorrow, mascara streaking her lightly tanned skin.

The dress was breathtaking, a form fitting ivory gown which flowed smoothly over her figure, delicate lace winding around her body, blossoming down her arms and pooling at her feet.

Slowly, Carla made her way over to her silently sobbing friend, a lump forming in her aching throat as she surveyed the woman before her. She looked like an angel. Bringing her arms forward, she gently wrapped them around Michelle's lithe waist and pressed herself against her quivering frame, lowering her chin to her shoulder. She allowed her eyes to take in the younger woman's reflection once more, she hadn't acknowledged Carla's prescience, but her tears were falling thick and fast.

"You look so, so beautiful," She whispered, turning her head to kiss her heartbroken friends cheek, tasting salt on her lips as she did so. "He didn't deserve you."

"Why wasn't I enough?" Michelle whispered, her lower lip trembling as she spoke.

Carla looked at her, looked at this amazing, sweet, caring person who had been by her side for over twenty-five years and her mouth fell open slightly. How could she even begin to explain how wrong the younger woman was? How could she even begin to form an answer? This exquisite human had suffered more heartbreak than anyone deserved. She was still suffering now. The older brunette didn't know where to start, she just knew she needed to alleviate her pain.

"You were more than enough," Carla breathed, reaching up to brush her thumb gently over a tear stained cheek, erasing the smeared make up that had streaked across her skin. "You're so far out of his league, 'Chelle, look at you..." She turned them both back towards the mirror, gently teasing one of the fallen curls, winding it around her finger before releasing the strand and watching as it bounced back into place.

"He isn't the same person I fell in love with," Michelle admitted, her brow furrowed as though the words physically pained her. "I know it's the addiction but I...I just can't do it, Carla. Not with-with everything else that's happened-I can't-" A loud sob followed as the woman lost what little composure she had. She fell against her friend and Carla could do nothing but allow her to cry. To the best of her ability, she comforted the younger woman, rubbing her back and murmuring softly into her ear, promising that everything would be okay. It had to be. There was no way she could stand to see one of the people she loved most in the world suffer anymore than they had to.

The shoulder of Carla's too was noticeably damp by the time Michelle's sobs had somewhat subsided. Her breathing was still ragged and her eyes were red, but it seemed she was now all cried out. Nuzzling into the crook of her friends neck, she breathed in the familiar scent and it soothed her. It was reassuring; Carla was always there. And even when she'd had to go, she always came back.

"He didn't want to dance," Michelle spoke for the first time since breaking down, her voice was thick, she sounded as though she had a bad head cold. Carla tilted her head to the side.

"What do you mean?"

"The wedding, he didn't want us to dance. He said it wasn't his thing."

Carla mentally cursed Robert in her head, wanting to put him right back in hospital for causing Michelle so much pain. Especially now, especially with everything they had already lost. Letting go of her friend for just a moment, she walked over to where the speaker was playing the music she'd heard before and turned the volume up a little. Soft piano notes began to play and she turned back towards Michelle, holding her hand out.

"Dance with me?" A violin had joined the piano, sending an elegant wave of sound around the room.

"What?" Michelle looked confused at her friends proffered hand, she couldn't remember a time when Carla had danced, at least soberly.

"I'd consider it an absolute honour, if you'd join me in this dance," Carla whispered, her voice still audible above the soft, deep vocals that were emanating from the speaker behind them.

The frown on Michelle's face softened instantly and her eyes sparkled with tears once more. "Carla," She swallowed, clearly touched, as she accepted her friends hand. She felt herself coaxed into softly twirling around, before being drawn closer when Carla's other hand slipped around her waist, their bodies flush against one another.

Isn't it lovely, all alone

Heart made of glass, my mind of stone

Michelle brought her hand which wasn't clasped in Carla's to her shoulder, tenderly brushing her hair out of the way before resting her hand there. The older woman was gazing across at her friend with the softest expression, leading the dance as she swayed them gently.

I hope someday I'll make it out of here,

Even if it takes all night or a hundred years

A tear slipped down Michelle's cheek once more and Carla instantly brought herself closer. She wrapped both arms around the woman's waist and gave her a comforting squeeze. Silently, they danced throughout the remainder of the song, the notes that played seemed to mirror the sadness; they were heartbreaking and beautiful. Leaning forward, Michelle gently touched her forehead to Carla's and a watery smile spread across her lips. She wanted to thank her, for being there. For dancing with her. For being the one person who she felt she could be around. She was so worried she had been drowning in the sorrow of her losses. It had certainly felt like her lungs had been filled with icy cold water, each breath a wave of despair which crashed into her heart, but Carla's arms were a life belt wrapped around her, keeping her from sinking too far into the murky depths.

Maybe it was because they'd lost Aiden and now she'd lost Robert, maybe it was a way of wanting to keep everyone as close as she possibly could. It might have been because her head was a complete mess, or because she'd almost drank two bottles of wine to take the edge from the pain she was feeling. It could be because of the way Carla was looking at her, like making her feel better was the only thing that mattered in the world to her. It was probably all of these things and the fact that they were so close anyway. Literally. Carla's nose had bumped lightly into hers, scrunched slightly, and then moved back to nudge against it once more for comic effect.

But the younger woman had tilted her head, reaching up to graze her thumb over a prominent cheekbone. Their lips brushed, almost light enough for it to have been accidental, for Michelle to have been able to pretend the tilt of her head was nothing other than bad timing, for her to have pulled away so they could dust the mishap off with giggles apologies. She did neither of these things, instead she pressed her lips more firmly against her friends and sealed the gap.

Tear me to pieces, skin to bone,

Hello, welcome home

A/N: Thank you for reading. The song referenced here is "Lovely" by Billie Eilish and Khalid.