Always

One-Shot. The time between Molly's tour alone in Afghan and the long wait to be reunited with her love. Set after Episode 5.

She hadn't seen him since that wonderful, wonderful night they spent together in Bath.

It seemed so long ago now. Three months seems to drag when you're separated from the one you want most.

Private Molly Dawes smiled to herself as she carried his latest letter back to her tent, hoping to read it in some relative privacy. It was late at night, and she was relieved to see the female tent was deserted as she sat down on her bed. Well it made sense it was empty – months after drawdown only a few soldiers remained in Camp Bastion now. Most were there, like Molly, to educate Afghan troops and to help the country restore some normality.

Molly leaned against her pillow and slowly opened the envelope. Her heart fluttered as it always did when she thought of him, as she read his perfect handwriting, savouring his words. He wrote about his life in Bath, how his rehab was going and told stories of her former 2 Section. He even mentioned his son, Sam, had asked about her. That had brought a lump to her throat. But it was the last few lines which caused tears to sting her eyes.

Just one more week until I see your beautiful face again.

Love you always,

Captain Charles James.

She closed her eyes. She missed him so much, and now there was only a week until she saw him again.

Molly was proud of her decision to come back to Afghanistan and she knew Charles was too. She hadn't felt normal, felt right being back home. She felt it was her duty to return and do whatever she could to help. She even saw Bashira a few weeks ago, something she once never thought she would be able to do. To see her safe, to see her happy, had given Molly a sense of peace, that this wasn't all for nothing. Some of the guilt had even faded.

She just wished Charles could have shared the experience with her. As her tiredness overcame her, she pictured her love as she slowly drifted off to a dreamless sleep.

"Remember, stay focused, stay alert, and stay alive."

Molly repeated her Captain's words to her final group of Afghan medics. She was greeted to a round of applause from her mentees and she smiled back at them. To her surprise the last week of her short tour had flown by and she was finally heading home. In her eagerness her kit was already packed and ready for the UK.

A short time later she was sat in the plane to take her home, along with her colleagues. A wave of sadness overcame her as they took off to leave the country that had so many memories for her – both good and bad.

Molly groaned internally at the thought of the 14 hour flight she had home. She pulled a picture from her front pocket to remind herself it was worth it – she and Charles stood outside the grand building where they had been on their first date. A kind passer-by had offered to take a picture of the happy, young couple. She chuckled at the sight of his clumpy boot and wondered if he still had to wear it; even though admittedly she had found his limp endearing.

The three months they had been apart were difficult. Being in Afghanistan without him was difficult. She missed his touch, his comfort and support; his presence was all she craved right now. The two had emailed often and they even tried to Skype a few times, with varying degrees of success. But her favourite form of communication were always his hand-written letters. They always lifted her spirits even when she had the toughest days.

Her family were waiting for her in the arrivals lounge when they eventually landed in Brize Norton. Her parents swept her up in a big hug, and her Nan kissed the top of her head. Molly was ecstatic to see them, but her eyes couldn't help scanning all the faces in the room. She was just instinctively looking for a tall, dark-haired handsome man…

"He's not here, Mols," Belinda told her, as if her mother could read her mind. Molly's heart sunk, disappointed.

"Dunno what you're talking 'bout," Molly replied defensively, reminding herself they hadn't even said when they were to meet again. She didn't expect him to be there, waiting for her. She shouldn't have expected he'd be there. She pulled her family into another hug. "Now come on you lot let's go home – I'm starved!"

Molly returned home late that night. Her youngest siblings were fast asleep – a Dawes' reunion would have to wait until the morning. She had caught up with the family news on the journey home; though not much had changed.

"Tell you what, I'm bloody knackered," Molly said as she sunk into the sofa.

"Well you have flown halfway around the world," Dave replied with a chuckle as he rolled a cigarette between his fingers. "Go to bed Mols."

She let out a defeated sigh and trudged up the stairs. Barely awake, she sat down on the lower bunk bed she shared with her sister. Molly realised then she had sat on something and reached around to remove the offending object. It was a crisp envelope – she moved closer into the dim light and instantly recognised the hand-writing. Without a further hesitation she opened the letter and to her surprise train tickets fell onto the carpet. She was now suddenly wide awake as she examined the open return tickets from London Paddington to Bath Spa… Charles!

The letter simply said; Come visit me sometime.

Her heart was beating erratically from excitement and nervousness, the thought of seeing him again. A shadow fell across the room and Molly looked up to see her mum standing in the doorway.

"Did you know about this?" Molly asked, holding up the letter. Belinda simply smiled and carried on down the hallway.

Molly shook her head in disbelief, her fingers trembling as she pulled on her pajamas. Even though she didn't think she'd be able to sleep after that, she was out of it as soon as she hit the pillow.

It was the following afternoon. She'd been back in the UK for just over 24 hours, but she knew that this was where she wanted to be most in the world. Molly stood outside the tall white townhouse, gazing up. It was more spectacular than she remembered.

She'd felt guilty leaving her family nearly as soon as she'd been reunited with them, but her mum had insisted she get on the train as soon a she could. Belinda knew how much Molly had missed her former Captain.

Molly took a deep breath as she approached the grand house – she hadn't told Charles she was planning on visiting today so she really hoped he was in. Once she had somewhat calmed herself she knocked on the door and took a step back.

For a split second Molly panicked. What if things weren't the same between them? What if he didn't love her like he did in Aghanistan? What if-

The door swung open to reveal the most beautiful sight she could imagine – Captain Charles James was standing there, a look of slight shock etched on his face. Just seeing him instantly calmed her. He was dressed casually; the chunky boot missing from his foot.

"Miss me?" Molly asked with a cheeky smirk, to which Charles could only chuckle in reply. She ducked under his arm and into his stunning home as he closed the door behind them.

There was a pause as the two looked into each other's eyes – they were together again. It had been three months, but suddenly it felt like they were never apart. Charles took a moment to look at her properly; she was more stunning than he remembered, if that were possible.

He then reached for face, stroking it softly, before he leaned in for sweet kiss. As their lips touched, imaginary fireworks seemed to explode in his head and he deepened the kiss. She returned his affection and eagerly kissed him back, inhaling sharply as they pulled away briefly.

His hands snaked around her waist as she reached around his neck, pulling him closer. She couldn't help but smile. He pulled away after a second more, his forehead touching hers.

"What?" he asked, running a hand gently through her brunette hair.

"Nothing Boss," she teased. "Just I take that as a yes then."

"Oh Dawsey," he replied, grinning. "You have no idea."

A/N Thank you for reading guys! My writing is not the best but I love this couple so much, I just couldn't resist writing a little something! Really hoping for a Season 2 of Our Girl!