Disclaimer: I don't own any character but Ellie.
The wedding had been what he'd expected: somewhat stuffy and boring, even for him, until the toasts had started at the reception. His companions from Korea had made some very colorful ones, especially compared to his father's. But Charles Winchester couldn't help but smile and glance over at his bride, who met his eye with a wink. Ah, the wink brought back such memories…
Ellie Barrett had been a nurse at the 4077th and had caught the pompous doctor's eye on several occasions, but his good manners had prevented him from making the sorts of advances Pierce made daily. It wasn't until he saw her at Boston Mercy hospital on his first day at work that he entertained the notion of asking her to dinner. Besides, he reasoned, a beautiful, intelligent woman such as she must surely have a love in her life.
The blond nurse had also noticed the tall stocky surgeon, but had been too shy to make the first move. And even if she hadn't been shy, she was always busy fending off the flirtations of Captain Pierce. When the war ended, she couldn't help but wonder if she would ever see Charles again.
Their meeting in the hospital sparked interest in both parties, but both were a bit tongue tied in the department of romance. Ultimately, it was Charles who had made the leap, encouraged by his sister, who so very wisely said, "The worst she can do is say no."
Their first date lead to many more, and, to Charles' delight, his family approved and loved her almost as much as he himself had grown to adore her. So, when he asked his emerald eyed love to marry him, he had no fear of his family protesting, only of her answer; unnecessary, since she felt the same for him.
And so, 5 years after they met, Ellie became Mrs. Charles Winchester.
That night, Ellie was more nervous than she ever had been before. Would she please him? She'd never worried about it before in her thoughts on marriage, but Charles wasn't like anyone else.
"Just relax. This… area is not my forte either," Charles comforted her, holding her face in his hands and kissing her gently. "We will simply have to learn together. I don't think that sounds so bad, does it?" Ellie smiled and shook her head, kissing him as he carried her to the bed.
He used the same methodical intensity he used in surgery to explore her body, curiosity quickly replaced by growing skill and confidence as she writhed under his touch. It was like nothing she had ever imagined, nothing she had ever heard from her friends. They were truly as one, completing each other as no one else could. And when she could finally take no more and her body arched against his, she felt his warmth burst within her, bringing tears to her eyes. When they collapsed together, he frowned, seeing the tears.
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" Charles asked softly, wiping the tears away. She shook her head, kissing him tenderly, answering simply. "You never could."
With a chuckle, Charles moved over to lay next to her, gathering her in the warmth of his arms.
"Are you sure you've never done that before?" Ellie teased, green eyes meeting his blue ones.
"My dear, I do one thing at a time, I do it very well, and then I move on. Though I am learning the benefits of lingering…" Charles answered with his usual superior smile, tempered by affection. Ellie raised an eyebrow, giggling as her husband pushed her into the mattress again. They would clearly be in for a long night.