Thank you all so so much for the support on the first chapter! I was absolutely buzzing to read them all so please keep them coming!

This is a bit of a long one, probably should have split it into two chapter but that's a task and a half on the iPhone so long chapter it is! Have a lovely weekend all xx

-OG-

Georgie heard her before she saw her. Her famous cackle and toothy grin lit up the mess hall as she lingered in the doorway with her stomach well and truly in her arse at this point but there was no going back now. She'd been spotted.

Fingers glanced between Molly and Georgie waiting... waiting to see who would make the first move and wondered if they should all suit up ready for the inevitable fireworks that were about to go off.

Georgie gave an awkward half smile and a quick wave to her former section whilst not taking her eyes off Molly. Who still hadn't spotted her and if she had then she was doing a bloody good job of pretending that Georgie didn't exist at all.

Brains cleared his throat as the atmosphere turned chilly. He'd had such great respect for Georgie but Molly had been 2 sections First Lady so to speak and she'd done nothing to deserve her husband and her mate shacking up together. He decided that she was most definitely pretending Georgie didn't exist and maybe that was the best course of action. After all, no one needed a fight or a court martial on the new Captains first morning.

"Come on then wankers, let's get this show on the road" she commanded with the entirety of 2 section following her towards the parade ground.

Molly walked slightly ahead, her heart pounding in her chest. "You don't have to take my side you know Brains. I know you were all fond of her.."

Brains shrugged his shoulders "It was just awkward that's all. I'll talk to her at some point, but I just want you to know that none of us agree with what her and that bastard James did to you. I'm glad he's gone. Twat!" She gave him a small smile, grateful for his continued support and loyalty but sick to her stomach at the thought of Georgie pissin' Lane being around again.

-OG-

Charles was sweating bullets as he approached his office. He was finally back after his on going mental battles. He was happy and settled and after Becks resignation, he had been under a lot less pressure. He past indiscretions seemingly swept under the rug. He had to remind himself that he was born for this, it's all he had ever wanted and he'd sacrificed a lot over the course of his career including the most important people in his life over the years to be the Captain he is today.

A slender, dark haired figure that was fast approaching caught his eye, surely this wasn't going to happen on the first fucking day.

"Sir" Georgie greeted with a salute, Staring straight through him.

"At ease Lane. No need for such formalities"

She sniggered "Say's you who's calling me Lane"

Her attention was momentarily lost, her eye following Captain McClyde down he hallway.

"Friend of yours is he?" Charles said with raised eyebrows. "Something like that" she spat sarcastically with a smile that irked him. He knew full well what that smile meant.

"I'll see you around Sir"

He wanted to tell her he'd look forward to it. But he wouldn't, she was the painful reminder of the worst time of his life.

-OG-

"Now two section. I trust that your new Captain will be met with the respect he deserves. Some of you may recognise him, he's worked hard to return from illness and injury and I expect you to make his transition back to work a smooth one" Molly couldn't help but roll her eyes at the Brigs words. Her last Captain had been a complete pleb too. A complete tool that none of the section really respected, she'd been glad to get called back to two section.

"And I can see you were all pleased to welcome back Lance Corporal Dawes this morning. She's now a permanent addition to the unit" Molly felt her cheeks flush.

"Ah here's the man himself. Captain James, delighted to have you back with us"

Molly felt her stomach drop when she heard his name, surely it couldn't be the same James. He was finished the last she's heard. Their eyes met as he greeted his section, an eruption of cheers and celebrations from some and groans from others filled her ears. This wasn't happening. Her gut tightened as he made his way down the line, greeting each of them personally. Molly and Brains exchanged equally confused and surprised faces "Fuck" she mouth in his direction.

"Good to see you James" he greeted her but was met with silence "Don't you have anything to say?" She swallowed the lump in her throat "It's Dawes Sir"

-OG-

He hid the emotional turmoil he was experiencing well as he went down the line. There she was. His ex wife, the one who got away. The one he had completely broken. His emotions flipped between excitement and trepidation as he'd got closer to her, eager the fill the space between them.

How on fucking earth had this happened? Lane and Molly, in one morning, at the same barracks. You couldn't fucking write this.

"Good to see you James" he had spewed without even thinking of how it would make either of them feel, especially her. The horror in her eyes made it quite clear how she felt about that.

"It's Dawes Sir" she said with the same vacant state that Georgie had afforded him.

"Of course it is. Sorry Dawes" she was more beautiful than he remembered. Happiness suited her it seemed. He glanced at Smurf's ring around her neck,wondering wether it still lived on the string or had been moved to her finger. She had returned it when Charles had proposed to her, much to Smurf's annoyance. He hated to admit that it hurt him to see it hanging where his rings once did when she was in uniform, the symbol of their eternal love that now gathered dust in a safe at Royal Crescent.

She further shocked him by flashing him the killer watt smile he loved so much "Glad to see you back, Sir"

He felt all eyes on them, on him as he struggled to know how best to respond. He decided to move on and address them as a group again. They would have time enough to catch up once they both got over the shock.

-OG-

Charles decided the best way to win round squaddies was to get the drinks in. He'd heard them discussing between themselves a trip to the local to welcome Molly back. It sounded like a good idea at the time considering Molly's mostly friendly reaction to him.

It took him all of 1.3 seconds to spot her. Her glossy dark locks framing her pretty face and tight jeans setting her figure off. She was dwarfed by her company - McClyde. Fucking McClyde.

"So Molly. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing you around before" she giggled at his obvious flirting. "Well I haven't seen you either but I've certainly heard your big trap round the barracks"

He laughed "Feisty, I like it! So you're with that little twat Smurf? I'm very sorry to hear that. You've must have done something really shit in a past life to be punished with that cock. If you ever feel like a real man Dawes, you know where to find me"

Charles watched from a far, filled with jealousy. Something he hadn't felt for a very long time tightening in his chest.

She threw her head back with laughter as Bones closed the gap between them, hanging on her every word.

"That's nothing Sir, she was married to Captain James an' all" Fingers shouted across the bar.

Molly gave him a death stare, he was definitely going to get a punch in the face for that one.

"Fuck me Dawes, someone up there really don't like you" He pushed another glass of wine towards her.

"Probably should buy you the bottle for your troubles. Two twats in one life time"

Charles turned to leave. "Charlie? You just going?"

He tried desperately to lubricants his dry mouth. This had been a really bad idea. "Yes Lane. Best get home. Early start tomorrow"

She couldn't take her eyes off Bones who couldn't take his eyes off Molly. "Think you might find that's what they call karma. He was meant to be meeting me" she said sadly.

"Bones is a prize tit anyway. Never had much time for him"

She gave him a sad smile "I'll walk you back to the Barracks" he offered.

Molly turned in time to see the leave together. Her heart constricting as all her long buried pain bubbles back to the surface. Everything about Georgie made her insecure, it was like school again where she didn't have all the latest stuff like the other girls, she didn't feel as pretty because she wasn't as tall or clever as them. Lane brought all that back to the surface, after all - her husband had found her to be a better option than Molly. So it must be true.

Charles and Georgie walked in silence back to the barracks, the weight the resurfaced situation weighing healthily on both. "This is really shit isn't it"

"Yep" he said without so much as a look in her direction. She smiled at him sadly, waiting for something from him. For him to say he didn't regret it or that it would blow over. Anything at all positive. But nothing came.

"Night then" he said as they reached the guard station. This was a fucking disaster.

-OG-

Smurf slammed the front door so hard, Molly was sure the neighbours would be cursing them "Oi fuck face. Don't get us in trouble before we've even met the neighbours" he threw her a dirty look "I suppose you're happy he's back" she rolled her eyes "I'm happy to see he's recovered but that's where it ends"

He opened another beer "And I suppose you thought it wouldn't get back to me that you were trying to get into Bones' pants as well. Always knew you were a slapper "

She spun the diamond ring around on her finger. This was going to be a long night. The ambush of abuse was never ending, there was nothing she could say to calm him "If your just gonna shout like this all bleedin' night then I'm gonna sod off back to barracks. You've giving me a headache"

She escaped through the front door for some peace, afraid of his never ending outburst and temper. She slid down the wall until she stopped with a thud on the cold floor.

"Are you okay Hun?" Molly was startled by her "Yeah, thank you. I'm sorry for the noise. Hardly a great first impression is it" Amy shrugged her shoulders "I wouldn't worry about it. We all have our troubles" Molly hoped she was right "I'll make sure he shuts up. And thank you, just for being nice" Amy gave her a warm smile "Anytime, it looks like I'm opposite you, we're newbies too... You know where I am if you ever need a friend"

Molly smiled to herself, comforted by the knowledge that there was someone kind nearby. She'd had many versions of Smurf over the years, the jealous one was by far the worst.

-OG-

"Good evening you" Charles pulled her into a hug. "I thought I heard voices. Been making friends with the neighbours?" He had felt guilty that she had uprooted her life and career for him without any question the moment he'd got the call "Actually I think they were having a bit of a domestic. The girl looked a bit upset, I didn't catch her name" he sighed, she was always far too nice for her own good "Well don't go getting involved" she saluted "Yes sir. King of emotionless living"

They shared a small laugh as he embraced her. His head still full of jealousy and guilt - his worst triggers.

After Molly he never thought he'd love again and if he was honest with himself nothing would ever compare to the feeling she had given him. He hated to admit that Amy had been someone to fill a void whilst he waited for Molly to come back, but she didn't.

"Glad to see you've got your feet up. Tough first day?" She ran her fingers through the soft curls on the top of his head "Not particularly tough no, I'm back with my old section. It was a little strange, I'm a little rusty but I'm sure running them ragged during PT will whip me into shape"

Amy smiled at him "I'm so pleased you're back where you want to be" he squeezed her hand "All thanks to you"

He couldn't help but think of Molly at that moment. How different things could have been if he hadn't fucked up. He maintained for a long time after Lane that he still loved Molly, his head and his heart full of her, almost like it might burst. That feeling had been replaced by a dull longing which he'd hoped would fade in time. He was scared to admit to himself that seeing her today excited him. He had to push those feelings away. They weren't fair to the woman in front of him now. He'd fallen into a relationship with her without much thought of the consequences further down the line. His mother had said that he was afraid to end up alone, and she was absolutely right. It was his biggest fear.

Amy had made it clear from their first meeting that she wanted him. He was flattered, she was beautiful, he was lonely and she was up for it. She turned up one evening and never really left. His mother had insisted on him having help around the house once Georgie had left. His injury ravaged body was taking longer to recover these days and he could think of worst things than having an attractive blonde to focus on while he bided his time. Molly would come home eventually, he was sure of it.

-OG-

They walked to the Barracks in silence. Molly tired and withdrawn, Smurfs relentless outbursts of anger and jealousy over Charles' return had gone on most of the night, fuelled by whisky and beer.

"I'll see you tonight then yeah?" She tried to show him some affection but he pulled away "You might" he snapped.

She felt him before she saw him, he'd seen the exchange and heard every word "Everything alright Dawes?" She rolled her eyes "Yes sir. How are you today? So glad to see you well again" she felt weak as his eyes bore into hers "Thank you. It's been a long road but got there in the end. Glad to see your still in" she smiled a shy smile sending his stomach crazy with butterflies. How did she still have the power to do that?

The way she was with him was unnerving. It was like their relationship had never happened, that he was nothing but a work colleague. She spoke to him the same as she did any other officer and it hurt "Was there anything else Dawes?"

She hesitated, there was so much she wanted to say.

The longer she stood there the more her questions threatened to bubble over. "No Sir"

"PT in 20 minutes. Full kit"

She didn't look back as he marched away but knew he was watching her. Being around him was fucking with her head and already causing trouble between Smurf and her. They'd been happy for so long and the return of Charles had brought past problems to the surface. He'd been off the drink for months. After the last time when he'd got heavy handed with her, he'd promised her faithfully it would never happen again. He was struggling to keep that promise.

-OG-

Charles was deep in thought as he ran drills with 2 section. "Sir your limping" Brains called out, praying for a reprieve from their laps of the Barracks "Thanks for that Brains, I had noticed. Just a rusty old war wound, I can run it off" Brains looked to Molly. She shrugged at Brains as her searched her face for reassurance "Bosses word is final" she pulled her Bergen back onto her back "Lets get this over with"

He was embarrassed he couldn't keep up with them, Brains had been right but Charles always was one for cutting his nose to spite his face. "Sir I think you need the medic" he was touched by Brains' concern. He knew very well he had an opinion on everything that had happened and had been very vocal about it to both Georgie and Molly in the past. "I'll be fine Brains. Tell that miserable lot they can go for an early lunch and I'll see you all back here in an hour" he saluted the boss "Moll I think he needs ya"

She approached him with caution "Sir, I think we should take a trip to the med room don't you?" He stood to his feet "I'm fine Dawes, thanks. Just getting back into the swing of things. It's natural that I'm feeling it" he attempted a step on the offending leg, grabbing her shoulder for support before he buckled "All due respect sir but I think you're talking shit. Follow me, go easy"

His hand clutched her shoulder. He was certain she could feel every bit of fire in her belly that he could. Her eyes were soft when she looked at him, there was no anger there like he expected. She had either recovered from the pain he'd caused her or was once again queen of concealing her true feelings to those she didn't trust. He hoped it wasn't the latter.

Smurf watched from the window, anger building up inside him. It hadn't even been a week and they'd already found their way back to each other, there was something in the way they looked at each other. And he wasn't fucking happy about it.

-OG-

"Take your boot and sock off Sir" he did as instructed as she shoved a pillow underneath his ankle "It really is fine now Molly. I've walked it off. And you don't have to call me Sir when we're in private, you know that don't you?"

She took in the bright red scars "Well I wouldn't be a very good medic if I didn't at least check it over. And you are my CO, so I will call you Sir"

He watched her as she worked, their eyes meeting occasionally as they stole awkward glances. He'd ached for this for so long, to have her hands on his body once again.

"Can you rotate it?" He nodded and demonstrated with a slight wince "flex and extend your foot please" he did as instructed, enjoying the warmth of her hands as she supported his lower leg "You've over done it that's all. Can't see any signs of a sprain or worse but I'm going to bandage it up for support anyway. No more drills for you today okay?" He nodded. This was dangerous territory, for both of them. Nothing had changed for him, his feelings were still very much still there. Once he'd begun to recover that phase of his life seemed like a dream. Actually more like a nightmare, his life without Molly in it was most definitely a nightmare. He'd struggled to accept he'd let her go so easily. The Charles that had made those mistakes had a lot to answer for.

"Anything else while we're here sir? How's your stomach?" She forget herself for a moment as she pulled at his top to reveal his healed wounds. "All good it seems"

He cleared his throat, disappointment flooded him as he realised they'd be departing each other's company soon "It's fine Dawes. I'm fine - Thank you" he jumped to his feet "See, all sorted. You've worked your magic once again" she smiled at him "Yeah well, know your limits in future please and it will keep you off my table"

She could feel his eyes on her back as she tidied away her mess. Her cheeks flushed red giving away her discomfort.

"Are you sure you are okay with this Molly? It seems that they didn't do their homework before placing me back with 2 section. I can ask for a transfer if this is uncomfortable for you?"

She turned to face him with a smile on her face "I'm okay with it if you are? I mean we decided to be friends so let's just crack on and get the job done. It has been 4 years almost after all. I'm over it" he nodded in agreement "Friends it is... I'm glad you're happy Molly" she smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes "Yeah I am.. really happy"

He didn't know what to say. Of course he was glad she was happy, but that didn't stop it stinging. He departed her feeling quite deflated. These feelings had hit him like a tonne of bricks in the few days back at the Barracks and he scolded himself for not expecting to run into her.

"You two looked cosy" said Georgie almost sarcastically "Just a quick check up on the leg with the medic. Nothing in it" he justified "None of my business either way"

"Look Georgie. We're all here and it's awkward and I know it's all down to me. But can we please try and make the best of it before people start talking again?"

She knew he was right "Yeah I guess if she can then so can I"

"Great! It would be lovely if you two could be friends again?"

Georgie laughed "Now you're asking too much. She hates my guts"

He smiled at her reassuringly "I think you know as well as I do, Molly loves to surprise people" Georgie laughed "Yeah I might get a surprise punch in the face" they walked towards the mess hall together, completely aware that all eyes were on them.

"Fuck 'em Charlie. Let's get some lunch. We are mates after all"

They sucked up their anxiety, people would just have to lump it as far as Georgie was concerned. Even Molly.

-OG-

The unfortunate timing of their toilet breaks led to an uncomfortable encounter. There was no buffer here, no 2 section to start conversation with. No papers to push around the desk. It was just them, shoulder to shoulder as they touched up their equally beautiful faces in the pub toilet.

"Molly can we talk? Can I buy you a drink?"

"You've got some fucking nerve Georgie I'll give you that" she seethed "What is it? I stole you husband but here's a glass of wine to say sorry for all the nights you cried alone and lonely without him. All the bleedin' time knowing you were shacked up in my bloody house with him, in my fucking bed. Nah, fuck off. And once you get there, fuck off from there too"

"Molly it's was all a mistake. I'm sorry. I miss you"

Molly shook her head "Should have thought about that when you shagged me bloke before he'd even served me the divorce papers. Fuck you Georgie! Stay out my face or you won't be so bloody pretty by the time I'm finished with you"

Molly fled the pub. Coming here had been a massive mistake. Everything was going to shit and it was all their fault.

-OG-

The familiar sound of Smurf falling through the front door woke her "Didn't your mother teach you about getting bladdered on a school night?"

He glared at her "Yeah well, some of us get pushed to drink. And let's not pretend that you weren't in the pub... again" he spat. She already knew what it was all about, he was jealous and he'd been watching her.

She covered her ears with the pillow as the ranting and raving started. He'd promised he'd never physically hurt her again, but mentally he was draining.

"Saw him with her didn't I. Knocking back glasses of wine with his bit on the side while you sit here pining for him" she didn't take the bate even though he was hitting her right where it hurts and he knew it.

-OG-

Charles

I can't pretend that as soon as I was confronted with both Lane and Molly on my first day back in service that I didn't immediately pick up the phone and book myself in for a counselling session.

Four years later and my stupidity is still coming back to bite me on the arse. It's Molly who has surprised me the most of the two, she's been remarkably mature and treated me with upmost respect despite the fact I feel she secretly wants to punch my face in. However I know Molly, I know this is a mask.. a coping mechanism. It's her way of telling me it doesn't hurt anymore and I sincerely hope that is the case.

I can't fight the fact that I want to be around her. It's all I've wanted for the last four years. This leads to more guilt than I already carry. Guilt that the woman currently laying in my arms, who is kind and beautiful and has done so much for me is not the woman I want and I knew that from the start.

"Whats wrong?" He held her at arms length, her face full of concern "I know you said not to get involved Charles but I can't pretend I'm not hearing this" by this of course she meant the constant barrage of abuse that travelled through the walls "She's just a young girl. And he's one of yours, I've seen him in uniform. Can't you do anything?" Charles rolled his eyes "Look Amy, I know you care about everyone one you meet sweetheart but we cannot get involved in people's domestics" he sighed at the ruined mood. He could see it bothered her and if he was honest he was more than a little concerned about it himself.

"I'll give them a knock, make sure whoever it is will be alright" she smiled at him "Thank you baby"

He was often in awe of her kindness and her beauty. He'd met her a such a low point of his life yet she had never failed to put a smile on his face. He'd tried so hard to love her as much as she did him but it was useless. His heart belonged elsewhere.

-OG-

"Medic if you could keep an eye on the Captains leg I'd be very grateful. I've seen he's been having some episodes of pain and limping so please make sure he isn't over doing things" Molly nodded in response to the Brig. He seemed to be keeping a very close eye on the entire section "Yes sir" he excused himself leaving her alone with Smurf.

She could feel his eyes on her at every opportunity as she tidied up for the day. His small but stocky frame watched her every move from the doorway. She turned to the sound of a throat being cleared "Smurf, good to see you" their exchange made her wince "Sir, good to see you too. I was just waiting to take Molly home" Charles nodded, his mouth forming that familiar awkward O as he struggled to find a response "Ok well I won't keep her a minute. If you could close the door on your way out I'd appreciate it"

She saw the fire in his eyes as he followed the Captain orders "I'm going for a drink. Don't forget the milk on your way home"

Their eyes never left each other "Everything okay Dawes?" She nodded as she slipped off his boot. His face almost level with hers now that he sat on the table "Yes sir why wouldn't it be" He shrugged "You just don't seem yourself. You're quiet for one" she smiled "Just tired that's all"

She began going through the motion of checking and strapping his ankle as per instruction.

"Any pain? Apart from the obvious end of day aches?" He shook his head "Only a little when I run" He hated that he enjoyed this, enjoyed her touch and the alone time and if he was honest he wasn't in pain at all. He just really enjoyed spending time with her "You just need to go easy and get your stamina up that's all"

He climbed to his feet "I'm going to the shops, I can give you a lift. Make up for keeping you late"

"You don't need to do that Char... Sir, Just doing my job" He resisted the urge the take her hand the way he had done in the dusty FOB in Afghan. "I won't take no for an answer. Let's double away then Dawes, I've kept you long enough"

The smile she gave him as she climbed out of his Range Rover sent shivers down his spine. "Thanks for the lift boss, I can walk from here" he searched her eyes for something even he wasn't sure of.

"Okay we'll get home safely" she nodded "Night Charlie " she whispered as he drove away. His eyes lingered over her as she pulled out her phone, presumably to find out where dickhead had got too.

He limped his way up the stairs to his apartment, fuming that the lift was once again out of order. He'd tempted fate by faking pain in his ankle in the beginning just to spend time with her. Now he was paying for it.

"You're limping again Boss" her voice came from behind him. He stared at her confused "Everything alright Dawes? Did you need something?" She shared his confusion "Could ask you the same thing. What you doing here?" He pulled at the curls at the back of his neck as she'd followed him.

"There you are!" Amy appeared from the their front door "Are you Okay?" Her voice was full of concern for Charles as he felt crimson rising in his face "I can see you've met our neighbour"