A/N: Thanks for the continued support. please R&R

You Gotta Go there to Come Back

Charles emerged from Upton Park tube station and paused to get his bearings. He looked around him, feeling completely disorientated at the rush of people trying to grab some last minute bargains in the January sales. Shaking his head he thumbed at his phone and tried to work out which direction he needed to head. "I knew I should have caught the train with Molls. That will teach you James." Charles continued to mutter to himself as he started down Green Street, completely oblivious to the odd looks he was receiving from passers-by. He abruptly stopped walking at the sight of the towering football ground on his left. He paused as he reached the wrought iron gates and took a moment to gather himself and pay his respects to his friend, whilst taking in the imposing structure and the surrounding area. He looking up and down the road as if looking for something in particular. He was drawn from his thoughts by the sound of his phone ringing in his pocket. He smiled to himself as he caught sight of the caller ID, eagerly swiping at the screen. "Dawes, you might gunna need to give a man better directions, this place is fucking confusing," He couldn't help but smirk at her response. That was his Dawesy, as sharp and witty as ever. He frowned at her next comment. "What do you mean can I read a map? I'm an ex -Captain of the British Army, of course I can read a bloody map. It's your directions that need work Dawesy."

"My directions were just fine Posh Boy, you just didn't follow them," a voice called good naturedly from behind him. Charles spun on the spot and found Molly leaning against the gate a smirk on her face. "You might gunna need to carry on down The Barking Road then turn left. It's a good job I know how tough it is to find. I has planned on meeting you at the station but as usual you're early. Hi." She grinned up at him. "Hi yourself," he muttered as he reached down to give her a kiss. "You ready for this?"

Molly sent an uneasy glance over her shoulder. "I don't think I'll ever be ready. But I've agreed now. I ain't gunna back out now." Charles, as though sensing her growing discomfort, wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple. "That's my girl! It'll be fine you know. All Ben wants you to do is walk around the perimeter to open the game. You don't have to say anything. We'll be there with you every step of the way."

"We?" Molly asked raising a sceptical eyebrow, a slight inkling she knew who he was referring to. One look at his sheepish look told her that her suspicions were correct. Molly groaned. "Really you told them. Why? it's not a big deal!" she huffed annoyed. Charles gripped her shoulders and levelled her with such a stern look she instantly stood to attention. Uh oh Captain "Stern Face" was back.

"Not a big deal? You listen to me Molly Dawes. What you're doing IS a big deal. What you did out in Afghan for Smurf was one of the bravest things I've seen in a long time. You deserved that Military Cross; you risked your life to make sure a fellow soldier got home safe. I know how guilty you feel about what happened the last time you were here but It. Was. Not. Your. Fault." Charles punctuated each word with such determination and conviction Molly couldn't think of anything to say in reply. "There was nothing you could have done. You're a damn fine medic Molly. You have the potential to be an exceptional one if you only start believing in yourself. The only person holding you back right now is you. If I need to stick my regulation combat book six lace holes up your lovely arse in order to make you believe it I will. Repeatedly." Molly couldn't help but giggle at that. "Is that a challenge Boss?" she joked with a smirk.

"No! it's a promise," Charles shot back with a wicked grin of his own. Molly rolled her eyes. "In all seriousness Molls the lads want to be there to support you through something they know is going to be difficult for you. They loved Smurf, but they've come to love and admire you to. They don't blame you for what happened. They're immensely proud of you. Mansfield is proudly telling anyone who will listen that he knows you and that you're 'the nuts' as a medic." Molly shook her head.

"There a right bunch of numpties. But their MY bunch of numpties," she replied smiling fondly.

"Glad you think so Dawesy!" came a voice a few feet away. Molly's mouth dropped as 2 Section stood in formation in front of her in full military uniform. "Lads what….?" Molly trailed off lost for words. Dangles flashed her a cheeky grin and kissed her cheek. "It's like the Bossman said, we're here to support you today. Smurf would want you to enjoy it you know. He'd want you to celebrate your MC not try and forget it didn't happen."

"Yeah Molls, don't think we didn't notice how you've been avoiding us. Why didn't you tell us you've been finding it tough darlin?" Mansfield piped up as he also moved forward to kiss her cheek. "We know what you're going through you silly girl. We want to help you as much as we can. You're one of us. Always." Molly's eyes filled with tears as the rest of the group nodded in agreement. They annoyed the hell out of her most of the time but she knew deep down they were fiercely loyal and would do anything for her, and each other. "You bunch of Cockwombles you'll make me cry!" Molly said shakily leaning on Charles for support as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "Ay ay what's this then Molls?" Nude Nut asked curiously, picking up how comfortable the two were in each other's presence. "It wasn't really Smurf you were interested in was it? that's why you went AWOL at the hospital?" Kinders, ever the perceptive one, asked as he started connecting the dots. Molly sent an uneasy look at Charles. Mansfield caught it. "Something you want to tell us Dawesy? Bossman?" he asked, wriggling his eye brows suggestively.

"Ah I'll bet she's been helping him with his rehab an all," joked Brains, earning a high five from Fingers.

"ehhh pass me the sick bucket!" Mansfield called, which earned him a punch in the arm from Molly.

"Ah Molly and Bossman sitting in a tre G!" 2 Section burst into song as passers-by shot them odd looks at their behaviour. Molly shook her head with a groan. Secretly, she hoping that they never changed. "Will you lot grow the fuck up!" Charles ordered with a hint of exasperation. "Thank God you aren't my problem anymore. Yes Molly and I are together, and no nothing happened whilst we were on tour! We waited out until we were both home," He took a quick look at his watch. "Molls you better head in if you're going to have time to change and meet your Dad. We'll see you after." Molly nodded taking a shaky breath. Charles cupped her face lovingly as he looked into her eyes, watching the waves of panic begin to swirl in their green depths. "Good Luck!" he whispered giving her a kiss. 2 Section echoed his well wishes with Mansfield and Fingers making kissing faces at each other. Molly could only laugh as Charles pulled away and began to walk through the gates towards the ticket office. 2 section falling into line behind him, marched in perfect formation behind their Captain for one last time.

Molly took several deep breaths, in an attempt to gain a modicum of inner calm as she focused on channelling all her fear and anxiety out of her body and into the wet ground beneath her feet. She tried not to stare in awe at the thousands of West Ham United fans crowding the stands of the Boleyn Ground as she shifted anxiously from foot to foot. She tuned out to the announcer as he read her name aloud to the ecstatic crowd, receiving a thunderous applause. She stared up at the sea of faces, wishing in vain she could focus on someone familiar as she felt her panic levels rising. Since her panic attack at New Year Charles had gently, albeit firmly, suggested she should see someone to talk about her PTSD. At first she had shut him down. It wasn't until she woke up from another nightmare whilst at home in Newham that she had reluctantly agreed. The first session was a disaster. Molly had stubbornly refused to say a word for the whole session. During the next one, they had decided to start off small. The doctor had coaxed Molly into talking about her siblings, which in turn, had led to her inadvertently discussing her family and life in Newham. To her horror, Molly had found that once she got talking, just like during the ice breaker when on basic, she couldn't stop the words pouring out. She discussed her complicated relationship with her dad, how she had felt like she was on the road to nowhere before a disastrous night out for her birthday had altered the course of her life completely. She was not longer destined to live in a little Lego house and spend her days picking up toys and watching her dreams be pissed upon after her tosspot boyfriend had had one too many cans of cheap Polish larger.

Together they had worked to identify her potential triggers and develop different strategies to help her gain control. Although she knew she wasn't completely healed, she had definitely made a good start. Molly opened her eyes as she slowly exhaled, sending a quick glance back at the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms. She had found that simple breathing techniques and exercise such as running or yoga had enabled her to find her inner calmness and help her to focus. Looking into the crowd, Molly sought desperately for a glimpse of a familiar face; she was met with a wall of blurry shapes. Knowing they were all here was enough. Charles, 2 Section, Nan, her Mum and Dad. Dave had been so proud and excited when Molly said he could join her as her special guest for a tour of the stadium. He had been as pleased as punch to meet his heroes. After a long internal battle and lengthy conversations with Charles and her therapist Molly knew it was the right thing to do. She couldn't deny him this opportunity when they were both trying so hard to mend fences. Molly couldn't remember him ever being that lost for words as he met each player in turn. Not even when she had joined the Army. Without saying a word Dave had pulled her into a hug and whispered how proud he was of her before going to find his seat as if their brief emotional moment had never happened. Molly couldn't remember the last time they had shared a hug, much less when he had said he was proud of her; if he ever had.

Molly smoothed her uniform, her medals gleaming as they caught the last rays of the weak January sun that filtered through the grey clouds looming overhead. She could smell the wet grass and feel the layers of turf that had been freshly laid down in an attempt to rescue the pitch from the week of unexpected rain. There had been some fears the first match of the New Year would have to be postponed. As Molly focused on putting one foot in front of the other, she couldn't help but think it was fate that she was here today. The last time she had stood on this pitch she had watched her best friend fall, never to get back up. The horrific and traumatic journey that had begun here, all those months before, was finally coming to a close. She had come full circle. She could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. As she walked steadily along the last length of the pitch Molly knew it was finally time to put her demons to rest once and for all. The sun was shining and she was surrounded by her loved ones to help share this heart felt moment. Lady Luck was definitely smiling down on her today; Smurf to she hoped. She made her way to the centre of the pitch where the announcer was stood. She had asked him if he wouldn't mind saying a few words about Smurf, knowing full well she wouldn't be able to.

"On behalf of Private Molly Dawes today's match is dedicated to Private Dylan Smith who served with 2 Section in the Under Five's with the British Army. He will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace" a hush fell over the stadium as Molly stood to attention, taking a moment to remember her friend, as an array of images of Smurf and 2 Section were projected onto the big screens. In the crowd she could faintly make out eight figures stood to attention, backs straight as they too paid their respects to their fallen comrade. Overhead, a thin beam of light broke through the clouds to illuminate the middle of the pitch. Molly couldn't help but smile. Good old Smurf, trying to get the last work as usual. "Rest in peace you sad Welsh Twat!" Molly whispered fondly as she was escorted to the side-lines as the match whistle blew.

Molly sat in the cosy pub drinking in the warm atmosphere. They'd won the match, but barely. She had cheered and screamed along with the crowd when they had scored that miraculous goal two minutes into extra time. She, Charles and her family had retreated to the pub to celebrate after the match, they were waiting on 2 Section who had probably gotten lost. She felt content for the first time in a while. She knew she'd always feel sad about Smurf, would never forget him, but she had finally realised that it was ok to be happy too. "Ay here comes Molly's band of Merry Men," Nan called good naturedly as 2 Section sauntered into the pub, as if they had all the time in the world.

"Oi Molls I reckon Bossman was right about this Lady Luck malarkey. West Ham were damn lucky to get that last goal, I tell you." Mansfield Mike explained as he took a seat next to Nan. "Alright Nan?" he added with a wink. "Ear what time you call this? Thought you lot were meant to be good at directions an that. How did ya get lost? It's only across the bleedin road?" Charles sniggered softly. He stopped abruptly when Nan locked her shrewd gaze on his before looking him up and down. Mansfield took the opportunity to escape to the bar, leaving Charles to deal with Nan alone.

"Ahh so you're the posh boy who's responsible for our Molls' new found confidence are ya?" Nan asked, speaking softly so nobody else could here. Charles grinned softly with a shake of his head as he watched Molly joking with Kinders at the bar. It was good to see her smile. He'd missed it. "Nah, that was all Molly, she's always been an amazing person and a brilliant medic. I just happened to give her the little push she needed when she was too damn afraid to take the jump herself." Nan didn't seem convinced.

"I don't think so. She were so different when she got back the first time. Quite, withdrawn. Not the loud Molly we all knew. Think about our Molls is she's so used to doin things on 'er own. Think's she can take on the world an' her problems and solve them 'erself. But you. You've been good for her. You challenge her, encourage her to want to do more an be better. She needs that. To know she has someone on her side to love her an back her up. She was bangin on about how the Army was there for her, holding her hand, helping her move up. But I reckon it was you all along. You were the only one who saw she was struggling after 'er ceremony. You've done wonders for her confidence mate! Our Molls always was special. I'm glad she finally has you to help her believe it. You look after her sunshine an we'll get along just fine. But if you hurt her, I'll be forced to role you in a carpet and lob you off the M25. Got it?"

Charles grinned, despite knowing she was dead serious. "Yes M'am!" he saluted her mockingly.

Nan smiled and raised her glass at him. "I knew I was gunna like ya Charlie Boy!" Molly, seeing their exchange, raised an eyebrow at Charles in question. He merely shook his head and offered a reassuring smile as he stood and raised his glass. 2 Section, noticing the action, fell silent.

"To Smurf. You'll be missed mate!" Charles declared. The group fell into contemplative silence.

"Cheers ya Welsh Wanker!" Molly called to ease the quiet as the group laughed and cheered, a chorus of "Smurf" echoing around the pub.