Thanks again for the reviews on the previous chapter. And thank you for the PM's regarding this next chapter and seeing how we're doing. I do love a chat lol

I'm sorry it's taken so long to get this up, I'm not happy with it and also slightly nervous to post it... but it's post or delete at this stage so before I drive myself crazy here it is. Please review and hopefully it will renew my motivation x

-OG-

Molly was watching the rain from the window when he woke. He was happy to leave her there, he had nothing to say. He'd pushed his luck one too many times when it came to his leg, and now he had paid the ultimate price.

He'd been staring at the ceiling awhile before she realised he was awake.

"Hi" she said tentatively "I would ask how you're feeling, but I'm guessing it's pretty shit. So I won't"

She sat down beside him on the bed, leaning over to press her forehead against his clammy head.

Huge, fat tears rolled down his cheeks but still he was said nothing.

She used a thumbs to wipe them away whilst giving in to her own. She couldn't imagine how he was feeling right now only that he was full of pain and grief, because that's what she imagined it would feel like. Grief.

He couldn't bring himself to even look in the direction of the leg that still felt like it was there. It hurt like it was still there too.

He refused visitors, all except for Molly. She'd already seen it so he figured there was no point pushing her away, the only reason he woke up in the morning was to see her smiling face. She was still smiling for now anyway but he was sure, eventually she'd walk.

-OG-

"If you take this mission, I'll personally have your slate wiped clean. No court martial. No AWOL. Clean start, as part of special forces"

Bones held his breath, hoping she was at least considering it. In his head he was absolutely not, in any way shape or form trying to sway her away from Charles. Or was he? He knew this was exactly what she had always wanted, she had told him as much on many a drunken night they had shared each other's company. When he thought he stood a chance.

It almost looked like she was tempted until she shook her head "Charles needs me, now more than ever. So if that means I'm done with the army then so be it. I'll take whatever they want to throw at me"

"You'd throw it all away for a cheating mood hoover with one leg?" He wished he could take the words back as soon as they'd left his mouth but it was said now, he'd own it.

"How dare you?" She spat "My choice to make ain't it. Not my fault you've got a school boy crush you can't let go of. Or is it about getting one over on him? Must hurt that even in his current situation I still chose him over you"

"Ouch Dawes. Spiteful. But me and you both know, you're not a carer. You're a soldier, through and through. You'll grow resentful, it won't work and you'll both be broken all over again"

She was enraged now "He already is fucking broken. He's lost everything Scott. Absolutely everything. He can't lose me too. You know you've put an opportunity on the table that a year ago I would have jumped at. But it ain't for the right reasons, I ain't an idiot. I'm done in the army, my life is with him leg or not leg. He needs me"

He thumped his first on the table "For fuck sake Molly" she stood up to leave "Thanks for everything you've done for me. Do what you need to do in regards to the court martial - I really don't give a fuck"

She felt liberated as she stomped away, for the first time in her life she was truly in control. No army regulations were going to sway her - she'd take her punishment, no Dawes family drama to make her want to run for the hills. Her head was clearer than it had ever been, it's was time to live their life together. The one they should have been living for all these years spent apart. She would piece him back together but unlike last time, she wouldn't allow herself to fall apart in the process.

Bones rushed after her, grabbing her by the hand as he caught up. "Molly please"

"Don't fucking Molly me mate. You need to get it in your thick head that this ain't happening between us"

He wanted to kiss her, everything about her drove him wild, even the way she talked backed to him.

He'd imaged she was an absolute firecracker in bed, oh how he'd imagined it more than a few times.

"You and I both know it's not what you really want"

She rolled her eyes once more but she didn't argue. Surely that was a good sign?

He leaned in, almost nose to nose with her "Never in my life have I ran around after a women. Never put myself out there, bent over fucking backwards to make her life easy. You've done something to me Dawes"

She closed her eyes and he considered kissing her, it was now or never.

He brushed his lips over hers before doubling over after she elbowed him in the gut, winding him.

"Don't push your fucking luck Bones or it won't be me getting a court martial. You'll be up for sexual assault"

He bit his lip, kicking himself as she stripped away from him. "Fucking Charles James".

-OG-

"Hey you" she greeted him with a kiss as he woke, still a little dazed from heavy pain relief. "Hey yourself. How did it go?"

Charles had fretted every single waking minute about her being punished for saving him. He even tried to pull strings but she wasn't in his chain of command. He could do nothing to help her.

"Nothing for you to worry about. Probably a slap on the wrist. The solicitor advised me to strongly remind them of their own mistakes, in regards to over looking past ... situations" she didn't want to make him feel guilty "and Bones seems sympathetic which is a surprise to me seeing as he thinks you're a prize prat" "charming" He interjected "So, like I said. Nothing for you to worry about" she knew if she told him if Bones' offer, he would encourage her to go for it, or feel guilty that she was in this mess but it wasn't his fault. She had done everything off of her own back. And she'd do it all again if he meant saving his life.

She stroked his hair, deep in thought and frankly quite surprised that Bones was so taken with her. There had always been something of a spark between them, but she was sure it had been just banter. He was hardly the soppy type who declared his love so where had this come from? And why was he protecting her from punishment when he had been instrumental in having Georgie dismissed for the same offence.

"Penny for them?" Charles said softly. His handsome face staring up at her.

"Just thinking how much I love you. That's all"

He smiled and settled himself against her body.

He was conflicted as to how he was meant to feel. It felt so good to have her back but it was bittersweet at the same time. Would she even been here had he not been injured? Would she stay now that he was stuck like this?

He wasn't sure of anything anymore. It was difficult to make sense of anything being so heavily medicated, all he knew was he was scared. Scared of what life would be like now and scared to lose her all over again.

They didn't talk about his leg. At all. It was completely out of bounds.

"I'm looking forward to moving back home" she said with a smile, hoping he would feel the same "Yeah.. will be good"

"Sam been in?" Conversation was like pulling teeth most of the time as he fought the demons in his head "No"

"Probably busy with all that rugby training. He'll be in at weekend I'm sure" she made a mental note to speak to Sam. She knew it was difficult and he was dreading seeing his dad since the amputation. A natural reaction for a child.

"Can I get you anything?" She made a last ditch attempt at conversation before giving up. A shake of the head was all she got. The medic in her wanted to encourage him to talk, she couldn't risk pull blown PTSD blowing them apart again. But the girlfriend in her knew he just needed time.

She pulled the chair as close as possible to the head of the bed, resting her head on his arm and wrapping her hand around his "You'll be alright" she promised.

"Hmm"

She pulled his poetry book and began reading aloud. Anything to fill the silence. She knew he was listening, maybe even enjoying it. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the soothing sound of her voice reading one of his favourites. Forgetting everything, just for a moment.

-OG-

Bones was making a bold move. He guessed it was going to end with her punching him square in the face but a tiny slither of him hoped it would go in his favour. That it would work out how he was planning it too.

He knocked the door, awkward fucking timing he thought as the physiotherapist helped Charles back in to bed. Charles quick to cover his stump.

As much as Bones disliked him, it pained him to see someone he'd know so long suffering. A fellow soldier who now looked so lost. And he was probably about to add to it.

"James, mate. How you doing?"

Charles stared back confused "I think we both know we aren't mates. What do you want?"

He'd normally chew someone out for being such a cock, especially as he was actually polite for once but he remembered Molly's tears. And how difficult he himself would find it if he was in Charles' shoes now.

"I genuinely wanted to see how you are Charles. We go back, and believe it or not I am sorry that this has happened to you"

"I'm sensing a but is coming"

"No flies on you that's for sure. I've come to discuss Molly. You know she's in major fucking trouble. And as her commanding officer, it's been left to me to decide how she is punished now that they've decided not to go the court martial route. And I want her Charles, on my team"

Charles rubbed at the stubble on his jaw "What are you telling me for? Surely you should be asking Molly"

"I have asked Molly. And she has declined on the grounds that she wants to be with you which I understand. But she's throwing away her potential James, you and I both know she's not a carer. She's a soldier. I want you to change her mind, the only other alternative is discharge. And we both know she doesn't deserve that"

Charles bit at his bottom lip, surprised at this revelation. Unsure wether he was happy she'd chosen him, sad she'd be giving all of this up or angry that she had lied to him.

"If you knew Molly as well as you thought you did, you would know that she is probably one of the most caring people on the planet. And that isn't and won't be our situation. She will never be my carer as you put it, she's my partner. And again, if you knew Molly as well as you seem to think you do, then you would know that once Molly has made up her mind there is little that can be done to change it. She is her own person. You can go now" Charles couldn't look at him.

Bones stood up "Do the right thing Charlie. Don't hold her back" he held Charles' glare before departing, hopeful he'd get what he wanted.

Charles swiped his table clear of everything, slamming his fists down hard. He was going to lose her again.

-OG-

"So let me get this straight McClyde, you are taking responsibility for Dawes going awol?" The Brig raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, Sir. I am"

"You'd better get your story straight. This is getting messier by the minute. You may be my son but I can't keep covering up your fuck ups. This favouritism you seem to be showing Dawes, it will be your undoing"

"There isn't any favouritism. I'm just trying to be the best CO I can and nurture potential where is see it"

The Brig rub his chin "Pull the other one Scott. You've grown attached to a woman who for all intents and purposes threw her career down the toilet and risked her own life to save her ex husband. I think your wasting time and energy here and it's dangerous. Sort it out before I remove you from the situation permanently"

Bones was weaving himself a complicated web for a woman who didn't feel the same as he did. And had absolutely no fucking idea why. All he knew was he was in love with Molly Dawes.

-OG-

Charles smiled at the sight of her long dark locks as she washed her hands in the sink.

"I was hoping you'd be here when I woke up"

Georgie turned to face him, his expression instantly turning sour.

"I'm afraid you've got the wrong brunette boss. But will I do for now?" She giggled.

He glared at her, not speaking a single word. "Charlie?"

"Get out" he said sternly

"What? I've only just got here, I came to see how you're doing"

"I said get out. Get the fuck out or so help me, one leg or not I will throw you out myself"

Her eyes filled with tears "You blame me don't you?"

"I told you, Repeatedly to keep your nose out. But you just couldn't do it. You've cost me everything. My job, my life. Everything. My son is scared of me, he can't even look at me. And Molly, well she won't want me like this. She thinks she does for now, she won't stay. Why would she fucking stay?"

"Because she loves you that's why. I'm sorry Charlie but I've lost everything too"

He had heard enough "You can walk out of here on two legs. Go and get any job you choose too without physical disability holding you back. What good am I too anyone now? What can I do now? How am I meant to provide for my son and Molly?"

He was crying and it broke her "Charlie, please"

He was relieved to see Molly standing in the door way "Charles? What's going on?" She looked to Georgie for answers as she sat herself beside him on the bed, his emotional state alarming her.

"Charles what's wrong?" She pulled his face into her neck, hoping to make him feel safe once again.

"Get rid of her. I can't stand the sight of her"

With a flick of the Molly's head, Georgie left the room, hurricane Molly storming out behind her.

"What the fuck you doing turning up here unannounced? I've told you he's not in a good place. He needs time"

"He blames me Mol. Like everyone else. I just wanted to see him that's all"

Molly sighed "It's best just left. Please Georgie, let him grieve for what he's lost in peace"

Georgie gave a nod of the head "Right, okay. Look after him Molly"

"Of course I will"

She found her feet particularly interesting as she shuffled them whilst plucking up the courage to ask what she needed too.

"Do you blame me too?" She almost whispered so much so that Molly had to replay the sounds she heard to try decipher if she'd heard right.

She opened her mouth to respond before closing it again and considering wether she should say how she truly felt or not.

"Molly?"

"I think things would have turned out different, had you not got involved where you shouldn't have. So yeah, I suppose I do"

Georgie nodded, her dark eyes glazed over with I shed tears.

"I'm sorry. I'll never stop being sorry"

And with that, she was gone.

Charles holds his hand out to Molly "Please let me hold you" he pleads and she's there. His safe place.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, burying his head in her chest "I love you" she affirms, dropping as many kisses as possible onto his head before pulling his handsome face up to look him in the eye "bad day?" He nods, placing his head back onto her chest.

"Well lucky for you, I come with news. I've completely redecorated the house. Actually that's a lie, I paid someone else to do it. Actually that's another lie, you paid someone else to do it"

She laughs but he doesn't "what are we going to do now Molly? What am I going to do?"

He looked vulnerable and sad and it broke her heart. "You are going to heal and your gonna get all the help and support you need. I'm going to support you and love you and take care of you until your back on your feet again" she cringed at her poor choice "And we are going to adapt to our new normal, and be happy. I promise we can still be happy, no matter what. Am army free life, who'd have thought it?"

He closed his eyes to sleep again "Hey don't sleep yet"

"Why not? What's left to do but sleep? I don't feel this pain then, I don't worry or feel miserable if I'm unconscious"

She dared to snigger a laugh "Bit dramatic, even for you"

He smiled back at her "pisstaker"

"Yep. Anyway, you owe me some chips, I skint and jobless thanks to that bleedin' leg. Glad the fuckers gone"

He threw his head back in gut busting hysterics.

"Mission accomplished" she smiled to herself.

-OG-