Author: Raven Shadowrose

Title: To Catch a Falling Star

Rating: M

Pairing: Dixie/Hannah, Jeff/Emilie, ?/?

Summary: A sequel to The Ties That Bind. What will happen to the Holby paramedics and their partners when a traumatic event tests the bonds of their relationships and friendships?

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Casualty, any dialogue from the show belongs to the writers and I claim no ownership. All original characters and the story are my property and I do not give permission for them to be used.

A/N: There will be some chapters in this story that may upset some people, a warning will be placed at the start of each chapter that contains sensitive/upsetting material. Reviews are welcome :)

Thank you to BeethovenRIP, DixieandJeff forever, sarah4steve and Sparkles and Rainbows for taking the time to review the chapter. I hope that you like this one :)

Chapter Twenty-Five.

The end of their first shift working together again came quickly for Jeff and Dixie, they were both thinking about how the day had gone. Dixie had called Jeff into her office, she wanted to talk to him and make sure that he was all right. She waved Jeff in when she saw him approaching her office, he shut the door behind him and then sat on the edge of her desk. 'Hi Dix, Hannah told me that you wanted to see me.'

'Yeah, I do. How do you think that it went today?'

'I think it went all right. I was a bit nervous this morning, I wasn't sure how the day was going to go. I wasn't sure how I would deal with going on shouts again. I tried my best today, I hope that it shows, I hope you know that I did my best.'

'I do know. I remember my first day as a paramedic, I was nervous and worried that I might mess up. I saw those things in you today Jeff, you forgot how nervous you were when you treated the lady that had fractured her wrist. I saw you go into paramedic mode and do the job that you are so very good at. I am really proud of you mate.'

'Today is just one day, I still have the rest of this week to go yet. There are plenty of shouts still to come for us, what if I come across something that I can't deal with?'

'I will be with you during every shout, if you feel that you can't handle something then let me know, we will deal with it together. What is worrying you?' Dixie saw the worry in Jeff's eyes, she wanted to help him through it. 'Come on mate, talk to me.' She put her hand on Jeff's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. 'What if we get called to someone that has been shot?'

'I have informed control that they're to give us the lower category shouts for this week. I understand how you feel, how hard it would be for you to face something like that.'

'I don't feel ready to face that just yet, I think I might see Polly lying there instead of our patient.'

'I know mate, I understand. There's nothing to be ashamed of in how you're feeling. It is going to take time to get used to being back at work.'

'I still see Polly in my arms sometimes, I still see her covered in... I can't say it.'

'It's okay mate, you don't have to say it.'

'I know that Ben cleared me as ready for work, he's right, I need to be here, I need to do my job. I need to prove to myself that I can do this.'

'You can do this mate, I know you can.'

'Thanks Dix, for believing in me.' Dixie put her arm around Jeff and she gave him a hug, she knew that he needed her to be there for him right now.

Jeff let Dixie hug him, he was glad that she was with him, he needed her support, he needed his best friend by his side. He sometimes felt as if he wouldn't stop seeing Polly lying in his arms after she had been shot. Ben had reassured him that it would stop in time, Jeff hoped that he was right. He had talked to Emilie about it, she had just hugged him close and kissed his head. Jeff appreciated Emilie and his friends being there for him when he needed them. 'Dix, how do you think that I did today? Are you really proud of me?'

'Your skills are just as sharp as they always were. I am so very proud of you for what you have achieved after everything that happened to Polly.'

'Cheers Dix.'

'Like you said, we're the A team, I've always got your back. As for how you did today, I think that you have done really well. How are you feeling?'

'I am still getting used to being back here and wearing this uniform again.'

'You deserve to wear the uniform, you have earned it.'

'It does feel good to be helping people again.'

'That's a good thing, I know that you love your job Jeff.'

'I do, I think that I am going to need some time to get back into the swing of things.'

'Of course you do, it is normal for you to feel that way.'

'As long as I have my best mate by my side then I can do this.'

'You can do this Jeff, remember, I believe in you.'

'I am glad that you do.'

'Come on mate, I think you deserve a drink, I'm buying.'

'I like the sound of that.' Jeff smiled at Dixie, he was relieved that he had made it through his first day back at work. He hoped that he would make it through the rest of the week.

Hannah and Dixie were at the bar in the pub, they were waiting for the drinks that Dixie had ordered. 'You look preoccupied Dixie, is something wrong?'

'Jeff told me that he still sees himself holding Polly from time to time.'

'He will do, it was a very traumatic experience for him. He is making steps though, being back at work is good for him. He is making a positive step forwards, helping people will help Jeff too.'

'I hope so, I don't like seeing my best friend sad and hurting.'

'I know you don't. Let Jeff take the lead on shouts, be there to back him up if he needs you and if he needs to talk. Be the person that you've always been, his best friend, that is what he needs.'

'Yeah, I know.'

'You can do it Dixie, he got through this day because you were with him.'

'I've seen Jeff at his best and his worst moments. I've seen how down he was when Lucy divorced him and took the kids to London. I saw how happy he was when he met Emilie. I've seen Jeff almost totally self-destruct when Polly got hurt, I don't want to see him like that ever again.'

'I know you don't, we won't let Jeff self-destruct, he has us with him.' Dixie nodded. 'Come on, Cyd and Jeff are waiting for us. We'll take their drinks to them and then we can celebrate Jeff being back on the team.' Hannah gave Dixie's hand a squeeze and she picked up some of the drinks from the counter, she knew that Dixie wanted to help Jeff get used to being back at work.

Once Hannah and Dixie sat back down at the table, they gave the drinks to the people that had ordered them. Jeff opened the bags of crisps and put them in the middle of the table, he noticed that Dixie was looking at him. 'What is it princess?'

'Welcome back mate.'

'Thanks Dix,' Jeff said, he touched his glass to Dixie's and they both took a drink. 'Actually, you might be able to help me, all of you.' He noticed that everyone at the table was paying attention to him. Jeff took some of the crisps and he ate them. 'I've been trying to find somewhere to take Emilie on our honeymoon. I am struggling, I want to do something special for her.'

'Okay, you want to do something special for Emilie, have you come up with any ideas?'

'Yeah Dix, I have, none of them seem right though.'

'What did you think of?'

'The usual ones, I want to take her somewhere nice, somewhere that we can be alone together.'

'Are you going for romance?' Cyd asked.

'Yeah, I am.'

'Okay, that's a start, we just have to come up with a list of romantic places.'

'Jeff, are you looking to go abroad or stay in this country?'

'I don't know Hannah, either really.'

'Have you asked Emilie where she wants to go?'

'I want it to be a surprise for her.'

'You are making it hard for yourself Jeffrey,' Dixie said with a smile, she finished her drink and then put the glass down. Jeff sighed, he really wanted to do something nice for Emilie.

Jeff and Dixie were alone at the pub table, Hannah and Cyd had gone to the ladies before they left for home. 'Jeff, are you really worried about where you're going to take Emilie?'

'I just want her to like it, I want her to have a good time.'

'All that matters to Emilie is that she is with you. She loves you.'

'I know, I want it to be special for her.'

'I've been thinking, you can't go wrong with Italy, it is beautiful there. Maybe Venice.'

'I did look at Venice, the rooms look amazing. Four poster beds and rooms looking out over the canals, I think that Emilie will really like it.'

'I think so too, you should take her there, the time away will do you both good.'

'We've decided to wait until the wedding night until we make love to each other again.'

'Have you? I think that sounds really nice.'

'It is our way of drawing a line underneath everything that has happened.'

'You are a lucky man Jeff, Emilie is good for you, she makes you smile.'

'I love her. She has come off the pill as well, we're going to start trying for a baby.'

'Wow, Jeff, this is huge.'

'I know, I'm going to be a father again one day.'

'I'm pleased for you mate, you deserve this.'

'Cheers Dix.'

'Just one thing, can I be an auntie to the little one?'

'Of course you can.' Jeff saw Dixie smile, it pleased him that she was happy for him.

The team said goodbye to each other, Hannah and Dixie went home to see the twins, Lawrence was looking after them as he had a day off. Cyd had gone to her flat and Jeff was looking forward to seeing Emilie and Polly. Jeff locked the car door and he went into the house, the lights were on and he could smell food. 'Emilie, Polly,' Jeff called out, he wondered where they were.

'In the kitchen,' Emilie called back. He took his coat off and hung it up behind the door, he went into the kitchen and he saw Polly sat at the table with Little Abs at her feet. 'Princess Polly.'

'Hi Jeff,' Polly said with a smile. 'You're just in time.'

'Something smells good in here.'

'Emilie has ordered a curry for us all.'

'That sounds good to me.' Jeff went over to Emilie, she was putting the food out on plates. 'Evening princess,' Jeff said, he kissed Emilie on the cheek and hugged her. 'How was your first day back?'

'It was okay, I may need a few more days to get used to being back at work though.'

'Take your time, don't rush it.'

'I won't.'

'Good, everything will be just fine. Go and sit down, I'll join you in a few minutes.'

'All right princess.' Jeff kissed Emilie on the cheek again, he unwound his arms from around her waist and joined Polly at the table.

Jeff noticed that Polly looked happy, he wondered what had made her smile. 'Someone looks happy princess Polly, what has made you smile?'

'I walked up the stairs on my own today.'

'Well done sweetheart, I am proud of you.'

'I am happy that I am making progress, I am well on the way to walking by the time your wedding gets here. I can't wait to be a bridesmaid.'

'You are going to make a very lovely bridesmaid Pol.'

I hope so, it is going to be a wonderful day. I have been helping Emilie to send the invitations out.'

'Have you really?'

'Yep, I am going to Emilie's final dress fitting too, I can't wait to see the dress.'

'Neither can I, I wish that I could go to the fitting.'

'You're not allowed Jeff, you have to wait until the wedding day.'

'Princess Polly,' Jeff said, and he gave Polly his best sad face.

'That will not work, you have to wait until the day, that is final.'

'You're a tough woman Polly, I will have to wait then.'

'Yeah, you will.' Jeff gave a mock sigh and gave Polly another sad look, he saw Polly smile and then he smiled back at her, her smile had always been very infectious.

When the food was ready, Emilie put it down on the table, she added the extras that she had bought and she sat down with Jeff and Polly. Emilie had been watching Jeff carefully since he had come home from work, he looked happy enough. She trusted Dixie to take care of Jeff during his shifts, that she wouldn't let him do anything that he wasn't ready for. Emilie listened to Polly talking about the progress that she had made with the nurses. The young woman was very happy, she was doing really well. Emilie was pleased that Polly was recovering, she really wanted her to be a bridesmaid at the wedding. She had grown close to Polly in the time that she had been living with her, the news of Polly getting shot had saddened Emilie greatly. Everyone had refused to give up on Polly, they had all spent time with her until she had woken up. Seeing how everyone had pulled together to be with Polly and to try and help Jeff had made Emilie so very glad to be a part of the very special friendship that they all shared with each other.

Polly ate her curry, she watched Emilie and Jeff as they ate, they were sat very close together and their arms would touch every so often. She liked watching Emilie and Jeff when they were together, they looked relaxed around each other and happy. Polly was glad to be alive, she was happy that she had another chance to see all of her friends again. Emilie put the dishes in the sink as Jeff got himself ready to take Little Abs out for a walk. Once Jeff had left, Polly sat at the table as Emilie washed the dishes. 'Emilie, I am glad that you and Jeff are still together. I know that you went through some tough times during the time that I was in hospital.'

'We did,' Emilie said. 'There were times when I thought that we might not make it, those moments scared me. I've never experienced love like I have with Jeff, being with Jeff makes me happy. I was afraid of losing him, I knew that if I lost him then I knew that I wouldn't love again.'

'You really love Jeff, I can see it.'

'I do, it scares me how much I love him sometimes. I was determined to help Jeff, I knew that my life wouldn't be the same without him in it. Loving Jeff has brought so much to my life, I hope that he feels the same about me. Jeff helped me to believe in love again.'

'He does feel the same about you Emilie, he loves you, I see it in his eyes.'

'Everything that we have been through has brought us closer together.'

'You will marry each other and you will be together for a long time.'

'I very much hope so.'

'You will.' Polly smiled at Emilie, she was happy for Emilie and Jeff, she hoped that she would have a relationship that was as successful as theirs was.

The conversation that she had just had with Polly passed through Emilie's mind, the tough times had been hard on her. She remembered all of the tears that she had shed, all of the worries that she'd had about Jeff. Emilie had feared losing Jeff, she knew that she would have spent the rest of her life by herself had their relationship ended. She was so happy that she was still with Jeff, that she was able to sleep at night with his arms around her. Having Jeff close to her at night made Emilie feel safe, he was always warm and she loved to cuddle up in his arms. 'Polly, I know that the memories of the hard times won't go away, they will always be there. Sometimes you have to remember the hard times, it makes you appreciate the good things you have in life.'

'Like the wedding that is coming up?'

'Exactly. There's so much to do, I am looking forward to the day that I can pledge my life to Jeff.'

'It is going to be a lovely day, you are going to look beautiful.'

'I hope that Jeff will like my dress.'

'He will. I think he will like what is under it too.' Emilie blushed at Polly's words, she had bought some new underwear specifically for under her wedding dress. 'You're blushing, you don't have to blush, it is your wedding night. You will be husband and wife, making love to each other is a beautiful thing, you don't have to be ashamed of it.'

'I'm not.'

'Good, just enjoy your night together when it comes.'

'We will, I hope we will anyway.' Emilie smiled, talking to Polly had made her quite happy, she was pleased that Polly was happy for her and Jeff.

Jeff found Emilie in the lounge when he came back from walking Little Abs, the dog jumped up on the sofa and he sat next to Emilie. 'Hey princess, where's Polly?'

'She's gone up to her room to read before she goes to bed.'

'Did she make it upstairs all right?'

'She did, are you worried about her?'

'Sometimes, we nearly lost her.'

'I know, Polly is all right. I think that you should go and see her, put your mind at rest.'

'Maybe you're right, will you be okay by yourself?'

'I am not by myself, I have a very squishy dog with me.'

'I'll be back soon princess.' Jeff kissed Emilie on the cheek and he went upstairs to see Polly, he knocked on her door and waited until she told him to come in. 'Hey Polly, are you all right?'

'I am, I've been talking to Emilie, it is clear how much she loves you.'

'I know, I am a lucky man.'

'You are, you deserve it.'

'I think that I came close to losing Emilie, I am glad that I didn't, my life wouldn't be the same without her.'

'Emilie said much the same about you, she loves you and you love her.'

'I do, very much so.' Jeff saw Polly smile at him, he smiled back at her and sat on the edge of Polly's bed. He liked spending time with Polly and Emilie.

A few moments passed and Polly looked at Jeff. 'I hope that I am as happy as you and Emilie are. You two give me hope.'

'Is this about Owen?'

'It is, he has been sending me messages, nice ones.'

'I should hope so.'

'If I feel up to it then I am going to see him next week, he says that we can go for a coffee.'

'Is he going to come and get you?'

'Yeah, I think so.'

'Good, I want a word with him before he takes you anywhere.'

'Is this the talk, the one where you tell him that he better look after me?'

'You bet, I want only the best for my princess Polly.'

'I know, I am glad that you think I am worth it.'

'Of course you are sweetheart.'

'Have you decided where you're taking Emilie on the honeymoon yet?'

'I think so, Dixie said I should take Emilie to Venice.'

'Oh, my goodness, it is perfect, it is going to be so romantic. It is the perfect place to start working on making me an auntie again.'

'Polly, how do you know that we were thinking of trying for a baby?'

'Emilie, she hasn't been taking the pill, a woman knows these things.'

'Oh, I see.'

'So, is it true?'

'It is.'

'That is wonderful news, you two will make fantastic parents.'

'Dixie said so too.'

'She's right. Jeff, go to Emilie, spend some time with her.'

'I will, goodnight princess Polly.'

'Goodnight Jeff.' Polly smiled, the news that Jeff and Emilie would be trying for a baby had made her very happy, she couldn't wait to be an auntie again.

Emilie heard Jeff coming down the stairs, she stroked Little Abs' head and smiled down at the dog. 'How did it go with Polly?' Emilie asked Jeff when he came into the room. 'She is quite happy, it is nice to see her that way.'

'I know, what made her so happy?'

'I have come up with somewhere for us to go on our honeymoon.'

'Have you? Are you going to tell me?'

'I have, no, I can't tell you, I want it to be a surprise for you.'

'Okay, I understand.'

'Dixie helped me to decide, I really hope that you will like it.'

'I will, I'll be with you.' Emilie cuddled up to Jeff and she closed her eyes, she was happy to be in his arms.

'I'll be with you too princess, we'll be married, and we'll be trying for a baby.'

'I know, we have so much to look forward to.'

'That we do. I love you sweetheart.'

'I love you too.' Jeff hugged Emilie close to him, he kissed her head and stroked his finger down her cheek.

'My beautiful Emilie, my future wife, the future mother of my children.'

'Jeff, my future husband, the father of my children, the most loving man that I have ever met. I am so glad that I met you.'

'I am glad that I met you too princess.' Jeff saw Emilie smile, he leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips. They slowly lost themselves in the kiss and then cuddled up to each other on the sofa. Emilie smiled up at Jeff, she really liked it when he held her close to him.