A/N- Technically difficulties have prevented me from posting but we are back in business! Thank you so much for the reviews on the first chapter even though it's an old story, I was very pleasantly surprised. As ever, thank you to Debbie for editing (and everything else she does) and to Deborah for solving the great FF technical mystery!

-OG-

"Well, that was a welcome party and a half" Molly was searching her handbag for painkillers, the pain thumping in the left side of her head meaning she only had one eye to look with.

"Kitchen cupboard. There's a hangover stash" Georgie pointed her in the right direction

"Thanks for making me feel so welcome"

"You're welcome. Just showing you how us northerners do it"

Elvis was almost crawling from the bedroom "Did I hear you say you was making tea Dawsey?" Molly switched on the kettle, her mind wondering how Charles was this morning

"Your mate Charles, did you hear from him after he left last night? He wasn't in a good way."

Elvis checked his phone "He went back to mine by the looks of it, he'll be alright don't you worry about him Dawsey" But she was worried. There was something niggling at her about him, she couldn't help but worry about the stranger she'd only met yesterday, even if he was a bit of a rude, posh twat.

"Right girls, get yourselves dressed. Breakfast is on me. I'll just go pick up Mr Happy and I'll be back for yours."

She couldn't help the excitement in her belly at the thought of seeing him again "Does Charles live with Elvis then?" She tried to hide her intrigue, but Georgie was already onto her little crush on Captain James.

"No, he's just staying with him while he sorts his head out. He actually lives in Bath" Molly's face fell as she googled Bath on her mobile. Fucking miles away she thought.

-OG-

The car beeped outside, letting them know that Elvis had arrived "You ready Mol?" Molly was putting the finishing touches to her hair and make-up; she'd done the best she could with the short amount of time they'd been given. She piled her hair into a messy bun on top her head, pulling out some lose tendrils at the front to frame her pretty face. She'd keep it simple, opting for a casual outfit of jeans and a tank top.

The girls piled into the car, Charles occupying the front with his eyes shut. Georgie squeezed his shoulder which caused him to groan good morning at them. His eyes caught Molly's in the mirror; they were prettier than he remembered. He definitely preferred her with minimal make up – she was beautiful. He sat himself up a little straighter in the seat before closing his eyes again. A slap on the thigh from Elvis causing him jump sky high "I'm going to bloody kill you before this weekend is out."

Molly didn't want to presume having only met him yesterday, but she was sure he was far too jumpy not to be suffering from some kind of stress disorder. She'd studied them during her course, and he was showing warning signs, again this beautiful stranger had her worried for him.

Half expecting to pull up at some greasy spoon cafe like you'd get in East London, Molly was surprised when they arrived at a posh looking place for breakfast. Georgie gave her a nudge and a wink, walking ahead with Elvis, leaving Molly to Mr Grumpy as he struggled out of the car, this time crutches in tow. She couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him. She offered her hand as she'd done the night before. He stared at it before handing her the crutches in one hand and taking the other "Thank you. I'm surprised you're being so nice to me, considering I've been such an arse" she gives him a faint smile "I understand you ain't in the best place right now" She steadies him on his feet and passes him his crutches "where were these last night then?"

He laughs at her stern nurse's attitude "I don't need them all the time, just as and when if you know what I mean. Last night wasn't one of my better ideas" she walks at his pace beside him, her hand protectively settling itself on the small of his back as she guides him through the busy street. He enjoyed her touch, it's been so long since someone other than his surgeon or his physio or even Elvis had made physical contact with him. He hadn't realised how much he'd missed simple contact with people.

"What happened?" Her question bought him back to reality "I was shot, in the legs and in the stomach. Nearly didn't make it" the expression on his face told her that was all she was getting, like he'd gone back inside himself again, back into his safe place "I'm really sorry to hear that" he gave her a weak smile as she pulled the door for him, something that irritated him no end, but she was far to kind for him, he didn't want to keep taking his issues out on her.

She slid into the booth next to Georgie leaving the easier seat free for Charles to take "You 2 took your bloody time. We're hank Marvin" Elvis complained winking at an unamused Charles "Sorry about that Elvis, someone of us have limited use of our limbs today" she watched them bicker back and forth "Like a pair of kids, aren't they?" Georgie chuckled.

For the first time since she'd arrived, she felt a little out of place with these people. They were all long-time friends; she was just Georgie's new lodger. "I'm really sorry, I completely forgot I had something urgent to do for uni today. I'd best be off" the three of them gawped at her like she had two heads.

"It's Saturday though. Surely it can wait til you've lined your belly" Georgie protested "Nah I really need to get on top of things, start as I mean to go on and all that. Georgie, I'll see you back at the flat, I'll see you two soon, I'm sure."

Elvis elbowed Charles "What? It's got nothing to do with me" they started bickering again as she threw her phone and purse into her bag "Thanks for earlier. And last night" his silky-smooth voice melted her on the spot "You're welcome. Hope you feel better soon."

The chemistry between them was undeniable, it also hadn't gone unnoticed by Elvis "We're heading to the pub later. You should join us, Charlie boy here is paying" the coy smirk that crossed her lips gave him butterflies "I'll see, if I get everything done… laters."

He watched her walk away, regretful he hadn't persuaded her to stay. "Be careful Charles or you'll add a neck injury to you list of ailments" Georgie and Elvis both chuckled as his face turned a perfect shade of crimson "Fuck off the pair of you… pisstakers."

-OG-

There was absolutely nothing that she needed to do so urgently in preparation for uni that had meant she had to bolt but she felt she'd overstayed her welcome with her new friends. She'd also been taken by surprised by her butterflies for Charles, even if he'd been a moody, snappy wanker. He was so bloody handsome; she could definitely overlook his mood swings for the small amount of time they'd probably spend together before he went back to twat it up in the Bath.

She browsed the shops and picked up the texts books she was outstanding, mainly so she didn't go back to the flat empty handed and look a complete tit.

She'd half expected them to be sitting there when she arrived back at the flat. She'd treated herself to a few new dresses and a pair of shoes with the money Nan had slipped her before she left for Stockport. She had a feeling Georgie wouldn't take no for an answer when it came to nights down the pub, something Molly was secretly happy about, she hadn't had a chance to feel lonely or homesick.

Molly had stopped by the supermarket and stocked up on all her essentials and things for the fridge and cupboards on the way back from town, she'd never lived out of home before so she wasn't sure how it would work but she was more than happy to share anything she'd bought as Georgie had been so willing to share with her. She was used to fending for herself in the chaotic Dawes household.

She was halfway through her cup of tea when she heard the front door go, she half expected the 3 of them to come bounding through the door but when she looked up, she was taken aback by his tall frame loitering by the door. "Fuck you frightened the life out of me" she wasn't sure if her heart was racing because he scared her or because it was him, in all his handsome glory.

"Sorry Molly. I can go if you want me to? They dropped me back because of my sodding leg's hurting. They'll be back soon" "Don't be silly. Why don't you have a sit down?" He awkwardly limped his way to the sofa.

"Can I get you anything? I've just done a shop.''

"Erm, a coffee would be great thanks. If you don't mind"

There was an awkwardness between them that neither of them had felt earlier, he sat rubbing his leg whilst she propped up the breakfast bar stirring her second cup of tea until it'd nearly evaporated. "Did you want some painkillers?" She offered but quickly wish she hadn't bothered.

"I'm fine" he snapped, he hadn't meant for it to come out so harshly, he hadn't meant to be shitty at all, his tone a reaction to shooting pains he'd got just as he'd opened his mouth. "I've got some unpacking to do, I'll leave you to it". She almost ran to her bedroom, if he could kick himself, he would. He was so drawn to her, yet he just couldn't seem to show her the real him. Not that she'd be interested in him anyway he told himself, talking himself out of apologising and trying to endear himself to her.

Molly decided she was finished making an effort with him. She'd only known him 2 days and already she found him wanky and hard work "Posh twat" she called him as she closed her door and started unpacking the few things she had.

She was happy with her new purchases; she couldn't remember the last time she bought something that wasn't from a charity shop. She'd saved every penny she could to afford this move, well what she could hide from Dave anyway; even going as far as redirecting her bank statements to her Nan's so the nosey bugger wouldn't know what she had.

He'd made her feel so bloody guilty for leaving home, told her she was letting her mother down and the kids would suffer because they'd be losing her rent, proper tried to fuck with her head. But she was happy. For the first time in a long time, she was happy with how her life was going, she was finally doing something for herself. She had a good feeling about this place and the new friends she had made, although she wasn't going to include Charles in that, to be honest she couldn't wait for the miserable sod to piss of back to Bath or wherever it was he came from.

He'd fallen asleep by the time Georgie and Elvis had got back "You feeling alright bud? Need anything?" Elvis asked as he threw himself down beside him.

Molly couldn't work out why Elvis was fussing so much after a grown man, yeah, he had bad legs but surely it was temporary? Nothing to keep kicking off over she thought. He'd used up his quota of her sympathy by being a complete knob.

"Is he a bit of a drama queen?" She asked Georgie as they made themselves up for their night in the pub. Georgie laughed "I can see how it would look that way if you don't know him, but that's not him at all. He's my captain as well as Elvis' best mate so we know him really well. It's like when he got shot his whole life went to shit, he was a goner Molly. I had to resuscitate him 3 times before we even got him back to Bastian. He died in the operating theatre. They had real trouble keeping him alive. Even when he was out of surgery, he was critical for weeks, kept having to have blood and emergency surgeries, he was in a really bad way. And his wife left him in the middle of all that! I mean, I never liked the woman as it was, he was always too nice for her but she really shit on him from a great height when he needed her the most" Molly felt bad for him "That's why he's been with Elvis. His parents work away a lot, they are something to do with Charity and he was home alone rattling round a massive great house by himself struggling physically and mentally to recover from it all. His head is fried, so we've got to look after our friend. I understand if he gets on your tits because he does mine sometimes but just know it's not personal Molly and he is really a lovely guy when you get past his shutters".

Molly saw things differently now, she would make an effort to be civil with him for the time that he was around, I mean what kind of nurse would she make if she couldn't show compassion and tolerance for someone in need?

Charles was fuming at the thought of spending another evening in a pub. He'd contemplated just pissing off back to Bath and leaving them to it, but he'd never hear the end of it from Elvis.

Elvis was currently chatting up the skirt as he called them, apparently on Charles' behalf although Charles wasn't sure how true this was, and they most definitely didn't share the same taste in women. His only saving grace was the fact that Georgie's arrival was imminent and that the 'skirt' would scarper. He'd found himself making extra effort tonight, his jeans were a little tighter and he was glad that his legs were feeling better than they had been this morning meaning he could ditch the crutches and try his best to hide his limp. His eyes scanned the room, hoping that Molly would be with Georgie again tonight. He wanted to buy her a drink and apologise for being such a twat.

"Bloody hell Molly who you dressing to impress? You look stunning!" And for once Molly felt stunning too. Her tight black midi dress hugged her perfectly and her new platform sandals made her legs feel long and slender. She styled her glossy dark hair in waves over one shoulder and kept her make up simple with just a touch of lipstick and heavy mascara. She felt as good as she looked and she'd done it for herself only, or so she told herself.

His stomach filled with butterflies the second her saw her, she looked ever more beautiful than she did last night. Classy, simple but stunning all the same. She felt his eyes on her as she made way to the table to meet them "Pick your jaw up Charlie" Elvis mocked as they sat down. He felt so embarrassed about how he'd behaved he didn't know how to strike up a conversation, afraid she'd shoot him down as he'd done to her.

"Can I get you a drink girls?" The smile on her face died as soon as he spoke which made him nervous "2 vodkas and cokes please Charlie boy. Molly is too polite to accept but I'm not". Molly watched him struggle to the bar "Do you think I should give him a hand?" she whispered to Georgie "I think he needs a lot more than a hand but you're just the girl to give it to him". Charles watched on as the girls threw their heads back in fits of laughter, making him paranoid.

As Molly made her way up to the bar, he turned his back in hopes that she'd bypass him for the toilet or something "Did you need a hand, Charlie?" she smiled coyly "Charles, my name is Charles" again words left his mouth in a tone he couldn't control before his brain had time to engage."

Ok CHARLES, do you need a hand?" He was surprised when she didn't tell him to sod off and that he didn't end up wearing the drinks if he was honest with himself.

"Look Molly, I'm sorry if I'm a snappy old sod. I really don't mean it" she smiled back at him "It's okay. I know you don't know me but, if you need to talk then I'd be all ears" he wanted nothing more than to pick up her hand and kiss every single inch of it "Thank you. And I promise to try my best to stop being a grumpy twat" She invited him to lean on her shoulder again, knowing he was struggling "Why haven't you got your sticks with you muppet? Saves all this don't it?"

"Sometimes I just want to feel normal again. They make me feel really old and for want of a better word… disabled". They walked at his pace towards a very interested Georgie "It's only for a short while though, isn't it?"

He wasn't used to people taking such an interest in his recovery "Well not much longer, but this has been ongoing for a while. I was in a wheelchair for quite some time."

"Ah well see how far you've come then. You should feel proud. You look cute with your limp, don't worry what others think" he couldn't help but laugh.

"Cute?"

She smiled up at him, although she had to crick her neck to do so "Yeah! Very cute. But only when your smiling" she spat her tongue out at him in the hopes he'd take the joke which he did, he gave her shoulder a squeeze as he took his seat "Thanks for the hand" he spoke directly into her ear as she sat down next to him, forgetting her seat next to Georgie "Thanks for the drink" she responded, her breath against his neck made him feel euphoric.

Molly was happy to see that he was actually smiling for once "Fuck me Molly I don't know what you said to him but I ain't seen him smile like that for a long time" Elvis took the opportunity to banter with a happy Charles. Charles was feeling the best he'd felt in months, he knew he had a long way to go and that it was probably only a temporary high, but she'd made him feel a bit like his old self again. She made him feel good!

After a few more rounds and far too many shots they decided to move on to somewhere a little livelier "This place is strictly mixed party only, as we've only got the 2 Doris' the rest of you need to find yourselves a tag along in the line" Elvis was barking orders like he was on a mission, on a mission to get pissed Molly thought.

"I'll go with you Dawsey" Fingers held out his hand for her to take, leaving Charles a little disappointed he'd been beaten to it, who the fuck would want to pretend they were his other half anyway? The one with the limp, who'd seen better days.

Molly gave Charles a shy smile, holding out her hand to help him to his feet "Come on you" He liked how her tiny hand fitted perfectly in his and was struck but just how kind she was being to him. She squeezed his hand tightly as she led him from the pub behind Georgie and Elvis, ahead of the rest of them.

"Looks like she's got other ideas" Mansfield took great pleasure in Molly's complete ignorance to Fingers' request. "Wankerrrrrr" Charles couldn't help but laugh at his boys' banter. "You'll have to excuse this lot. They don't know how to behave at the best of time so after a few drinks they're a disaster" Molly chuckled "I'll have to have a word with their boss then won't I?"

Fingers was on her from behind, hands on her shoulder rushing her forward to make sure she made it into his cab "He's our boss didn't ya know?" Fingers stated the obvious "Poor sod having to deal with you bunch of fuck muppets all day" laughter roared from 2 section as she ripped the piss out of them. She turned to check Charles had made it into the back of the cab where she occupied the front seat as it pulled off without him.

"Wait! Stop! We can't go without him" she shouted "Course we fucking can. Let the Rupert get his own cab" She felt terrible that he'd been left behind, his brown eyes staring back at her as they drove off.

"Stop the cab! I'll go with him" the driver came to a sharp holt "Molly what the fuck, he's not a baby. Stick with us kid – we're where the fun's at" Fingers protested after her, feeling his chances with the elusive newcomer Molly slipping through his fingers.

She was gone from the car in a flash, dashing towards Charles who was half tempted to get a cab home, he didn't fancy limping to meet them in the line by himself and didn't much fancy his chances trying to find some random bird to cling onto just so he could join his mates… so he could join her.

"Missed me?" He turned to face the small but perfect Molly and met her cheeky grin with an equally charming smile of his own "Thought you'd ditched me. Wouldn't blame you if you had" she linked her arm with his to keep herself warm "Nah wasn't gonna do that was I? Need a posh knob like you to sneak riff raff like me in, don't I?"

He threw his head back, laughing harder than he'd laughed in ages "More like you felt sorry for the cripple and didn't fancy my chances otherwise" she hated the way he put himself down "Well for a start, you most definitely ain't a cripple, you're a little bit injured yeah I can see that. But I can't see a cripple, and I'm a student nurse, or I'm about to be, so I know these things – I'm an expert. And also, you haven't exactly been slapped with the ugly stick, so I don't think you'd had a problem picking up some random brass, do you? So, I'm doing you a favour by saving you from said random brasses and you're doing me a favour by saving me from Fingers who asked me to guess why he's called Fingers" she shuddered at the thought as he laughed before wrapping his arm around her shoulder "Deal Dawsey and let me pay the sodding cab fare this time" she enjoyed the unexpected contact between them "Deal."

Charles was proud to have her on his arm whilst they queued for the bar. He's spent the whole cab journey just enjoying her banter and the way she took the piss out of him, the way her eyes met his and lingered just a bit longer each time.

"Now before we get inside to that lot, just give me a nudge if Fingers gets too much and I'll put the little fucker on a charge" she laughed at the upbeat change in him when he mentioned Fingers "Yes sir" she saluted him "Dawes that was the most appalling salute I've ever seen" his smirk was probably one of the most pleasing things to ever grace her eyes "You'll have to get your uniform out then and show me how it's done" the mention of uniform causes some kind of shutter to come down as she feels his body tense up. "Sorry, that was silly of me" she rubbed his arm "How are the legs holding up?" "I'll survive" she was disappointed that he'd so easily reverted back to grumpy Charles, carefree happy go lucky Charles was definitely more fun.

By the time they made it into the bar to join the others they had some major catch up drinking to do. Fingers thrust a shot under her nose as soon as she sat down next to Georgie while Charles busied himself at the bar, keeping an eye on Fingers hoping he'd annoy the piss out of her, and she'd tell him to fuck off. "For you Miss Molly" he passed her a drink, electricity shooting through his fingertips as he gently brushed her hand "Oh, thank you. You shouldn't have" he was aware his turn in mood was fucking things up with her.

"Fingers, let the Bossman sit down will ya" Georgie swatted Fingers from his seat next to Molly "That's one way to be emasculated I suppose" Charles whispered sarcastically to Molly and found himself warmed by her giggle "If I knew what that meant I'd let you know… Bossman"

For the first time since his shooting Charles was actually glad he'd be persuaded to go out, he was glad for a little bit of normality and her company. The night seemed to pass in a flash as they flirted and laughed like it was just the two of them. He didn't feel like he knew much these days, but he knew he was absolutely taken by the charm and wit of Molly Dawes.

"I'm gonna head back to the flat now, I've got to be up early tomorrow. Thanks for an interesting evening and saving me from Fingers. I've had a lovely time" She gazed at him through her lashes willing for him to join her. She said her goodbyes to the rest of the group before kissing him on the cheek "Take care of you" she whispered and like that she was gone.

She left him wanting more, she could tell by the look in his eyes when she kissed him. She was hoping he'd be brave enough to ask for her number. The night ended for Charles once she'd left "Charles James, I do believe you have a thing for our little Molly". Of course, Elvis had sensed the chemistry between them, he'd spot sexual chemistry three miles away "Make sure you get her number before you leave tomorrow, that's an order Captain" he spent the rest of the night thinking of her… Molly Dawes had really got under his skin.