Molly tossed and turned all night, a habit she'd picked up since he'd come back into her life. The sight of him battered and bruised hadn't left her. She'd made the mistake of reading the articles, watching back the news she'd missed while he'd been held. All she wanted was to be by his side, to hold him and make it better. She'd made an effort to stay in contact with Georgie, glad of the reconnection. It made her feel that little bit closer to him again.

She strolled round the supermarket like a zombie, her mind constantly on Charles. She picked up his biscuits as promised as well as a few other things she knew he enjoyed. She wanted to give him little comforts, hoping they would contribute to some kind of normality for him.

-OG-

He stared at his face in the bathroom mirror. They'd encouraged him to shave although he wasn't sure what he needed to do that for. He wasn't going anywhere to look smart and he was damn well sure that it made no difference to them whether he had a beard or not. The longer he sat there in the wheelchair staring at the battered and bruised face that looked back at him the angrier he got. Angry that they didn't find him sooner, angry that he'd had to suffer at the hands of those animals, suffer unspeakable things that he'd never be able to erase from his mind. The reflection of her staring back at him in the mirror made his stomach flip, she wasn't meant to be working today, he wasn't meant to see her.

"Knock knock" she called, waiting awkwardly for him by his bed. She'd almost had to sneak in past her colleagues; she knew her visit would raise a few eyebrows. The sight of him in the mirror gutted her; it took everything she had to fight the urge to hold him. His face was inviting, he almost seemed pleased to see her. She sat on the toilet beside him; his hands shook over the shaving kit in his lap "I'll do that for you?" His sad brown eyes gazed back at her. Inside he was crying for her help, for her to hold him like she used too but she probably didn't love him anymore. She'd probably moved on. She was here out of pity was all he could tell himself, his mind going 100 miles an hour while his face appeared frozen in fear. He nodded as she picked up the shaving kit, smearing foam gently across his gaunt face. Gently she shaved away weeks' worth of growth, exposing bruises previously unseen. Being so close she could see just how tired he looked, just what they'd done to him, her beautiful Charles.

He never took his eyes off her as she shaved it all away, his always handsome face now smooth again. He was grateful to her, glad that she cared enough to be here today, glad she cared enough to do this for him "Shouldn't you be at home today?"

"I wanted to see how you're doing. And I brought you in some bits."

He smiled at her weakly "Short bread?"

She smiled at him "Only the best mate. Even got you some with raspberry bits in, how posh is that" he laughed for what felt like the first time is ages. The intimacy of her fingers running across his now smooth face was something he'd craved whilst he was captive, he still craved her now "Right that's you all done. Handsome as ever" he didn't believe her. They'd ruined everything about him, robbed him of everything, even his looks.

He gazed at himself in the mirror, a shadow of himself he thought "Ready to head back in there?" He nodded, his heart racing as she wheeled him back into his room "I think we can do a bit better than this today, with the light. What do you think?" she opened the blinds taking him by surprise but it was bearable.

She passed him a coffee she'd picked up on the way in, opening a packet of biscuits setting them down on his lap "Don't let this lot spot your biscuits, greedy buggers will have them away" He was silent again, concentrating hard "What you thinking?" She asked.

"Trying to get my leg to work, but it won't. Whatever they did to it, it doesn't work anymore" his voice was close to breaking. He'd had all the scans and x-rays necessary and he was right, it was in a pretty bad way. It would even require surgery at some point when he was stronger but the doctors felt that something in his brain was preventing him moving it, that maybe he'd been so traumatised, his brain switched off as some sort of coping mechanism for the pain.

"Are you uncomfortable? I can help you move it. Have you had physio today?" He eyed her wearily for a minute, deciding whether he could let her touch him again

"Yes, he's been doing some kind of routine, to keep everything moving."

She was out of her depth with physio as much as she wanted to help him "I can have a word of you like? Would you like him to come and see you?"

"No" he snapped "I don't want to see anyone."

She sighed "Do you want me to go then?" His eyes didn't rise from the floor and his hands shook at the thought of having to face anyone.

"Please don't go anywhere Molly. Stay with me." Her heart broke again into millions of pieces for him. She was so angry that anyone could do this to him, he was kind and gentle and he didn't deserve it.

"Captain James, may I come in?" Molly looked up to see the psychiatrist waiting "Nurse Dawes, nice to see you" his expression was a baffled one as he observed her out of uniform, she obviously wasn't meant to be here "Captain James it's time for another session, If you're up to it?" He looked to her for reassurance.

"It will help Charles. I can wait for you. I'll get myself a coffee" The thought of her leaving filled him with dread. Suddenly all the feelings of hate he'd had towards her had vanished, replaced with pure need of the woman he'd never stopped loving, he needed her now more than ever, to hold him close and help him forget. He watched as she walked away, watching every step she took until she disappeared from view, taking a bit of him with her.

"Have you and Molly been acquainted prior to your hospital stay Captain?" Dr Marshall's questions snapped him back to reality.

"Er yeah we used to be friends, had the same circle of friends."

"Ah so it must be nice to have a familiar face around?"

Charles was trying his best not to zone out "She makes me feel safe in this place. I don't feel okay when she's not here" Dr Marshall was taken aback by his frankness, but equally concerned that Molly had such an effect on him.

"So, you don't feel safe now?" He noted the shaking.

"No, I do not feel safe now" tears spilled from his eyes which he tried to stem with the palms of his hands, sending pain through his face. Their session had been a lengthy one and he felt exhausted. Everyone seemed to want a piece of him, The only one who was considerate of what he really needed was Molly. She got it. He'd been quiet once he returned; He had so much he wanted to say to her but just couldn't find the words. The silence between them was comfortable, just knowing she was there was enough.

-OG-

Rebecca sat gazing at her sleeping ex-husband. She'd left Sam behind today; he'd been distressed seeing his dad battered and bruised. The nurse told her on the way in that he'd had a rough night with nightmares. They came every night now, tormenting him in his sleep. She hadn't been there for him the last time he found himself in hospital, something she deeply regretted but she swore to herself she'd be here this time, and she figured that this time was when it really mattered.

He'd called for Molly's in his sleep, she was shocked and equally furious. Surely, she was a thing of the past. She watched the small dark-haired nurse she'd never seen before updating herself on his condition. Molly pottered her way around the bed, lifting his blankets to check on the swelling in his leg, adjusting the pillows that it rested on. Rebecca couldn't place where she'd seen her before but she definitely knew her face. They exchanged polite smiles, Molly feeling Rebecca's eyes in her back as she made him comfortable.

"When do you think he'll be awake?" Rebecca enquired.

"According to his chart he had some sleeping tablets in the early hours so once he's slept them off. Normally they'd be given early evening but as he was distressed, they were given on request at 2am."

Her face familiar, her accent familiar, her name is Molly but other than Charles' ex Molly she couldn't think of another. There's no way it could be Charles' ex, the world isn't that bloody small she thought. He'd never allow her to treat him. He'd hated her even more than he'd hated Rebecca and that's saying something. Rebecca chuckled to herself; She couldn't believe she was sitting here driving herself nuts over some little tart that wasn't around anymore.

He shifted uncomfortably in bed, again groaning her name as she adjusted his drips "It's okay Charles I'm here" she responded without even thinking, giving Rebecca all the ammunition, she needed.

Furious, she stormed out of the room "Did you know your nurse Molly is an ex-girlfriend of Captain James? She shouldn't be allowed to treat him. She broke his heart."

Sue looked baffled "Is this true Molly?" "No sister, I have no idea what she's on about."

Rebecca was livid "He's calling her name, it's highly inappropriate."

Sue ushered Rebecca away from earshot of Charles' room "It's perfectly normal for someone in Captain James' situation to feel a particular connection to a specific care giver. Molly has spent a lot of time looking after him. It's really nothing to be concerned about. Molly has been nothing but professional" The sound of the commotion pulled Charles from his sleep, he'd caught the tail end of Rebecca's rant, he was fully ready for her even though it was the last thing he'd needed right now. She really hadn't changed at all.

He was pleased to see Molly was back, less pleased to see Rebecca. "I'm sorry Rebecca I know you've come a long way but I'm really not up to visitors today. I just want to sleep" she moved quickly to his side, re-plumping pillows in an attempt to make herself feel important. She wanted to hold his hand, but he was so unavailable to her. His eyes followed Molly's every move. She wrapped her hand around his, he flinched at her unexpected touch "Please don't. I can't bare it please just don't," the tears stung her eyes, his rejection was painful.

"I'll bring Sammy over the weekend. Hopefully your bruises will have cleared a bit. He was very upset to see you this way."

Charles nodded "Only when he's ready, I don't want him upset. This is bad enough as it is without it traumatising Sam too"

He could tell she was stewing and had something to say, "Anything else troubling you?" He decided that whilst she was being half decent that he would extend the courtesy.

"Well yes actually, Molly. She's your ex isn't she? The one who… "

"The one who fucked off and left me in a world of pain, just like you did. Yes, she is" he cut in "But I happen to be glad she's here. She's a comfort when the nights are long and sleepless so, please keep your mouth shut, for me."

She watched as he gasped for breath, guilty that she'd caused a commotion, the stress on his face was evident "I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you. I just don't want you to go through any more than you already have. I just want you to be okay Charles."

He gave her a weak smile "Thank you Rebecca. I just need to rest."

She inched slowly forward "Please can I touch you. Please can I hold your hand, just for a second" he held out his hand to her as she closed the gap between them, tears falling from her eyes as she held him "I was so scared Charles. So scared I'd never see you again" He recoiled at the mention of his torment, the frightened look returning to his eyes, she knew she had said too much "Take care Charles. See you soon".

-OG-

He woke to the sound of shouting; her concerned eyes met his instantly "What's going on Molly? Who's shouting?" he was pale and sweating.

"You were Charles" she rested her hand on his bad leg "I'm finished now, I wanted to see you before I went" Once again the thought of her not being near filled him with utter terror and he didn't know why, he knew he was safe here.

"When can I get out of here? My leg can recover at home surely, so can the rest of it."

She sighed "I think it will be a little while yet mate. Let's not rush things" she wasn't sure why but she'd wounded him somehow.

"Mate?" He questioned.

She sat down next to him "now isn't the time to talk about the past Charles. Maybe once you're feeling better."

"Don't fucking patronise me Molly, and don't pretend you fucking care either. You'd have done us both a favour if you'd refused to treat me; in fact, I'm going to request that you don't from now on. I don't want to see you."

He didn't know why his anger for her had chosen now to rear its head, his heart hurt as he watched her eyes change; they always shifted in colour when she cried. She blinked back tears "rest Charles," she squeezed his hand before turning on her heels and leaving. Loud, painful sobs escaped him; his chest hurt from holding them in. He didn't want her to leave but he'd opened his mouth and fucked it up again. The anger he felt inside was nothing to do with her, he was angry with himself, that he'd put himself in a position that allowed this to happen. He had no one to blame for his fucked-up life but himself.

-OG-

It had been 4 days since he'd seen her. He presumed after his outburst she'd been avoiding him, concentrating on other patients, those more deserving of her time. He'd had to go through the indignity of having all his injuries photographed again. He wished she'd been there for that, no one was as gentle as she was and she always ticked anyone off when she felt they were rough with him.

She'd fully intended to visit on her off days like she normal did but decided to give him a bit of space from her. She knew the anger would come eventually; it was only being suppressed by the more pressing issues of his injuries. She'd spent four long days in on the sofa doing nothing but thinking of him, constantly wondering how he was. She'd noticed his new phone; she wanted more than anything to be able to call him but after Rebecca dropping her in it, she needed to be extra careful.

"Nurse Dawes, I haven't seen her for a few days. Has she gone somewhere?" He quizzed Sue as she changed his dressing.

"No Molly was owed a few days off; she's been working a lot of overtime lately and she was looking quite tired so the rest was well deserved."

He couldn't hide the sadness in his face "I was a bit horrible to her before she went. I feel terrible."

She laughed "Don't you worry Captain. She'd never hold it against you, salt of the earth that girl is." He hoped she was right but history wasn't on their side when it came to sorting their differences. He missed her; the days seemed so much longer when she wasn't around.

-OG-

He watched her as she delivered her colleagues morning coffees, their faces lighting up just as his always did when they were graced with her presence. She hadn't noticed him looking yet. He supposed she'd probably avoid him. Gingerly he made his way to the bathroom, his body full of pain. He'd been given the okay to start trying to do a little more for himself, the wet room style bathroom had been fully equipped with various walking frames and a chair to make moving around a little easier. His leg still wasn't doing anything except make his life difficult. Clinging to the walking frame to steady himself he surveyed his body in the mirror. His shorts hung from narrow, slim hips; they'd lost all definition. His torso was still black and blue; he'd never noticed the deep boot shaped bruises that covered his torso. He was sick at the memory of feeling his ribs break.

His once muscular torso was thin, much thinner than a man of his height and age should be, he looked frail and old. He wasn't a man anymore, he was nothing.

She appeared in the doorway behind, she too surveyed the damage. Their eyes were locked onto each other, an intimate moment between two souls who loved each other deeply.

His arms began to shake, weak from holding on standing too long. She closed the door behind her, helping him to the chair, undressing him. The warm water cascaded down his body, startling him. Water, ice cold water had been one of their methods of torture but he was with Molly. He was safe. She worked her fingers through his hair, her touch sending shivers down his spine. The only touch he could bare. He held her arm tightly as she washed and she shaved him, revealing his handsome face from underneath his stubble. He still looked so tired; the red rings enhanced by the dark sadness of his brown eyes.

"I'll never leave your side again" she whispered, wrapping him in a towel. The big strong man she once knew was now childlike in front of her, helpless and broken but he is all she wants, now more than ever she needed to show him just how much he means to her.

His hand settles on her cheek "Thank you."

She smiles "what for?"

He strokes his thumb across her lips "For looking after me, for being gentle" his hand explored her face, he'd missed being able to just touch her, she hadn't changed at all. Still his youthful and beautiful Molly.

"I love you and I promise I will always look after you from now on. Not because it's my job, but because I love you" she couldn't wait out any longer to make her feelings known. Too much time had been wasted, too much had happened. He leaned forward ignoring the ache in his ribs, his lips hoovered over hers as he hesitated before deciding this felt more than right. His greedy kiss consumed her as she wound her fingers into the curls at the back of his neck. She felt his need, he needed to be loved and held close by her.

"You in there boss?" their passion is short lived as Georgie hammers down the bathroom doors behind them. She giggles as she plants soft kisses along his jawline. He took her hand as she helps him dress, lacing his fingers between hers.

"Are you sure about this?" a quiet concern had already built inside him that this might be something she'd regret.

"I've never been surer of anything Charles. We have to wait until you're out of here until anything else can happen. That's if you want it too?"

He nodded "More than anything."

She cupped his face in her hands "I'll never let anyone hurt you again" he wanted to believe her but old doubts and new insecurities warn him to be cautious, he can't afford to end up hurt again.

"Charlie are you in there?"

"Yes Lane. I'm coming. I am half crippled if you hadn't noticed" He gives himself a last glance in the mirror before facing his friends "You look handsome don't worry. Wheelchair, crutches, frame?"

"Chair please. Everything else is too difficult with my wrist and my ribs" he felt safe in her hands as she helped him into the chair he hated so much. He felt weak and he hated it.

"Ready to face your fans?" he nodded, sad that this moment between them was over.

"There you are" Georgie wraps her arms around his neck pulling his head into her torso "I've missed you. You look better, had a shave and everything."

Elvis did his best to make her as uncomfortable as possible, scowling at her from the corner "What's she doing in there with you?"

Charles sighed "She was doing her job Elvis" Charles spat defensively.

"Not the time and not your fucking business either" Georgie fumed "Give it a fucking rest" Her anger made him feel guilty as he looked at Charles. He'd expected him to look more like himself but he was still frail and defeated. If she brought him comfort then so be it for now, but she wouldn't be staying if he had his way.

"How's the leg mate?" Elvis made light work of putting Charles back to be bed.

"Elvis I've got a broken wrist but my other hand still works, if you do that again I'm going to swing for you"

"Don't be touchy Charlie, you know you love me."

Georgie squeezed Molly's arm as she loitered awkwardly "Thank you" she mouthed, following Molly into the corridor "How's he's doing?" They gazed through the window at him, Molly already missing him.

"He's doing as well as can be expected, he's been really brave. It's nighttime that things seem to get the better of him. He's not really sleeping and when he does, he wakes up terrified, but that's to be expected I suppose. There is talk of them moving him soon. To a rehab centre once he's more comfortable with his injuries. His pain levels are still quite high."

"Your amazing Molly do you know that?"

She let an embarrassed chuckle "I'm really not. I'm just doing my job."

Georgie took her hand "It can't be easy seeing someone you used to love in that state. I know he's been dependent on you so please be careful. Don't give him any false hope; I think it would kill him."

It's almost as if she'd knew about the moment they'd shared just minutes ago "I won't I promise. I'll be in his life after this if he wants me and if he doesn't that's okay too."

It wasn't an option to lose him again, she had to do everything in her power to be back in his life.