"I never stopped loving you. I hope you know that" she broke the comfortable silence between them as she sat with him during another long night shift and another nightmare for him. She needed to clear the air between them, say all the things she'd been holding onto for years.

"I did wonder. Well, I wondered if you ever loved me at all to be honest, I didn't understand how anyone could just walk away like that. I still don't if I'm honest. It was so quick, so final. I didn't even get a chance to explain what had happened. You really hurt me Molly."

Her eyes filled with tears at the thought of those painful days "Not half as much as I hurt myself trust me. I never regretted something so much in my life, every single day I thought of you, wished I could go back in time. I was overwhelmed and I know it ain't a good excuse but I felt second best to your other life. I was young and stupid."

He nodded "I can appreciate how hard it would have been to take me on with a child at such a young age, I was always considerate of that. How do you feel about it now? Sam is always going to be my son" he sighed, his doubts becoming more obvious to her.

"I just know that I wanna be with you and I'll do anything to make it work. I'm sorry."

He smiled warmly at her and for the first time since he'd been here his smile reached his eyes, there was warmth there again "Come here" he patted the bed next to him.

"You tryna get me sacked?" She giggled.

"Pull the curtain, I need to hold you" she closed the door, pulling the cubicle curtain closed. She ran a gentle finger from his toes to his groin, sending shivers up his spine.

He pulled her close "You're the only one I can bear to touch me."

Her heart was so full for him "I'm not going anywhere."

His hands moved up the top of her scrubs settling on her warm waist "That bloody wrist ain't having any trouble touching me up is it" she giggled.

"It's good exercise I believe" he chuckled, pulling her closer.

She held him, his head resting against her heart "I'm so sorry Charles."

He shushed her "I don't want you to keep apologising. I can't promise this is going to be easy, I can't promise much at all. I just need time."

"I never felt love like what we had before you. I've never felt I belonged anywhere; my dad has always hated me. When I met you, things felt so amazing. I suppose I didn't wanna share it, not even with Sam and for that I'm ashamed and I'm sorry."

He pulled her to sit on the bed next to him "Lucky for you I have plenty of love to share. You never need to feel that way again. We've been given a second chance but you need to always be honest with me. It's not going to be easy but we've been brought back together for a reason I believe; Lady Luck has other ideas."

She kissed him deeply "I love you. Now get some bloody sleep."

-OG-

She almost bounced into work at the thought of seeing him. He'd had a flurry of visitors over the last week so she hadn't had a chance to spend much time with him, apart from sneaking him off for the odd shower but that was about it. There had been no deep and meaningfuls, no stolen kisses.

The sight of an empty bed startled her "Where's the Captain Sue. What's happened?" Sue caught the panic in her voice.

"Relax dear. He's gone off to the rehabilitation centre" tears threatened "I must say Molly you really excelled yourself with him, thank you."

"Was he ready? Are they sure he was ready? What about his leg?"

"They'll work on his leg, he'll have the very best care don't you worry. You've done your bit."

"Where has he even gone do you know?"

Sue eyed her suspiciously. "Look I know you were both very fond of each that much was obvious but you could never act on it Molly, it would be highly unprofessional" Sue patted her shoulder and left her in deep thought. She didn't even have his number.

-OG-

He was finding rehab and being separated from her harder than he'd expected. She hadn't called, hadn't even left him a number, She didn't even say goodbye to him before he left.

"Are you ready for physio Captain?" His thoughts were interrupted by Jess who had taken over his physio since he left hospital. She was a pretty thing, she reminded him of a much younger Rebecca with her sleek blonde hair and perfect skin "We can take it as easy this week but next week I'll want to step it up a gear."

He sighed "My leg doesn't work I keep telling you" she pushed him through the corridors in his wheelchair as he moaned.

"And I keep telling you Sir that apart from the obvious injuries, there is no reason at all as to why it's not working, so we've got to break through whatever barrier it is that's stopping you" she was a persistent little bugger he'd give her that.

She sat him in front of the parallel walking bars "I'm going to put the brakes on and you're going to get yourself up and out of the chair. Then you're going to drop that leg to the floor, no weight this time but we're going to exercise it with the bars for support. Is that okay Captain?"

He rolled his eyes "Do I have a choice?"

She chuckled "You do actually, you can let that perfectly good leg waste away to nothing and be stuck like this or you can work with me and get yourself back to full health. It's up to you?" He liked her; she was frank and to the point, like Molly.

"What if I can't do it? Or what if I fall?" He was nervous, this was the most movement he'd be attempting since he was injured, a familiar feeling of panic tightening in his chest.

"I'm right here Captain, right behind you."

He struggled, his useless leg painful and failing him once again "Remember it's psychological, push through it sir. You can do it" but he couldn't do it or more to the point, he didn't want to, he wanted Molly here and once again she was nowhere to be found when he needed her. She hadn't changed at all.

-OG-

Molly was becoming inpatient now, he'd been gone nearly a week and still nothing. She missed him so much her heart hurt. She'd tried to get in contact with Georgie with no such luck. Not a day went by that she didn't think of him, wonder how he was doing, wonder if he thought she'd let him down again.

Rebecca couldn't believe she was doing this; it was the second time she'd been back to the hospital looking for Molly. The first time she hadn't been on shift. She strolled up to the nurse's station hopeful she'd be here "Molly?"

Molly looked up to the icy glare of Rebecca "Rebecca?" She was shocked and overcome with panic "what's happened? How is he?"

Rebecca allowed herself to enjoy Molly's panic for a moment "Nothing has happened, I'm here to talk to you. When do you get off?" Baffled Molly checked her watch "In 10 minutes. I'll meet you in the coffee shop."

She strolled slowly in the direction of the coffee shop; sure she was about get a bollocking for something or other. Rebecca had bought her tea which she thought was fairly decent of her "Cheers for the tea" she plonked herself in the seat opposite, shattered from a 12 hour night shift. Neither of them knew where to start.

"Listen Molly I know you're probably confused at me turning up here, I am too" She loved a dramatic pause Molly thought, wishing she'd just bloody spit it out "I've tried to get back with him. To take care of him, be the one he needs" she didn't raise her eyes from the tea she was anxiously swishing around her cup, unsure why Rebecca was telling her this "My point is Molly it's not me he wants. He's pining for you and to be honest it's not helping his recovery. How could you disappear on him again?" Molly felt the need to defend herself.

"Hold on a minute, I didn't disappear this time. They took him to rehab and that was the last I heard. I tried to contact Georgie but she's away so where did that leave me? I didn't know where they'd taken him, I've been out of my mind worrying about him" both women were silent, pondering on what they should say next, after all they both had a common interest here and that was Charles and his recovery "Here's my number. Please pass it to him" she wrote her number on a napkin and slid it across the table.

"He'll be back in a bath this weekend, for a break from the rehab centre. What you do with that information is up to you" she snatched up the number shoving it into her bag "Bye Molly" she was gone before Molly even had the chance to say thank you. Lady luck was shining on her today.

-OG-

She was a bag of nerves when she pulled into Royal Crescent. What if he didn't want to see her? She'd passed on her number but still hadn't heard from him, maybe he really was done with her.

A tall, slim lady she recognised as Mrs James answered the door. The same chocolate brown eyes she shared with Charles stared back at her "Mrs James, I'm Molly."

Mrs James opened the front door wide for her to enter "I was hoping you'd come."

Molly awkwardly stepped inside "How's he doing? I didn't mean for him to think I disappeared. I had no way of getting hold of him, I didn't think of coming here. Well, I didn't think you'd want to see me."

Mrs James smiled at her sympathetically "That was a long time ago now. All I care about is his happiness. He's in the lounge although I must warn you. We're not having a great day, he's meant to be doing some exercises."

She peered round the door, observing him as he clung to a walking frame, his bad leg hanging lifeless "Look mother I've told you; I don't want an audience. I'll do it myself" he didn't turn to face her.

"Shall I go then?" She smiled as he turned towards her.

"Molly?"

"Missed me?"

His mood shifted from frustration to anger "I don't want to see you. Once again you fucked off after promising me you'd stay by my side… "

She held her hands up in defence of herself "Can I just speak before you tear me a new one? Hear me out! And sit down for fuck's sake your shaking"

He lowered himself into the nearest chair, glaring at her as she moved forward to help him, "I don't need your help."

She sat down beside him, resting her hand on his thigh "I didn't know they were gonna move you when they did. You were gone and I didn't know how to contact you, we both have different numbers don't we. I texted Georgie but I didn't get a reply. I would have been with you every second if I could've I promise but I'm here now and if you want me to be then I'm by your side from now on."

His red rimmed eyes searched hers; he wanted to believe her "You fucking did it again Molly. I needed you are you weren't here. How am I meant to be with you? How can this work if I don't trust you?"

He broke her heart a little bit "I promise you Charles. It's not how it seems but I'll go if you want me too" She stood on the spot, neither of them moving or saying a word "I'll give you some time" she picked up his phone, adding in her number, sending herself a text so she had his, ending this game of cat and mouse for good. He watched her as she walked away.

"You're never willing to fight for it are you? Just fight for it Molly. Fight for us, stop walking away when the going gets tough."

She turned to face him "What is me coming here today then? Facing your family when they probably hate me, does that count for nothing? I get that it was my fault the first time round and I'll never stop kicking myself for that trust me but I'm here now, right in front of you and I love you. So, tell me what you want. Am I staying or am I going?"

The anger and frustration inside him was at boiling point. Consuming his body, he wanted to scream and shout and tell them all just how tough this was for him, that he was claustrophobic and sick of his life. She moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder "I'm here Charles" she watched as tears dripped into his lap, his face hidden as he sat with his head in his hands, completely defeated by what his life has become. "Let it all out Charles, let it go" she held him for what felt like hours as he cried, anger, frustration and fear pouring out of him with every sob.

She kneeled in front of him, taking his face in her hands "Feel a little better now?"

He nodded "Didn't realise how much I just needed to cry."

She kissed his cheek "I'm proud of you. Now let's get your exercises out the way, we've got work to do" she pulled him to his good leg and steadied him at his walking frame "Crack on then" she watched as he struggled through his routine, huffing and puffing as he went.

"I need to stop Molly. I can't do this" she placed a gentle hand protectively on his back "lower yourself when you're ready, I've got you"

Mrs James appeared right on cue with a tray of tea and coffee "Someone has been working hard!" Her smile was bright and genuine at the sight of them together, Molly had been shitting herself about meeting her properly, worried that her past abandonment of Charles would forever be held against her.

He didn't touch his coffee, he was exhausted. His physio was much harder without Jess. He shuffled himself back into the sofa causing pain to shoot through his ribs, wincing and groaning as he tried to get comfortable. He raised his good leg to rest on the foot stool, his bad leg giving a mere twitch in response to his brain ordering it to move, to raise it to the footstool with the other one. He couldn't understand why it just wouldn't work. He hated this; they'd taken so much from him.

She watched as the frustration built in him. She knew the barrier with his leg was psychological but it didn't stop her urge to help him. Mrs James gave her a firm shake of the head when she saw her temptation to rescue him "he must do it" she mouthed but she couldn't watch him struggle.

"I'll help, but you must try as well. I'll tell you when I'm going to assist and you're going to lift. Okay?" Mrs James looked on as Molly dropped to her knees in front of him, lovingly and gently supporting him as he tried to move "Ready?" He nodded and together they lifted his leg to rest.

Mrs James was full of reservations about Molly when Rebecca had first told her that she'd been to see her. She was yet another woman who'd let her son down and she'd been the one who had to pick up the pieces yet again, although saying that she had no time for Rebecca either, Sam was her only saving grace. She'd gone up in her estimation ever so slightly for getting Molly here. She knew her son was pining for her and his recovery had very much been stunted by his preoccupation. She'd never seen him so taken by a woman, not even Rebecca in the beginnings of their relationship. She'd bide her time and when the moment was right, she'd warn her never to hurt her son again.

She stroked his cheek as he slept, finally comfortable. She busied herself tidying away his walking aids and wheelchair, always careful not to wake him. With a flick of the head Mrs James invited her through to the kitchen "I thought you must be hungry dear. Do you eat cheese?"

"Oh, thank you. You don't need to worry about me though."

"You're our guest, you must eat. Cheese and pickle?"

She nodded gratefully "Thank you" Mrs James become overcome with emotion

"No thank you Molly. Thanks for coming" tears spilled from her eyes.

"How bad have things been?"

Molly sensed her tension "Oh Molly you have no idea. He's a completely different person, he's like a little boy not the soldier who goes off to war."

She squeezed her hand "He just needs time Mrs James. I can still see the same Charles in there. He's been through such an ordeal it's bound to have changed him, but it won't define him, I won't let it.

" "I hope your right Molly I really do" She looked tired and worn out as she cut enough sandwiches to feed an army "Why don't you have a break for the day? I'm here now. Go on, go and have a day to yourself please. Nurse's orders."

She noticed there was no sign of Mr James, he didn't look like the type who could deal with an emotionally and physically damaged son if she was honest, he'd always kept his back against the wall at the hospital, never really engaging with his son considering all he'd been through.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Charles shuffling behind her, his arm finding its way around her waist, leaning his body against hers.

"Hello you. You didn't sleep for long. Hungry?" "Starving actually. What's on offer?" "Well cheese and pickle sandwiches for now to keep your strength up but I was thinking after that we could get you ready and go somewhere for a proper lunch?"

"I don't want to go anywhere" He snapped.

"Not even with me?" She batted her eyelashes at him in jest "We don't have to go far, the air will do you good" he propped himself up against the table, he was feeling weak and wobbly.

"What about this?" He gestured to his leg "We can bring that too" She spat her tongue out, her sarcasm causing him to throw his head back and actually laugh "okay let's get some lunch" she smiled to herself for her small victory.

-OG-

It was his first outing other going between home, hospital and the rehab centre. Every noise had his senses working overtime. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as she pushed the wheelchair towards a little tea shop she had spotted on the way here. They had battled over the wheelchair, him becoming agitated at the prospect of using it, her not backing down; she'd eventually won with a finisher of "Not even for me?" He'd do anything for her; even suffer the humiliation he currently was whilst his neighbours of Royal Crescent stared at him.

He pulled his cap down over his eyes "Molly can we go back?"

"Nope, we're nearly there now and I want some of them posh scones with cream and jam" she squeezed his shoulder "They are only looking because they are probably quite concerned about you Charles" he lifted his hand to his shoulder, resting it on top of hers as she pushed. They faced the obstacle of the cafe not having a ramp, luckily, she'd thought ahead and brought his crutches too "You alright there yeah?" He shuffled through the door the best he could, his ribs protesting with every movement. He felt eyes on him as her sat.

"Charles?" He peered at them from under his cap, Molly instantly appearing protectively by his side "Can we help you?" He recognised the woman, one of his mother's friends "I just wanted to say how pleased I am, to see you out and about and on the mend" she placed a hand on his shoulder, causing him to jump sky high "Sorry dear, take care won't you."

He responded with a shy smile but his eyes were a light with fear. "If it's too much Charles I can take you back."

He shook his head "Let's eat" she ordered as much as she could from the menu with no shame about the fact she looked a pig. He was still so thin; it was her mission to feed him up. For the first time in ages he felt normal, apart from shitting his pants at a woman's touch and a leg that wasn't working he was happy to be in Molly's company. She didn't make him feel like he was a victim; they were just Molly and Charles like they had been back then. She chatted and told him about the training she was due to go on and quizzed him about the rehab centre, making fun of him having Jess as a physio when he'd mentioned she reminded him of Rebecca.

"Will you stay tonight Molly?"

She smirked at him "Thought you'd never ask to be honest, why do you think I'm wining and dining you" they shared a laugh and it didn't matter that laughing hurt his ribs because he was happy.

"I didn't know that there was a hidden agenda for all this" he chuckled "and I'm paying."

She shook her head at him "No you ain't mate. I suggested lunch and I ordered half the menu so I'm paying. I can treat you, can't I?"

He smiled "I suppose so."

She decided to stroll the long way back to Royal Crescent. She was pleased with herself for getting him to eat half the shop and he'd relaxed considerably since they'd first left. The undeniable chemistry between them once again boiling over as they flirted, his hands often finding hers and her foot often finding his for a game of footsie under the table.

Mrs James looked much fresher on their return "Hello you two. Nice time?" She had nagged him time and again to get outside for some air, even just for five minutes but he'd refused, his eyes full of fear at the mention of leaving the safety of the house or rehab centre. She'd made the world of difference to him in just a few hours. Mrs James couldn't help but observe how affectionate she was. Charles was always an emotional being, always loving and affectionate to those who meant the world to him and it had pained her when he married cold hearted Rebecca. He responded to Molly in a way she'd never seen before, he completely worshiped her.

-OG-

With plenty of encouragement they managed to get him up to his own bed for the night "Not gonna lie mate I wasn't looking forward to sleeping down there. It's blitz in that room."

He laughed "blitz?"

"Yeah taters."

He couldn't hide his smile "whatever that means"

She fussed with pillows and cushions until he was comfortable "Always the nurse eh Dawes."

She giggled "You always were my favourite patient" she sat down on the bed next to him, so close she could hear him breathing. "I want to touch you Charles" gingerly she brought her hand to his torso, her warm palms stroking him. It felt good, she'd been the only person her could bare touching him. She pulled his t-shirt over his head, surveying his visible injuries, leaning down to kiss him, working up to his neck, her arms finding their place around his neck as she moved her lips behind his ear, crossing his beautiful face to his mouth. He groaned in pleasure "Do you want me Charles?" She panted.

"I do but I don't think I can" he whispered whilst parting her lips, searching for her tongue.

His hands were wandering now, pulling her to straddle his lap. She rose to undress herself, removing his trousers "I want you" she panted and she could tell he wanted her too, he was hard and ready. She kissed him until he gave the go ahead for her make love to him, his body tensing under her slight weight, "it's okay. It's just me remember" he gave into her, devouring her breasts as she rode him, their eyes never leaving each other's.

"I love you" he panted as her body melted against his. She ached for him, the hardness of him spurring her on. His hands rested on the small of her back as she grind into him listening to the change in his breathing, her smooth rhythm coaxing him to come. It had been so long; he couldn't hold back any longer. She upped the pace sensing he was ready, he pulled her into his neck as they both explode, kissing her hard as the final jolts is pleasure left his body.

Exhaustion overtook him but he couldn't let her go, he'd waited too long for this moment. He'd been waiting a lifetime to hold her like this again. She gazed at him "You're amazing do you know that Charles?"

He sniggered "I don't think so but thanks all the same."

She sat up, eye level with him "You really are. You've been through so much and look at you. You make me so proud."

He pulled her closer "Soppy mare."

"Do you know you moved that bad leg whilst we was at it?"

He raised a suspicious eyebrow "Did I? Really?"

"Definitely. I'll have to make love to you more often won't I" they giggled "although just not tonight coz I'm bloody knackered." They settled together, her little spoon to his big spoon. His aching body hadn't felt this comfortable in as long as he could remember, her small body fitted perfectly, the warmth of her soothing the ache inside him.

She woke to cries and whimpers, she watched for a moment, not entirely sure what was happening. Tears streamed from his eyes, his body was sweaty, drenched in fact.

"Let me go" he cried.

Her heart broke for him as she pulled him close to her "it's okay baby. I'm here and you're safe" she gently shook him awake "I'm here Charles, I'm here." His eyes were erratic and a light with fear as he searched the room "You're safe, I promise you're safe" he tried to flee but his injured body failed him, he cried out in pain, his body couldn't cope with this.

She grabbed him but he tried to fight it "Charles!" She shouts trying to bring him back to the here and now. She holds him and pushes herself between his legs, holding his head against her torso "Shh its ok" she holds him as her cries, petrified because he'd been back there, his mind had taken him back there.

"Molly?" He looks to her for reassurance.

"You're safe. You're at home and I'm with you. No one is trying to harm you, breathe Charles" she held him for what felt like hours, neither of them spoke or slept. She placed her hand across his chest feeling his thumping heartbeat. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He shook his head "I can't, I'm sorry. Can we have some tea?" She stroked his cheek "Will you be okay while I'm gone?" sad and frightened eyes looked back at her piercing her heart.

"I'll be okay."

She slipped his dressing gown on afraid to leave him. 3:45am stared back at her from the clock as she stirs the tea. The old Molly would have run from this, but he needed her and he was the love of her life. They'd only been together a few months the first time round but he had changed her in ways she didn't realise until now. She'd spent a lifetime of putting people first and resenting them for it but he was different, her heart was full of nothing but love for him. Love and the need to protect him from whatever demons he was facing. They would face them together.

"I raided the biscuit tin" she giggled as she laid out their tea and shortbreads. He looked better than he did when she'd left the room although he was still pale and clammy "When is your next therapy session?" Her questions broke his trail of deep thought.

"When I get back on Monday. I've been having them daily."

She snuggled into him "Do they help?"

He shrugged "I don't know if anything will ever really help to be honest. Unless you've got a Tardis?"

"Bloody hell if I had one of those mate I'd go back to that Christmas and never, ever let you out of my sight again."

He gave her a sad smile, "Me too". She padded across the room to the bathroom, quick as she could to avoid the cold of this draughty, old house. He watched her emerge with a damp towel and wondered how he'd ever lived without her. She wiped down every clammy inch of him, cooling his body, making him comfortable. He didn't want to be this man anymore. He wanted to be Captain Charles James again, a leader and someone people looked up too. He didn't want to be the victim he currently was, too frightened to sleep. He promised himself he would overcome this, for himself and for Sam and Molly.