They sat in a quiet corner of what Elvis would describe as an "old man pub" meaning no 'skirt' and 'old man craft beers'. Conversation between them didn't flow as easily as normal, Elvis wondered if it had been because of his opinion of Molly but Charles was feeling particularly strange in his newfound freedom. He'd only been on short little breaks home since his initial release from hospital to Headley and he'd overestimated how far he'd come. He wasn't pub ready.

"I'll be finished by 7pm. Can't wait to see you! M x"

Her text message filled him with excitement; he couldn't wait for it to be just the two of them, no interruptions for the whole long weekend.

She forwarded him her address. Butterflies filled her belly as she counted down the minutes until she'd be with him.

"Listen mate, I'm sorry for what I said about Molly. I know you love her and if she makes you happy then I'm all for it" Elvis placed a hand on Charles back "Please don't hate me, you know it would kill me if our friendship suffered."

At that moment Charles felt guilty "Oh look I'm sorry it's not that. I completely get your stance on Molly, I really do. You're not the only one. I'm just feeling weird; it's overwhelming to be officially discharged, back in the real world. I've been in that bubble for so long. It's just strange, I'm scared but I don't know what of" Elvis pulled him into one of his awkward hugs, Charles and Georgie seemed to be the only people he could be freely tactile and affectionate with. It pained him to see the look in Charles' eyes.

"I didn't realise, I should have thought. Let's get you to Molly's" he pulled him to his feet, passing him his crutches "Just remember, no fucker is ever gonna hurt you again while I walk this planet Charles, I can assure you of that."

He smiled at his friend, despite being an annoying little twat at times, he always meant well "Thank you, for everything. You've been a real mate."

They pulled up the apartment block. She'd only recently moved in and was nervous about having him to stay. What if he wasn't comfortable?

Elvis rang the doorbell, exasperated after a tiff with Charles to get him into the wheelchair.

"This fucking thing is the bain of my life" Charles complained.

"I ain't even listening mate, moan it up coz my ears are shut" Molly opened the door in the nick of time before a full-on row could erupt between them.

"Hello you two. Come in."

The frost between Elvis and Molly was enough to freeze a river. She'd invited him in out of politeness and he'd accepted, also out of politeness. Charles had started to wish he'd got a bloody cab to avoid all this. "Look you two, this is awkward and unnecessary. Can we just sort it out please? It can't go on" Charles pleaded.

Fiery Molly was the first to speak, instantly rising to her feet in defence of herself "I don't have a problem with him, it's him who don't like me and yeah I get I made a mistake but it's in the past now and I think I'm more than proving myself" she wanted to punch herself in the face for showing Elvis that he bothered her but the truth was, he did. She wanted her boyfriend's best mate to like her.

Her tears had pulled at Charles heart strings "Please Elvis can we sort this?"

Elvis wasn't good with emotion at the best of times, but especially when he was on the spot "Like I told you earlier, if you're happy then I'm happy. I just don't wanna see you hurt again and that includes by her. You've got enough on your plate as it is. But you're a big boy you can do as you please. I'm gonna go mate. Thanks for the pint, you know where I am if you need me" with a pat on the back he was gone.

He watched her for a minute as she sat with her head in her hands "I'm sorry Molly. He'll come round in time" he moved to be closer to her "I've missed you."

She smiled weakly, "missed you too" for the first time since they'd be back together, she felt distant from him, his heart immediately feeling heavy. Molly could sense the worry in his eyes "Make yourself comfortable baby" she moved closer to him, taking his face in her hands, her lips moving to his "I've missed these lips" she whispers as her hands find their way under his t-shirt, stroking his smooth skin "I promise I'm not going anywhere, ever again."

He pulled her into him, planting a kiss on the top of her head, breathing her in. She made him feel settled; he needed to be wherever she was. He never understood why the woman who'd broken his heart was the one he dreamt of while he was in that hell, the one that kept him alive but now he did. She was his soul mate; they were connected on a deeper level that he couldn't explain.

The sound of the oven bell brought them back to reality "You didn't have to cook Molly. You've had a long week."

She giggled "don't get too excited mate it's just a pasta bake" he enjoyed watching her move around the kitchen, he'd only been in here a little while but he'd already felt at home with her.

"I've been thinking" "oh dear Dawes, that does sound dangerous."

"Oi you cheeky bugger" they giggled like carefree kids as they tucked into pasta "I want to be where you are Charles. I'm going to resign, move closer to you. I want to be there every step of the way for you, not just a weekend supporter. You need me and I want to be there."

Her plan took him by surprise but he couldn't hide his happiness at the thought of her being close, she'd be with him. He could never see her living alone when they had room at Royal Crescent.

"Just answer me one thing before we go any further…"

She raised a suspicious eyebrow "go on..."

"This isn't in anyway because of anything Elvis has said, is it? It's something you want? Something you've thought hard about?"

She smiled "It's nothing to do with Buddy Bloody Holly trust me" he threw his head back in hysterics at her reference to Elvis, he'd have to use that one in future. She positioned herself in front of him, kneeling at his feet, her hand moving up and down his bad leg "I want to be near you, I hate being apart, I can't settle knowing you need me and I'm not there. We're gonna do this Charles, we're gonna get you back. And if it's the last bloody thing I do, I'm gonna get this leg working. That's what my course has been for, to help you" His heart was so full he was worried it might actually burst.

Her arm stretched out to pull him close to her, she knew he slept better when she was wrapped around him, that he felt safe. The coldness of the sheets next to her tore her from a peaceful sleep. The light coming from under the bathroom door alerting her to his whereabouts.

3:45am and still pitch-black outside. She moved to his side to warm it for him, 10 minutes later she was still laying there alone.

She pulled her dressing gown tight around her body, the chill of the night causing her skin to goose bump. He must be freezing in there. She knocked gently, hoping not to frighten him, her heart breaking at the sight of him. His long legs were stretched out in front of him, his bare back cold against the tiled wall and the familiar look of terror in his eyes as he sat on the floor alone. "Charlie., why didn't you wake me?" She sat down beside him, wrapping her arms around his cold body. "You're frozen baby. Let's get you back to bed" he struggled to get himself up, his bad leg always failing him, lovingly she helped him to his feet "Arm around my shoulder. Go easy."

Gingerly he lowered himself onto the bed, the cold floor and chilly night had done his leg no good, shooting pains sending shock waves through his body. She pulled a jumper over his head and his tracksuit bottoms up over his legs "Lift you bum" she gently ordered, her final touch was a pair of her fluffy sock "And I want them back tomorrow. My bloody favourite ain't they" she giggled as she pushed herself between his legs, wrapping her arms around him and just holding him. She could feel his heartbeat, erratic and frighten "I'm here Charlie. No one is gonna hurt you"

-OG-

As she watched him sleep, a single beam of light that had broken through the blinds illuminated his handsome face. The steady rise and fall of his chest hopefully meant he was in a peaceful sleep. The doorbell ringing did little to disturb him, his hand reached to check she was still there before he rolled over. She was excited as she snuck out of his arms, house shopping was a lot of fun. She'd wanted him to feel at home, a Nespresso coffee machine had been top of her shopping list for payday. She worked quickly to put it together before he woke. "Can nurse people back to health but can't put together a bloody coffee machine" she cursed. Finally managing to set the bloody thing up she sorted through all the capsules she'd ordered, double amounts Rosabuya of course. She'd never forgotten his favourite. The smell of coffee filled the sunlit bedroom, arousing his senses, his head fuzzy from disturbed sleep. His hand automatically searched for her; her side of the bed long cold. He laughed at the site of his fluffy feet as he lowered his bad leg off the bed. She'd already set his crutches and his walking frame ready for him. He stared at them, resentment building inside him. This wasn't supposed to be his life.

She sat sipping tea as he hobbled towards her "Morning handsome. Coffee?"

"Mmm, Yes please beautiful. It smells amazing. Did you get that for me?" A boyish excitement filled his face "I did actually. A little welcome present. I've been really looking forward to you coming" she placed the coffee down in front of him, her hand immediately stroke his face "I love you so much" she whispered.

He pulled her to sit on his good leg, nuzzling the back of her neck, taking in the sweet smell of her hair "Did you want to do something today?" He didn't want the fact that he'd slept poorly to ruin any plans she may have had.

"Well, I was going to see how you felt before I asked you but I'm meant to be going to London tonight. It's my sisters 21st birthday, I'd really like to go and I'd really like you to come, but I don't want you to push it, we don't have to go, she knows our situation."

"Our situation?" He was touched.

"Yes, ours Charles. We're a team now aren't we" He smiled.

"Yes, we are. And I'd love to go with you" the thought filled him with dread but how could he keep her from her family? He knew things had been strained since the first-time round, maybe they'd finally accepted that she had her own life. A life to be proud of.

He watched in awe of her as she put the finishing touches to her make up. Their eye burning into each other through the mirror as she pulled on her dress. "You are so beautiful" he smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Not too shabby yourself Mr James. In fact, the sight of you in that shirt has done funny things to me" she planted tiny kisses along his jaw line, her fingers running through his hair.

Reluctantly he stopped her in her tracks. "We really should make a move Molly."

She sighed "Thought I could get a last-minute quickie in but maybe I'll save it for when we get there" his smirk didn't nothing to dampen the ache between her legs.

He'd insisted on crutches even though she knew he'd struggle. He could only hold his leg up for a short time before it became heavy and lifeless and she knew he wouldn't want to draw attention to himself when he'd start struggling "I'm gonna put the chair in the car anyway and if you don't need it then fine but we've got it anyway."

He felt embarrassment rising in his cheeks already. What would the Dawes' think of their daughter bringing home a practically crippled soldier?

She'd been right of course, she always was - by the time they got there he was in pain and struggling. They'd barely got into the working men's club when he'd had to park himself on the nearest chair.

He was moved by her as she filled with emotion at the sight of the siblings she hadn't seen in so long. There were so bloody many of them, all the Dawes sisters had the same magical green eyes he noticed.

"Who's the cripple?" Dave muttered to Belinda under his breathe, swiftly receiving her elbow into the ribs.

"That's her bloke and he's a war hero. Don't you watch the news?"

He rolled his eyes "All them fucking soldiers are the same. All think their shit don't stink and he'll be no different" He necked the rest of his pint, wondering where he'd find the cash for another. His eyes fell on his eldest daughter, he'd never seen her looking so happy "Stuck up cow" he muttered.

"Oh, put a sock in it, tosser. You should be proud that someone who came from your loins has done so well for herself" he waved his fist at Nan as she crossed the floor, almost running to her beloved Molly.

"Well, you are a sight for sore eyes Mols, come here" she pulled Molly into a lingering hug "I 'ave missed ya. And who's this handsome devil? I tell you what if I was 20 years younger, I definitely would."

Molly laughed, "dream on nan, more like 30 years younger" she spat her tongue out as she helped Charles to his feet. "Nan this is Charles, my boyfriend. And you be nice to him coz he's injured alright. None of your funny business."

Charles leaned to kiss nan on each cheek "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs … "

"Oh, you can call me nan, you charming devil. Been a long while since I got kissed, I tell ya. What's 'appended to your leg then? Take the weight off" before he had the chance to answer Bella answered for him.

"He was that soldier that ISIS had hold of Nan. Kicked 7 shades of sh..."

"BELLA" Molly wrapped her hand round Bella's mouth "Shut the fuck up moron."

She felt the tension harden Charles' body "Sorry" she mouthed.

"It's okay. Yes, I was that soldier. But I'm on the mend now. Thanks to your wonderful granddaughter, she's been my rock."

Nan smiled at him "glad to 'ear it. Let's get pissed."

A brief moment of absolute mortification washed over her before she turned to Charles, he was almost doubled over, hysterical laughter ringing through the air. He looked young and carefree and even more handsome than usual. Nan had well and truly taken him under her wing, she watched as Nan did Molly's familiar thing of placing her hand protectively on his back as she walked him to the nearest table "Fuck's sake any second now and her bottle of gin will magically appear from her bag" Bella cursed in Molly's ear. As if by magic, there it was and not only that but she'd brought her own tonic as well "Knew I shouldn't have invited them. Twats" Bella stropped off in the direction of the bar, leaving Molly alone, feeling exposed to the family she hadn't seen in a long time.

Her mum pulled her into a hug "you ain't lying when you said he was a looker Molly. Shame about his leg though innit. Spoils him a bit."

Molly tutted in disgrace "For fuck's sake mum, he didn't ask to be bloody mangled by terrorist, he didn't choose it. And I'd love him if he had no legs. He's perfect and he's mine."

Belinda felt the crimson rise in her cheeks "Sorry Mol, I know you love him. I didn't mean anyfing."

She smelt him before she saw him. The familiar stench of stale smoke and booze from his breath made her stomach turn over "Thought I'd come an' say 'ello as you clearly can't be bovvered. And that bloke of yours, shouldn't he introduce himself an' all?" she felt venom rising within in her.

"Hello Dad. How are you? I'm fine, thanks for asking. And as for my bloke as you can see, he's a bit on the injured side so you could always take yourself over to him and introduce yourself."

Dave rolled his eyes "You sure he's not just doing it for the pay-out Mol? I know I would"

"I'm well aware that you would Dad that's the worst thing about it. Do you want to meet him or not?"

Charles raised his eyebrows from his seat next to nan. He didn't like her body language, it wasn't the Molly that he knew, she was defensive and unhappy and it was making him uncomfortable. Unsteadily he got to his feet "You alright there mate, wanna hand?" Nan was on her feet, steadying him "Bet you'll be bags of fun on your sticks after a couple more gins" he couldn't help but laugh, she was everything Molly had described and more, definitely the legend that Molly had built her up to be.

He approached Molly and Dave cautiously, he didn't want to intrude but he felt the need to let her know he was by her side.

"... if you could just sub us 100 quid Mol. We're behind on the rent an' ya muvva is frantic."

Charles hand landed protectively onto her back "Mr Dawes, lovely to finally meet you. I'm Charles, Molly's boyfriend" Charles extended his hand to Dave, which went ignored.

"Yeah yeah nice to meet ya an' all that" he turned his attention back to Molly "So can ya or not?"

She looked to Charles for reassurance "I'll speak to mum and see what she says Dad. I'm sorry but you've done this too many times now." she wrapped an arm around Charles' torso, hoping their closeness would make Dave uncomfortable enough to piss right off.

"How you doing? Feeling okay?"

Before Charles could even speak Dave was mouthing off. Telling anyone who probably wasn't listening what a waste of space his eldest daughter was "Traitor. Prefers the posh lot don't she. Thinks she's better than me, got herself a posh knob boyfriend with a posh knob name and forgotten about the fuckin' rest of us. Never mind that her family ain't got a pot to piss in, that's the fanks you get for doing all you can for your kids."

Charles pulled her close to him "Let me say something?" He moved in Dave's direction.

"No, Charles please. Let's just go, I shouldn't have come I don't belong here" He watched as her eyes filled with tears.

"Oh Molly" his thumb gently brushed away the trail of tears that flowed down her cheeks "Don't cry beautiful" they made a hasty exit as the flood gates opened. In the safety of her car, she sobbed. This was a side to her he'd never seen before. He'd seen her cry for him, she'd cried for him a lot but Dave's words had got to the core of her. It was his turn to comfort her now, she needed him.

He squeezed her hand, pulling her onto his lap. She nuzzled her face into his neck "I don't know why he hates me so much. All I've ever done is take care of them, right from a kid. I was more like a parent than a sibling, at the cost of my own childhood. I never did well at school because I was always tired from working or looking after the kids whilst he drank himself stupid and mum spent the evenings hunting the pubs for him."

His heart hurt for her when he thought of his own idyllic childhood. He never wanted for anything and he never had anything to worry about. "I know you've had it tough, but just think about it this way; it's made you the incredible, smart, intelligent, and kind woman that you are today. I can't undo your past Molly but I promise you that we'll have a really happy future. And all the things that were wrong in your life, we can make sure never happen to our children."

The thought of children with him brought a smile to her face "You really want children with me?" Her eyes lit up with happiness.

"I want it all with you Molly. You are it for me, the one I want to wake up to for the rest of my life."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hard "I love you Charlie James."

He smiled at her "No more crying beautiful. He will realise what he's lost one day" he held her until she was composed enough to drive.

"Suppose we should get you home Mr. I bet my fat arse ain't helping your leg feel any better either."

He chuckled "there isn't an ounce of fat on you. And no, it isn't doing my leg any good but I don't care, you my lady are my number one priority. Now get you perfect little butt into that driving seat and drive in the direction of the swankiest restaurant Birmingham has to offer. East London doesn't do it for me I'm afraid."

She giggled "Yes sir!"

-OG-

She had no interest in the fancy restaurant but it was progress in Charles' recovery. Not only had he suggested it, but he seemed comfortable and happy as she gazed across the table at him. The waitress had certainly noticed him too, filling up his glass and giggling at him. "If I weren't dressed like a lady, I'd knock her out" Molly spat.

He couldn't help himself, laughing hysterically at her jealousy "Now now Dawsey. You know I only have eyes for you" she smirked at him as she watched him down the last of his wine, her thoughts falling on the very same time next week when he would be back in hospital recovering from surgery.

He'd finally agreed to the op to fix his leg. The brain scan had ruled out a brain injury so his lack of movement in that leg was either down to the existing injuries or was psychological as first thought. The surgeon was keen to get it done, worrying that the longer it was left the harder it would be for him to recover.

He'd wanted to stay with her after his discharge but Mrs James had firmly put her foot down, she wanted him home where there were more hands to care for him. As grateful as she was that Molly was so willing to look after him, she felt it was unfair for his sole care to be on her. Mrs James was also hoping that Rebecca would pull her head out of her arse and let Sam start visiting Charles again. She'd been so instrumental in reuniting Charles and Molly but had withdrawn herself quickly after that, going back to her old ways. Charles pined for his son and Molly felt like it massively hindered his mental recovery when they were kept apart.

"Penny for them?"

Molly startled as he pulled her from her thoughts "I was just thinking about next week, makes me sad to think you're gonna be back in that state again. But your mum was right, once your discharged you'll be much more comfortable down there rather than my pokey flat."

He sighed "I'll miss you though."

"I'll miss you too but I'll be down as much as I can. And I've signed up for plenty of overtime for the week of your op. We just have to be careful not to drop me in it" she giggled. "However, will I manage to keep my hands off you when you strut around in your uniform?

I'd sign up for more surgery just for that" she threw her napkin at him "Now now Dawes. This is a classy establishment" he teased.

She leaned across the table "Fuck off" she whispered.

"I love it when you talk dirty."

She laughed, clearly this wasn't one she was going to win whilst he was being a piss taker. Happiness radiated from him, maybe she was finally getting the old Charles back.