Mixing up the order we are writing in now.

It's pot luck which writer takes on the next chapter. This one is by Gemmadog. Hope you enjoy.

Step by Step

Chapter 10

"Well this looks bloody awful." The mouthy blonde drawled out as she looked through the dirty bus windows.

She was right though everyone knew that, but everyone had the good sense to keep their mouths shut. First impressions and all that.

They had just spent the last 15 hours or so in her company. The blonde and Molly were the only two females on the transporter plane coming in, and were now the only two females in the rickety, hot, bus. Since they were the only two females all the others just presumed they were friends.

Her wise cracks, close to the bone inappropriate comments, and constant talking, made Molly definitely wanting to show everyone, from the word go, that they were not.

She was hot. Hotter and stickier than she had ever been. Her greens were plastered to her body, and in the most un-lady like and unpleasant of ways sweat trickled down her back and in between her breasts. She could have been paranoid, and would have been paranoid that she stank if everyone else wasn't in exactly the same boat. If she was a bit ripe, she reckoned, then they all were. They were all just as hot, damp haired, sticky and thirsty as her.

Despite it all though, apart from the gobby blonde who apparently was called Christine, they were silently staring at the outside world before them. Staring at the sand, the dust, the people, the equipment, and the vast streets of port-a cabins and space age type tents... they were taking in their new home.

Bastion.

Molly's new home for the next six months. She admitted only to herself, it looked grim. It looked hard work too, and just watching the folks moving around outside of the bus, was like watching ants wading through treacle. Hot, hard and busy, really busy. As far as the eye could see there was always someone or something going someplace, walking, driving, or running, despite the heat.

However Molly was excited. She felt that this was something new to her life. Something she'd never thought she'd see. Her mouth, she became aware, was slightly gaping as she took it all in.

Hell, it may be called by others, but for the next six months it was her new home. Her chance to learn and to shine. It was up to her and her alone to make this work for her.

It had all happened so fast. She'd been deployed with little time to spare. She found it hard leaving so quickly, leaving Georgie behind, her new life, and her newly befriended work colleagues without proper goodbyes. Yet Georgie was the hardest of them all to say goodbye to. Springing the news on her that potentially, Molly, a bridesmaid, wouldn't be home for her wedding in three months' time was one conversation that didn't go well. Georgie actually sulked when Molly first told her. It almost made Molly laugh, but instead she patiently explained to the grumpy Georgie why she wanted to take this tour. Explained the many reasons, and eventually her friend understood, and forgave. Especially once Molly had reassured her she'd already submitted the special leave request form for the wedding day.

And so Molly had quickly packed and prepared to leave. Excitement and nerves filling her world. Questions and expectations limitless on her new adventure, mixed with anticipation as she had had definite comms that a certain Charles James still remained posted in Afghanistan too.

What was a girl to do? Molly thought. When the Army says go, you go, and the fact you go with a smile on your face and a plan in your heart was just an added bonus.

The bus came to a noisy stop and orders were barked to disembark and line up. Grumbles and moans, were inter mixed with nervous laughter and jokes. They were all nervous and excited in equal parts, and all desperately tried not to show it.

Eventually, after some sorting and shifting the group were met by the camp's Major and his efficient staff. Greetings and introductions were made, and soon their heads were awash with quarter details, settling in schedules and maps of the sprawling camp and its facilities. The varying cap badges amongst them showed it was a mixed bunch that had arrived, and all stayed in reverend silence and listened. Eventually the welcoming committee was over and Soldiers from all trades scattered away to find their place in this new world.

Molly let out a huge groan. It was just as she had suspected and feared. She was quartered with Christine. The only small mercy she found was that with her being an Engineer, and Molly a Nurse, their differing shifts and roles meant paths would only cross at rest times.

"See the newbies have arrive." He muttered out through a mouthful of cereal. "You got any?"

"No. Not this time... thank God. I've already got a section with some first timers." He ran his hand through his hair, and sighed. "They are needing some serious time getting used to it all." He said rolling his eyes to his fellow officer. Understandable as it was, it was still frustrating.

They both sat there and stayed silent for a while longer. Lazily starting their day over breakfast and coffee, while watching as the half-awake camp started to fully come to life, and the new arrivals scattered around, bewildered, looking for their appropriate places. A small degree of sympathy went out to them. The arrivals continued to hold their interest. Sometimes anything new was of interest in a place where amusement was hard to find.

"Sorry James." Major Beck interrupted their quiet musings. "You've got a replacement."

Charles stood respectfully to attention, and turned away from the new personnel.

"Sir?" He questioned. "Who, and why, may I ask?" Confused by the change.

"Dangles. Off home...suddenly. Family death. Just heard." Beck chipped back. He was never one for three words when one or two would suffice. "You've got a newbie as a replacement! She's green. First tour."

"Sir." Was all he said as Beck passed him the information sheet. It was pointless protesting or asking more. Everything wold be covered in the file he held onto. "When does Dangles leave?"

"Now. Next half an hour or so." He checked his watch. And with that he walked away.

Charles bid his other officers a good morning and then headed off to find his section and say his farewells to Dangles. Scanning through the newbie's file and brief as he went. Missing the remaining arrivals as they spread around the camp.

He sighed as he resigned himself to another soldier to babysit on this tour. This long tour which had interrupted his life once more. Six months he was posted out here. Half way through and already there was talk of them extending it. Usually he wouldn't have minded, but this time his leaving had meant he never got his chance. He never had the time to chase the opportunity that had nearly happened with Molly. Something he had really wanted to do, but the Army got in the way of his life again.

He still thought about her. He still dreamed about her. How close they had come to almost kissing. How close they had come to finally having a start, and then Elvis happened. His loyal, trouble finding mate getting himself involved yet again with another man and his fists. Involved in such a way that snatched Charles once again away from her that night, and by the time the morning came she was gone, and he was posted.

So this tour had been harder than any he'd done before. He resented it this time as he felt it had taken away a small chance of him having something normal in his life again. A small chance of a relationship, maybe. Plus he was getting older, and wanted to see more of his son, who was growing up so fast. Instead he was away looking after other young men, so dependent on him. It was, he found this time exhausting.

His time spent though with Dangles sobered him up. Gave him the kick up the arse he needed. He realised it was time to put his big boy pants on and be the Captain he was trained to be, rather than the love sick puppy he wallowed in at times.

Dangles had just lost his mother. Suddenly without any warning. Yes, he was going home, but he was going home to a family destroyed by the matriarch's death. Charles' problems came nowhere close to Dangles' and for now he appreciated that.

"Oh my God Molly." Christine gushed as she caught up with her hours later on the way to the canteen tent. "You should get a look at my new CO. He's bloody gorgeous."

Christine hooked onto Molly's arm and chatted on about how hot the new Captain she was under. How he was the most amazing man she'd ever seen. His hair, his teeth, his eyes. Fit. Everything in one package she effused.

Molly just feigned to listen, and slightly annoyed at Christine's lack of respect. Her mind too full to say anything. Her first reporting in, and half a shift under her belt at the hospital was still causing her mind to buzz.

It was a scary place. Fast, noisy, busy and so vital to those who needed their help. Whilst she was there, right in the middle of being inducted, there had been several traumas brought in. She saw first-hand the work she was expected to do. She wondered how she, so fresh and newly qualified, could actually be beneficial in such an environment. She was scared and for the first time in a long time, she started to doubt herself. Suddenly she felt the shit just got real. She wasn't here to chase a dream. She was here to do a job. A very serious one at that.

Christine didn't stop her chatter as she bounced along Molly's side. Her arm still interlinked with hers and due to the height difference she bumped and pull Molly in an uncomfortable pace. It irritated her. After the day Molly had it made her think of Christine even more frivolous and self-centred.

Everywhere Molly had been that day, in the eight hours since she had arrived, she had felt like a rabbit in the headlights. Out here life was loud, fast and hot. Her senses were struggling to keep up. She needed time to process it all, and Christine wasn't allowing her that. It was so confusing. Instead she blindly followed what was expected of her. Reported where she needed to be, turned up where she thought she should be. And now here she stood in the food que and move forward with the rest of them, like she thought she should do. Automatic.

"Oh my God look. He's over there." Christine banged her in the ribs to get her attention. To break the robotic trance she was in.

Molly followed the path of her gaze and saw the back of a soldier's head, bent low and laughing with some other soldiers. There was nothing to comment on. Nothing to see.

"Who?" Molly asked while helping herself to some supper, turning away without really spending more than half a second looking. Yet she knew already who Christine was commenting on and didn't want to be part of it.

She was exhausted and hungry. She wanted today to be over and to hit her cot. Knowing her first shift started at 6am and she already was anxious about it. Already having doubts.

"My Captain. My Captain James." Christine hissed back. "The hottie I was telling you about."

Hearing his name had Molly quickly turned her head back to look.

And there he was. Charles James. In the flesh, more than a small part of her reason to be here. Just like that, no looking, no asking around. He was there. She'd never expected it to be this easy, to find him again, but it had and she did.

She was very self-aware. Everything that she did she did with a shake to her hands and a thumping to her chest. Last time she had seen him there had been something, in fact each time she had seen him there had been something, but last time it was more. It was something she'd been hoping to build on, but then he was gone and her chance was no more.

Christine sat up straight and Molly reacted too. Knowing a higher rank was close. Even if there wasn't it was always best to be safer than sorry.

He saw her instantly and failed to process it at first. Unsure how to react, what to say. He watched her smiling eyes acknowledge him and saw, rather than heard her start to greet him. He was conscious of how public it all was. How wrong it might look, and so he reverted to rank, something he tried hard not to do, but he did it all the same.

As she went to speak she saw how he cut her off. It amazed her at how reserved he was, and then she remembered Christine. She watched as he merely forced out a curt nod of his head toward her. Acknowledging her as a soldier, nothing more. He said no words. Showed no signs of recognising her. He blanked her.

It hurt.

"Sir." Christine put on a ridiculously sweet voice as she spoke. She was trying to catch his attention as he walked past her. Widening her eyes and pushing her chest out to attract him more.

He stopped. Aware of how false her voice sounded in such an environment. He didn't want to but had to. He had no choice but to acknowledge her, a soldier in his command, and so turned.

"Lance Corporal Halt." He replied efficiently to her greeting, using her formal title. Setting up barriers from the word go.

He kept his eyes away from hers. To aware that Molly sat close to the person he was now being forced to engage in conversation with.

"My friends call me Happy Sir." She purred back. Giving him a sickly smile.

Charles stilled and turned his full attention to face her. His hand coming to rest either side on the table just in front of her. His voice low and full of authority.

"Well it just as well I'm not your friend then isn't it Halt." He paused for effect. "I'm your CO and never forget that." He spoke directly into her expectant face, that soon turned to horror as she realised she'd messed up.

"Sir." Was all she meekly replied as she blushed at her mistake. Knowing others would have seen and heard. It was the worst start.

"08.00. Tomorrow Halt and don't be late." He barked out at her and left the canteen with a determined stride.

Molly watched him go, as did others. Christine attempt at making friends had back fired, and although Molly was hurt by Charles' snub to her, she pushed it aside, for now, to offer Christine some sympathy at her error.

The shock of seeing Molly, out here in all places was unbelievable. His hands still shook minutes later. Molly... someone he'd wanted to see again for so long, and here she was. There she had been. In front of him. Begging for him to say 'hello', to acknowledge her. Yet he didn't. He knew he'd messed it up. He knew he'd handled it all wrong.

He paced backward and forwards in his cabin. Annoyed with himself. Wondering where to go from here. He'd snubbed her. How would she forgive him for that when there had been no reason for him to do so? It was perfectly acceptable for him to know her, recognise her, acknowledge her. Yet he didn't. Their relationship was entirely innocent, they were just friends. Yet he had treated her like a guilty secret, as though he was ashamed of her.

"Shit." He burst out as he pulled on his running gear. It was late but he knew there'd be no chance of him sleeping now. "You're fucking it all up again James." He admonished himself further.

He ran. It was still hot, but not as hot as it had been. He ran around the compound until the sweat poured out of him and he knew his muscles would seriously complain of dehydration through the night. Yet he kept going. He kept on because that's all he could do as he was so angry with himself. He'd hurt her. He knew that, saw it in her eyes instantly, and he never wanted to do that. Not to Molly.

He ran and once again suddenly she was there. In his presence. Sitting on the ground, her back resting up against a port-a cabin. Hidden, in a totally secluded spot, he'd nearly missed her. He smiled as he approached her, that even though she'd been here less than a day she'd still found somewhere away from it all. A valuable skill in a place such as this. Some where she could be alone.

He quietly approached and as he did he noticed her wiping her face.

"Molly?" He softly spoke.

She quickly turned and dashed the tears away. Horrified he'd seen them.

She come here for some alone time. To give her ears a rest from Christine. To work out why he'd ignored her. To try to control the sickening feeling that was building inside her about her first shift in the morning. She'd come here to be alone and now here was here.

"You ok?" He asked and he lowered himself down next to her. He sat close but not too close.

"Yeah. No." She shouted out a little bit too loudly and she saw him wince. "Suddenly I'm fit to talk to now am I?" She asked.

"Look Molly about that. I'm sorry." He started.

"Save it. Yeah. I bet you are." She spat back. "And it's Dawes by the way. What you being a Captain and all that and me... well me, I'm nothing...you weren't even capable of saying hello to me."

"I'm sorry." He offered again. "You surprised me. I didn't expect it. You here. Afghanistan." He waved his hand around.

"Yeah mate? I've news, even surprised mates can still say hello." She whipped back.

He didn't know what to say. Silence fell.

"Were you crying? You know before?" He gently asked after a moment. Then regretted it.

"NO." Then as soon as the words left her mouth he saw the tears roll down her face again.

Instantly he moved to her side and pulled her in for a hug.

"Hey." He quietly said. Quickly scanning around to ensure they truly were alone. "Don't go nuts on me." He joked.

She let out a snotty laugh.

"Sorry." She said as she pulled back from leaning into his chest. "It's just been a bit of a day." She sniffed.

They hadn't a handkerchief between them so she used the sleeve of her greens. They both laughed again.

"I panicked." He admitted. "You being here. I couldn't work it out at first, and then Halt..." He blushed. "Well she's a bit ... you know. Can't have that. So I pulled rank. Became the stern Captain I'm known to be. Sorry."

She dried her face.

"It's all right I guess. Just a bit home sick and well a friendly face... it was nice." She smiled at him, finally.

"Yeah. It is." He grinned a stupid grin. A boyish grin that betrayed his feelings for her. "What you doing here Molly?" He used her name again. All rank between them disappearing.

"Like the rest of us poor buggers I guess." She smiled at him. Amazed how he was watching her. "Here to do me job." She suddenly felt very self-conscious.

He laughed, for he was happy in her company.

"But why?" He asked. "Wouldn't have thought you were up for this so soon."

"Well I was asked, wasn't I." She hesitated. "And I kind of volunteered to for it." She shifted herself and her bare knee touched his. Their contact made her colour. "Thought I'd see what it was all about and that." She finished.

"It's dangerous." He simply said. "Really dangerous."

"What you think I can't take care of me self?" She burst out. Startled by his supposed lack of faith in her.

"No." He shot back. Quickly alert as he saw how her whole body showed she was about to run from them. "God no." He again said to appease her.

"Then what?" She challenged.

"I just wish you hadn't, that's all." He said too quickly. "That you weren't here."

This hurt her.

"Why?" She asked with eyes wide and full of fear. Sad at his rejection of even her company.

He looked into her eyes as they glistened. The night was dark and there was no one about, but the moon afforded them a small degree of light, and he saw her beautiful face turned up to his.

"Cause I'll worry." He said slowly, as though he was worried he'd scare her off. "I'll worry about you, every day you're here."

"Me?" She asked. "Really?"

He nodded and his hand without thought, without conscious power behind it reach out and brushed her cheek.

"Every day, every minute." He continued.

"Why?" She asked suddenly hopeful. Sitting on the dusty ground surrounded by walls, security, rules and chaos was not the setting she'd imagine a romantic declaration to come... but she was hopeful.

He blushed and dipped his head down, letting out a small chuckle. He tried to pull his hand away that somehow now seemed to have cupped her face. She placed hers over his, capturing it. Not letting it go.

"Why?" She asked again leaning into him. Hooking a finger bravely under his chin to get him to look at her.

"Because you're special." He confessed quietly. "You're special to me."

"Ditto." She simply answered.

Neither moved. One of her hand remained holding his on her cheek, the other was now resting on his jaw, her fingers slowly tracing across his stubble.

Time stood still. He realised that this was his moment. He reached with both of his hands and held her face. He moved closer at exactly the same time she knelt up and towards him.

It happened so quickly. Their lips found each other. Soft, warm and ever so briefly. Both pulling away almost as quickly as they had come together.

"Shit. Sorry." He said as stood and moved back into his own space.

She stood too. Gaining her own space.

"Don't." She pleaded.

He realised his error.

"Fuck Molly. No. I didn't mean... I mean..." He looked around for inspiration and finding none he knew he had to be honest.

"I think I've been wanting to kiss you ever since that very first day we met." He admitted as she gazed up into his eye expectantly.

Her smile at his words spurred him on. He moved closer to her.

"I like you Molly. Really really like you." He moved in to stroke the hair from her face. "It's just here, us, this. We can't."

She sighed and rested her back against the port-a cabin wall. Knowing what he said was perfectly right.

"I guess not." She grimaced. "Shit timing. Eh?"

"Yeah." He laughed at the irony of it all. "Shit timing."

"At least I know though." She said. "That this Tom and Gerry act wasn't in my imagination."

"Tom and Gerry?" He asked laughing. "Know what?"

"That you're fond of me." She giggled back. "This cat and mouse thing wasn't just in me head."

With that he threw his head back a shouted out a laugh that could have given them away.

He stepped closer to her. Positioning himself closer to her, and capturing her.

"Not in your head." He dipped his head and moved in so his nose was touching hers. His forehead resting on hers. "And I'm very fond of you Dawes." He whispered out.

"Good." She replied almost silently. Her mouth was dry, her heart was racing. She smelt his dried body odour, his new sweat, the dust and him. And she couldn't remember ever smelling anything so good before.

His hands moved to either side of her body. Not touching her but encompassing her with his invisible embrace.

"Very, very fond of you Dawes." He continued. "But here. This place right now. We can't."

She heard his words but his body was betraying him. She felt the hardness of him teasing her as he pressed against her even more. Flattening her to the wall. She responded by arching into him and he let out a small guttural moan.

"For fucks sake."

He brushed his lips against hers slightly again.

"What are you doing to me Dawes?" He added as she moved her hands slowly down his back and rested them firmly on his buttocks. Effectively pulling him in closer to her.

"Nothing." She teased and then bravely kissed him. Hard, long and deep.

Minutes later they broke apart. She saw the conflict on his face. She saw the turmoil he was in.

Softly she moved her hand up onto his shoulders. Pushing his body from hers ever so slightly.

"You're right. I know. We wait out?" She twisted her face showing how unhappy she was with the solution. "For now. Until the tour is over... and then...?"

"Yeah? Yeah." He replied. Not too convinced. Thankful she had pulled away first before another line had been crossed. "We wait out... and then?" He grinned at her. His heart so suddenly full and happy.

"Yeah and then...?" She teased back at him raising her eyes in mischief. "Oh God and then...?"

They both chuckled and she started to shift uncomfortably. Yet he didn't pull away from her as she'd expected.

"I've a request though, before we say goodnight. Before we go back to being sensible."

"Yes." She answered far too quickly and in any other situation she would have been embarrassed by being too eager. "Anything." She replied.

"One more kiss? You know to see me though. It's going to be months before we're back home." He reasoned.

"Is that right?" She giggled. "Well then we'd best make this one count then hadn't we?"

They appraised each other with reverence and delight. Their lips matched each other's in depth, ferocity and exploration. They continued for a while longer than they had expected. Both taking in every detail and feelings of the other. Knowing this moment was what would have to carry them through. Knowing that this kiss would have to count.

And it certainly did!