Despite two weeks passing not much had changed nor improved between them. Having had her twelve week scan and reassured that everything was progressing normally had settled Duffy's mind somewhat but she'd purposely not told minutes of arriving back in the department Charlie was at her side, a face like thunder.

"A word?"

Glancing up at him briefly she sighed. "Now? It's rather busy." She didn't have the energy to fight, not now and particularly not here.

"Now." With that he was off, storming back into his office clearly expecting her to follow. Sighing again she glances Kate's way before taking a breath and eventually following and shutting the office door behind her. The rest of the staff knew enough about their marriage as it was without them hearing anything else.

"Well? What's so important you felt the need to drag me in the office like a naughty child?" She couldn't seriously be asking that could she? Why did she need to act so cold? Couldn't she see he was trying?!

"Why didn't you tell me you had your scan today?" Amazed she stands before him unable to form any words for a moment. He had a cheek.

"Seriously?" Seeing his expectant fact she sighs. "Well considering that you've refused to discuss your feelings regarding the baby why on earth would I tell you? You can't pretend this isn't happening and expect me to invite you to appointments Charlie."

He knew he was making things more difficult at home but the truth was he was still in shock. They'd agreed no more kids and Charlotte was still so small but he could handle all that. No his overriding concern was for Duffy. She'd ended up so ill after Charlotte was born, he couldn't see her go through that again but at the same time knew better than to voice that concern. Which has left them in this awkward state of miscommunication. Still rather than explain that he points out something else instead.

"You told Kate though!"

Tutting she rolls her eyes, this was getting ridiculous. "Well I couldn't just leave the department without saying something could I? Not to mention everyone's worked out I'm pregnant anyway."

"Have they?" That's all he needed! Gossip! Why couldn't people leave alone and mind their own bloody business?

"Don't play dumb! I heard what Baz said to Mike." Seeing his still perplexed face she rolls her eyes before continuing, mocking Baz. "'One minute she's practically anorexic the next she's barely fitting in her uniform. It doesn't take a genius to work out why.'" The look of pure rage that past through his eyes was one she hadn't seen in a long time so much so her heart rate quickened.

"She said what?!" Gulping she quickly spots his fists, now clenched into balls, as he tries to calm himself down. Her own anger forgotten she jumps forward, placing her hands on his shoulders.

"Calm down Charlie. It's not worth it." She keeps her voice low, soft trying to relax him as she massages his shoulders, she didn't need him storming out of the office to have a yelling match with Baz.

"No! No she had no right to say that! She has no idea what she's talking about." Had she not caused enough problems in his marriage without this? The urge to go have it out with her was overwhelming but just as he turns to move he catches the fear in his wife's face.

"She's trying to get a reaction from us, don't give her it. Please!" Sighing she steps back from him and slips into the chair at his side. "That is not how I want everyone to find out that I am pregnant and not just fat."

"Duffy you are tiny no one in their right mind would call you fat." Wonderful, more lies sprouting out his mouth.

" that shows that is been a while since you tried to put your arms around me." Sighing he reaches for her hands, taking them into his.

"I'm sorry Duffy." Seeing those big innocent eyes of hers staring back at him only made him feel worse. "I didn't mean any of this. I'm just worried."

"Worried? What about? We have done this before you know." Fixing him with a confused stare she was lost.

"I know that's why I'm so nervous." Glancing down at her stomach he sighs. "You were both so ill last time, I don't want to see that happen again."

Sighing she knew Charlie had struggled at the time, the pre-eclampsia was a shock to them both but as often with him he refused to discuss it. Guilt began to overwhelm her as she finally understood his behaviour lately. "We both know it might happen again but we know what to look for now. I'm on aspirin now to try and prevent it." Removing one hand from his hold she places it into the pocket of her uniform before placing a photo in his hand. "See, nothing to be scared of."

Running his hand over the photo he chocks back the tears that threaten to overtake him. Smiling up at her he tries to answer, struggling for a moment.

"Definitely just the one then?"

Her eyes widen at the joke before swatting his arm. "That's not even funny." Relaxing slightly she smiles back. "Although it did cross my mind. I didn't show until much further on the previous times. Seems my stomach muscles have just given up from the start this time."

"Nonsense, you still can't tell." Finally feeling comfortable enough he twists in the chair, trying to get closer to her before resting his hand on her spreading abdomen. Leaning in he's practically nose to nose with her before the mood is spectacularly broken by Baz bursting into the room.

"Sorry, you're both needed in resus. I'm sure you both have time for that at home." Not waiting for an answer or reaction she's off down the corridor before Duffy can even open her mouth. Breaking out of his hold she sighs as she forces herself back on her feet.

"I'd love to know what the hell her problem is and where she gets off on this." Grumbling she twists as Charlie grabs her hand only to mouth 'Love you' when she finally faces him.