Come on… just… steady.

William gripped tightly to the walking cane in his hands, trying to get his legs to stop shaking. He was glad to finally be out of bed but the one thing he wasn't enjoying was having to rehabilitate himself to what would be deemed "normal activities". Such as walking properly.

He sighed, standing up as straight as he could before attempting to walk again. His legs still kept trembling as he went but he did his best to ignore it. He had his eyes trained on a tree he was trying to reach. Wilson had suggested for any walking exercises to focus on a spot he should try to reach. This tree in particular was the closest to the medical tent so it wasn't too far but not too short of a walk either.

So far he had not reached this tree once. He had always keeled over halfway or not even halfway. His legs just didn't want to work for him.

Not this time. I'm going to do it this time.

He pushed on harder… though as if on cue, soon as he hit the halfway point, his legs decided they wanted to give out entirely, the man falling over on his side. He let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair.

And here we are again. Perfect. Just perfect.

He sat up, setting his cane beside him, rubbing his temples.

My legs just don't want to work for me… Guh… This is way worse than when it was just my lungs. I hate this feeling. Being helpless… makes me feel so… useless. How does everyone put up with me?

There was the sound of footsteps nearby. William looked up, seeing it was Charlie hurrying over, a worried look on her face.

"William? Are you okay?" She asked, kneeling beside him. "I saw you fall."

William sighed, looking to her before looking at the ground.

"For the most part, I'm okay. Legs just don't want to work for me. This is try number five and I still can't reach that tree. My legs just give out as soon as I reach halfway or even before that. I'm just… weak… like I was before if not worse." He brought his face into his hands.

It is worse. Don't deny that.

Charlie frowned, bringing her arms around him, guiding his head to her shoulder.

"Hey, it'll be okay, Will. You're not weak. Your body's been sleeping for over a month. It's natural you wouldn't be right as rain on the first try."

He shook his head, burying his face into her shoulder. This was humiliating. He didn't want her to see him like this.

I'm still surprised she even wants to be with me still.

Charlie stroked his hair a bit before tipping his chin up, having his eyes meet with hers.

"Will, I know this is hard for you. I know you hate being weak because it makes you feel useless and that's always been something you've feared but you're not useless. William, this won't last forever. All sickness doesn't last forever and this is no different. You just need to be patient and less hard on yourself. I honestly believe that you can do it. You can do so much. You just need time." She stroked his cheek with her thumb. "You've gotten this far, I don't see why you can't go further."

William placed his hand over hers, a small smile on his face.

Charlie…

She smiled softly, touching her forehead to his.

"I promise things will get better. You just need to give yourself time and I'm right here to help if you need it. I mean that." She pulled back, kissing his forehead. "I love you."

William smiled a bit, blushing.

"I love you too."

He looked to the tree he was trying to reach, narrowing his eyes a little.

Just once… Once I would like to reach it.

Charlie followed his gaze before looking back to him, giving a smile.

"Come on." She put arm around him, helping him to his feet. "I know you want to reach that tree on your own at some point but no one said you couldn't reach it with some help before then."

William smiled a bit, grabbing his cane so he wasn't leaning on Charlie entirely. It was a slow pace at first but within time, they reached the tree together. Charlie smiled, taking his hand, having him place it against the tree with hers on top of it.

"Here's success number one. With a little help."

William gave her a grin, nodding quickly.

Charlie smiled, kissing his cheek.

"You'll get there, William. Just know I believe in you and so does everyone else."

William smiled and before he could help himself he threw his arms around her, spinning her for a second before he fell over due to his legs not being able to handle the action, Charlie landing right on top of him. He turned bright red.

"I-I am s-s-so SORRY!"

Charlie shook her head, giving him a grin. "It's okay, William." She rolled off of him instead, huddling against his side. "How's this instead? Besides, I think we both need a break."

"Better." He said, resting his head against hers. "And a break sounds nice."

"Then a break we shall have." She nuzzled him a little, sighing happily. "I'm so proud of you, Will."

William smiled, bringing her closer. Charlie curled up bringing her arms around him.

William gazed at her before kissing her head.

"Thank you."

"What'd I do?" She asked, tilting her head a little.

"You helped me feel a little better about myself. I admit I… I've just been hard on myself since I woke up. I want to do my part, make it up to everyone and … and I just can't. Least… not right now. I… I just want to make up for what I did."

"William, you don't have to push yourself to the limit to prove you're different than Maxwell. I know you're different. Everyone knows you are."

"Still…"

Charlie shook her head, kissing him quickly.

"Willam, it's okay. Everyone has forgiven you. You have nothing to prove to them. I know it's strange for you but I promise it is genuine what everyone thinks, including me. All I ask is that you be yourself again. Be that kind and gentle man I fell in love with and know that you are."

William's eyes widened a little before he nodded.

"I will. That much I can promise." He sighed. "I never want to be the way I acted before again."

"And that, I know you can do with ease." She rested her head on his chest, huddling close.

William relaxed a little, keeping her close. He laid an arm around her, stroking her hair.

I've needed this.

Charlie sighed happily, closing her eyes.

"This is nice."

William nodded kissing her head.

"Very nice."

He closed his eyes as well, moving a little bit so they were lying against the tree for some support.

"Is it okay we stay here for abit? I don't want to go anywhere right now." Charlie asked, yawning a bit.

"I'd like nothing better. Besides, the others can keep themselves busy annoying Wilson." William said.

Charlie giggled, nodding.

"Right." She huddled closer to his side. "Warm."

William smiled, taking off his glasses before relaxing entirely, closing his eyes, Charlie doing the same.

It's a start but we'll get there.