All characters belong to Tony Grounds

First Day on a Brand New Planet

Molly knew she should be sleeping but she couldn't tear her eyes away from the sleeping bundle in her arms. It's hard to describe the surge of love and protectiveness she felt for the little tiny human she had met only the day before. Charles, ecstatic at meeting his baby daughter, lay slumped asleep in a stiff hospital chair near the window. His quiet snores piercing the silence. He had been a real trooper and stayed by her side the entire time. He hadn't batted an eye lid when, cursing like a sailor, she swore he wasn't going to be touching her again anytime soon. He had simply smiled, nodded and replied "Yes dear!" Oh boy big mistake! The midwife, perfectly used to the swearing of expecting mothers, had actually blushed at Molly's scathing reply.

Molly looked up as the door creaked open and a mini whirlwind streaks into the room before coming to a screeching stop at the foot of the bed. The swing door opens again and a flustered Rebecca pops her head around the door, her eyes sweeping around the room before settling on her excited son. She levels him with such a stern glance that Molly is sure it would turn even her dad into a quivering wreck. Rebecca deposits a polka dot carrier with a bunch of balloons attached into a nearby chair with a role of her eyes.

"Hay there scamp," Molly gives a tired laugh as he bounds up to her bed. Sam takes her arm and turns it towards him. "He couldn't wait any longer. I hope that's alright." Rebecca asked.

"Yeah it's fine." Molly laughs.

They were interrupted by Sam's excited voice.

"Mum, mum look! They didn't rub it off." He squealed.

Both women look down at Molly's arm to see the words "We Love you Molly" written in Charles' familiar loopy scrawl.

"Daddy remembered!" Sam beamed with pride.

"That he did mate, nearly decked him one when he tried to do it during the delivery mind," Molly admitted. Sam burst into giggles only to snap his hand over his mouth with wide eyes as the baby girl stirred in Molly's arms.

"I was half expecting to be met with the rabble," Rebecca joked with a raised eye brow. They smile at each other. Molly was the first to admit she thought Rebecca was a bit of a snob when they first met in a hospital room not dissimilar to the one they were in now. It had been a long road, paved with misunderstandings. Now they were able to spend time being around each other quite happily.

"Ah Two Section were here. Spent most of the night pacin' the corridors bless em. Apparently they got bored an, nicked a couple of wheelchairs from the supply cupboards. Spent the rest of the time racing each other through the corridors outside the maternity ward. Well, until they got caught doin wheelies and givin each other piggy backs by an orderly. Got themselves kicked out according to Charles. They said they'd be by laters."

"Honestly," Rebecca laughed. "Congratulations! She's gorgeous. Have you picked a name?"

Before Molly could reply, she was interrupted yet again by Sam asking "Where's Daddy?"

Molly smirked and nodded her head to the far corner of the room where Charles still lay undisturbed. Rebecca shook her head in disbelief as Sam giggled.

"You'd think all that time in the Army would make him a light sleeper. Fancy your chances?" Molly asked, letting loose a wicked chuckle.

Rebecca grinned and crept over to her ex-husband. Leaning down she reached out and flicked Charles square in the middle of his forehead. Charles woke with such a start that he slid out of the chair into a heap on the floor. "What the fuck Rebecca?" he barked as he tried to right himself, ignoring the laughter from his wife and ex.

"Ohh daddy said a bad word. That's a pound in the swear jar isn't it Molly?" Sam said in awe.

"Too right mate," Molly chuckled whilst attempting to sooth her daughter as her gurgles tuned to piercing wails.

Charles ruffled Sam's hair and moved over to sit beside Molly as he ran a gentle finger across her cheek. "What do you think Sam?" Sam moved closer to stare at his new sister.

"She's all wrinkled and purple, bit like Grandma's prunes," Sam muttered sceptically. Charles chuckled.

"That's only because she's upset. She doesn't know any different. This is a whole new planet to her. She might need you to help her out bit. Make her feel safe. Reassure her it's all ok. That's the most important job of being a big brother you know. Think you can do that?" Sam looked to be thinking it over.

"Will I have to share my toys?" He asked

Molly caught Charles' eye and winked. "Nah mate, not for a while anyways." Sam looked relieved.

The adults chuckled to themselves when Charles's phone beeped. Taking it from his pocket he opened the message and grinned. "Guess what?"

Molly looked confused. "What?" Charles showed Molly a picture before passing the phone to Rebecca. In it Two Section were gathered round a trolley. Baz was led down with a look of horror on his face. Above him stood Mansfield wearing a lap coat and holding a stethoscope wearing an evil grin. The rest of the lads were leaning in wearing surgical masks and pulling weird faces. They looked like something from a horror film.

Molly laughed. "They're on their way. Where the hell do they come up with this stuff?"

Rebecca took Sam's hand and let him to the door. "Right I think that's our cue to leave. We'll come see you when you're settled at home."

"There goes our nice peaceful afternoon" Charles muttered shaking his head.

A/N Thanks for the reviews. It's nice to know so many seem to be enjoying this. I had originally planned to end this story here but the chapter took on a life of its own and was getting long so I've split it up. Two Section will make an appearance in the next one don't worry!