A/N A few of you have asked about the time frame for the last two chapters. The last one was set after Molly came home from her second tour and went to Bath and two section find out she and Charles they are together. Technically the driving scene could take place any time after that but before a request. This is another chapter set before A Request and after the episode 5. I hope that clears up a few things.
Treading Water
Molly let out a yawn as she exited the auditorium and headed for the guard gate. Her last lecture had overrun and considering it was approaching 10pm, all she wanted was her nice warm bed. She was sure she'd be asleep before the springs hit the floor. As she approached the gate, she flashed her ID, and gave a bright smile to the in duty guard. "Night Matthews," she called cheerfully as she approached. "I'm sorry Dawes but I'm afraid that I'm going to have to detain you. Major Winters wants a word. It sounded urgent." Matthews said apologetically. "What why?" Molly asked confused, wracking her brain to try and work out what she had done. "No idea. You better double away and find out." Molly thanked him and set off for Major Winter's office. As she crossed the parade ground the buildings were quiet, a few officers milling around on late duty.
As Molly approached the door. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her beret, pausing to make sure it was on straight. She took a deep breath and knocked. A stern voice called for her to enter. Molly pushed open the door and walked to his desk, standing to attention, completely oblivious to the other figure stood with their back to her by the window. "Lance Corporal Dawes reporting as ordered Sir." Molly stood back straight, eyes forward. Not a hint of the unease she currently felt. She felt a bit like a duck. Cool and composed on the outside but underneath, her heart was going like the clappers. "At ease Lance Corporal." Molly relaxed. Major Winters eyed Molly for a few seconds. "I'm sorry to keep you after hours Dawes but an issue has arisen that needs addressing immediately. I've asked Captain James to be present as he was the one who brought the matter to my attention."
Molly's heart skipped a beat and she couldn't stop her mouth from dropping open. Her eyes darted to the window as the figure turned and she was met with a pair of familiar warm brown eyes. There Charles stood, as cock sure and confident as ever, falling back into his role as though he had never left. Molly knew better. He was wearing what she had dubbed his "Captain Stern face." They were definitely not Molly and Charles here. Molly looked at the two in confusion. Oh shit he bloody told them she thought. Molly could feel her panic levels rising. Surely they wouldn't demote her for this. Would they?
"Captain James has requested your presence personally to help with an important task. He asked for someone he could trust. He has spoken very highly of your skills and I'm sure you are more than capable of rising to the challenge. I'll let him fill you in on the details. You are dismissed." Molly stood to attention before following Charles out the door. Without a backward glance Charles strode through the corridors without saying a word. Molly was reminded of the time they first met on the tarmac at Brize. This Charles is all business. As they moved across the parade ground Molly had to practically run to keep up. She grew even more confused when Charles took a sudden turn and headed towards the gym. "Charles what's going on?" Molly asked as Charles unlocked the door and gestured for her to enter the quiet building. She ducked under his arm and watched as he locked the door behind them. He led Molly down a corridor and through the door into what looked like a changing room.
"I had a rather interesting chat with Kinders today," Charles started.
"Did ya? Can't imagine how he bores me silly most of the time," She joked before quickly adding sir at the end of her sentence; at the same time sending a silent apology to her friend for her slight against his character. Charles' mouth twitched as he watched her squirm. She clearly had no clue what was going on, her brow creased into a frown as though trying to solve a complex puzzle. He thought she looked adorable. He decided to put her out of her misery. "Relax Molls, your officially off duty." Molly opened her mouth, then closed it. He could see she was desperate to ask the mountain of questions he knew she had about the encounter in Major Winter's office. "So are you back Bossman?"
"No I'm not back. Well not officially anyway." Molly still looked confused.
"I don't get it. If you're not back how come you were with the Big Boss? Does he know about us? Am I in trouble? Will I have to resign my post? I don't have a scoobie what's goin on Boss!" Molly was getting more worked up the longer she spoke. Charles placed a hand under her chin and sued the other to cover her mouth. "Shush woman. I told you I spoke to Kinders. He told me about your little confession during decompression. I figured it was time we fixed it. I asked Major Winters to help set you up. I'm sorry truly. But I knew if I tried you wouldn't agree. Besides he's still smarting from that driving incident." Molly just stared trying to take it all in. The longer she was quiet the more worried Charles became. A quiet Molly Dawse was never a good thing. "Molls? I'm going to teach you to swim."
"You WHAT? Oh I might gunna need to kill Eggie! Molly spun on her heel and made to march off. Charles caught her around the waist and hoisted her over his shoulder as he carried her through the changing rooms and onto the pool side, expertly avoiding her flailing limbs.
"I can't believe you got away with it for this long Dawes." Molly glanced around the poolside uncertainly. She could see an array of equipment lined up neatly at the pool edge.
"Are you sure your qualified Bossman?" Molly joked trying to cover up her nerves. Charles sent Molly a look that clearly said he saw right through her act. "Dawes if I can teach Sam to swim, someone who screamed at the mere sight of water, I can teach you. Besides I was a qualified swim instructor back in the day." Charles replied confidently.
"Is there anything you can't do Bossman?" Molly asked archly.
"Yeah teach you to drive apparently" He joked as Molly shot him a glare. "Don't worry there is plenty of time for you to learn my shortcomings. Now get your kit off. Your swim suit is in the changing room."
"Are you trying to get me naked Boss?" Molly asked with a cheeky wink.
"Crack on Dawes," Charles replied with an eye role as he shoved her gently in the direction of the changing room.
Molly hovered by the shallow end of the pool, staring at the water uncertainly. Charles was already waist deep in the water watching her in amusement. "Come on Dawes, the waters lovely. Time to take the plunge and dip your toes in." He called as he waded closer. "Is that one of your…what do ya call em? Oh yeah euphemisms?" Charles laughed.
"No you Cockney numpty now get in." Molly took a deep breath and sat in the edge, swinging her legs into the water as she shuffled closer to the edge. She gasped as the cold water rose higher and higher. "Now what Yoda?" Molly asked. Charles smiled reassuringly. "Now we let go," sending a pointed look at Molly's death grip on the pool ledge. Molly took a deep breath and lowered herself into the water. "Ok Dawes first things first. I want you to lift your legs up and let them float out behind you. You need to get used to floating. Keep your hands on the side and arms straight." Molly did as he asked, somewhat hesitantly. She felt her stomach muscles stretch out and her legs gently bob up and down in the current. "Ok that's good. Now I want you to kick your feet. Hold onto the side and move your feet as if you're pedalling a bike. Keep your knees bent and kick one leg forward and the other backwards. Nice and gently though. That's it." After a few minutes Molly placed her feet back on the ground. "How was that?" Charles asked.
"Ok I guess.. what now?"
"Now you need to learn to keep your head above water." Molly sent him a panicked look. "Relax I won't let anything happen. I promise. Now keep your legs kicking and move your arms up and down in the water like you did just now." Charles instructed as he gripped her waist. "Now let go and move your arms in a circular motions. Push your hands through the water through the hand and tips of your fingers. Then bring your hands back up thumbs first. It's called treading water." Molly followed his instructions using hesitant movements. Charles offering continual encouragement. "Ok Charles but don't let go ok?" Molly was so focused that she hadn't felt Charles' hands leave her waist. When he didn't answer she looked up and found him stood in front of her hands outstretched. Molly immediately panicked and flailed her hands and feet frantically. Charles shot forward and pulled her into his chest steading her. "Easy Dawes, you were doing just fine. Relax and don't forget to breathe."
"You bastard" you said you wouldn't let go!" Molly yelled and flicked water straight into his face. Charles spluttered and choked. "Hay careful Dawes." Charles picked her up as if she weighed nothing and held her above the water. "Apologise Dawes or I'll drop you." He threated dipping her closer to the water. Molly shrieked and clung to Charles. "Ok ok, I'm sorry I splashed you." She laughed. Charles kept a hold on her waist. "Lean back." Molly shot him a look.
"Why what ya gunna do. Dunk me?" Molly sked sarcastically, raising an eye brow.
"No Dawes. We're going to float. Now lean back." Molly rolled her eyes and did as he asked. "OK now pick your feet up and let them float out in front of you like you did earlier." Charles commanded as he switched his grip on her so he had his hands supporting her back. "Ok now tilt your head back and place your arms out on either side of you. Don't forget to breathe." Molly did as he asked and took a deep breathe. As she let all the air out she felt suddenly weightless. Just shut her eyes and focused on her breathing. In and out. In and out. "Ok Dawes keep breathing and stay relaxed. I'm letting you go. I'm right here though." Molly was so focused inwards she didn't hear him. Charles let her relax for a few minutes before gently taking her arm as he led her to the edge. "Feet down Dawes." Molly opened her eyes and found herself the right way up. She blinked a few times to get her bearings. "So you think you want to continue Dawes?"
Molly looked at him and smiled, "Yeah I reckon so," She replied with a smirk. Charles raised an eye brow as Molly suddenly shot forward and launched herself at Charles trying to dunk him underwater. Caught by surprise Charles' legs gave out and he went under. A few seconds later he surfaced coughing and spluttering. "Oh Dawes, you are so dead." Molly grinned and took off. They fought for a few minutes, both pushing waves of water at each other in an attempt to distract one another. Molly completely oblivious to the fact that she was currently in the middle of the pool treading water as she waited for Charles to make his next move. When she couldn't see him she began to worry. Suddenly Charles sprang out of the water with a shout and grabbed her from behind, pulling her against him. Molly jumped and struggled within the circle of his arms as he dragged them into the shallow end.
"So Dawes, think we'll make a swimmer out of you?" Molly grinned and lent back against him.
"I dunno Boss. Think I might gunna need a few more lessons. Think you're up for it?"
"Well I'm not sure anyone else is up for the job Dawes. You're quite high maintenance you know," Charles joked as he kissed her neck. "yeah besides someone's got to keep you out of trouble." He smirked.
"Uh huh, you sayin I'm trouble Bossman?" Molly joked, with a raised eye brow.
"Oh without a doubt Dawes! Besides I quite like the view from here."
"Oi, you perv. Quit yer smirking," Molly cried, elbowing him in the abdomen.
"Oi, watch the war wounds Dawes!" He replied playfully rubbing his chest. "I think I might gunna need a medic to look me over. You know just to be on the safe side. Know any good ones?" Charles looked at Molly with a raised eye brow.
"Oh I'm sure I can take a look. I might need a shower first though." Laughing Molly shot a smirk over her shoulder as she climbed up the steps and headed, as quickly as the wet tiled floor would allow, for the empty shower block. Charles hot on her heels.