casualtyfics111: I'm glad you liked that! I thought so. Like with selective mutism, you're usually only comfortable with certain people. I will be updating that story soon, I promise!

casualcasualty: Thank you so much. Let's hope so, she needs it.

Scarlett: This chapter is also adorable!

Chapter Thirty-Five

Iain had had an extremely stressful day at work.

He loved the ED and it would always hold a special place in his heart so he hated the fact that he had to drive to and from St Andrews hospital instead for a while. Jez wasn't keen on it either, and was often complaining. The ED entrance was currently in the middle of being repaired so although he was still working, it wasn't open for treating patients in. However, Charlie was adament that it wouldn't take long to fix.

He was glad to get home that evening, and he hoped that Lily was okay. She'd been at home all day and Connie had taken the day off to take care of her and make sure that she was okay after the first. Iain wondered if Connie had just made that excuse though, so that she didn't have to come face to face with the fire damage.

"I'm home, Gem!" He shouted to his sister, but received no answer. "Gemma!"

He set his bag down in his room and stared at his sweaty self in the mirror. Running a hand through his hair in frustration, he quickly checked his mobile for messages.

"St Andrews just isn't the same, Gem," he spoke again. "In my opinion, we should just be given this time off! St Andrews have paramedics, don't they? They don't need extra hands. Still, I'm sure we'll be back at Holby soon."

He still didn't receive an answer, so exited his room and made his way into the living room. The entire room was dark, lit with candles, and the coffee table was laidened with a tablecloth, food and a bottle of wine. Connie was stood there, and a rush of guilt came over him.

"Mrs Beauchamp, it's so nice to see you," he said, forcing a smile. "I didn't mean any of that stuff, about being given time off. I..."

"It's okay, Iain," she laughed, folding her arms across his chest.

"What's all this for anyway?" He asked, eyeing up the food. "I'm flattered and everything, but Lily's my girlfriend. It just wouldn't seem right."

"What on earth are you talking about?" Connie frowned. "I didn't do this Iain, although I did help out a little bit."

"Really?" Iain frowned at her.

The kitchen door opened and Gem and Lily both walked out. Gem was holding a huge plate of cooked meat, and Lily held a vase of flowers. Shocked, Iain smiled at her and gave her back a gentle rub. He felt her tense up slightly, but she didn't move away from his contact.

"Did you do this?" He asked her.

Lily nodded faintly, as Gem went to set the meat down beside the bowls of various vegetables.

"But, why?" Iain asked, confused.

"I wanted to show how much I love you," Lily whispered.

"Why don't we leave them to it, Gem?" Connie asked the teen, as she walked across the room and gave Lily's shoulder a rub. "You're welcome."

Lily nodded and stayed silent, as Connie and Gem left the living room and shut the door behind them. Iain had no idea where they'd gone, whether they'd left the flat altogether or just gone to Gem's room or something.

"You didn't have to do this," Iain said, as she and Lily sat down on the sofa.

"I...I wanted to," Lily stuttered anxiously. "I wanted to do something with just us two, so that I felt comfortable talking to you. I...I can't talk to you if other people are around."

"I understand," Iain said. "But...Why the food? Why the candles? We could just ordered a pizza and watched a film or something?"

"You want to kiss, and cuddle, like a normal relationship," Lily said. "And I get that. I guess I just feel bad that I can't do those things because of how scared I get, so...Mrs Beauchamp helped me come up with some ideas of another way to show that I loved you. This seemed like the perfect plan."

"Thank you," Iain said. "But I don't mind that you can't do that stuff, Lily. The time will come but until then, I just enjoy being with you and talking to you."

"That's sweet," Lily said.

"You'll get there," Iain told her. "You've come so far already."

"Have I?" Lily narrowed her eyebrows at him.

"Well, there was a time where you couldn't even speak to me or Mrs Beauchamp," Iain said. "But now look at you. You're talking to us in full sentences. I know you can't talk to anybody else at the moment, but that time will come and I bet you won't even notice it either."

Lily nodded, feeling slightly awkward by his words. She looked at the food and cleared her throat.

"We better tuck in," she whispered. "It will go cold otherwise."

"Bit of everything?" Iain asked, grabbing a couple of plates.

"Yes please," Lily answered.

Iain handed her a plate and served up. Afterwards, he reached across for the bottle of wine and gestured to it. Lily nodded, picking up her glass and handing it out to him. Iain poured themselves a glass, they made a toast, and got straight to eating.

"I love a good roast dinner," Iain said with a mouthful. "You did a good job here."

"It wasn't just me," Lily whispered. "But thank you. It tastes really nice."

She had a sip of her wine as well and licked her lips, gently placing her glass on the table.

"How was work?" She asked, her eyes fixated on her plate.

"Work?" Iain raised his eyebrows. He wasn't used to hearing Lily talk so much. "Good, thank you."

"It's something I've been learning in my speech sessions," Lily explained. "I need to try and ask questions and take interest in a person's life, instead of ignoring them."

"No, that's good," Iain smiled, having another swig of his drink. "It was alright. It just felt weird, working at St Andrews, like I didn't belong there. Jez felt the same, and Robyn looked quite upset."

"Was Louise there?" Lily asked.

"She called in sick," Iain sighed. "A bit coincidental, don't you think?"

"Don't be mean," Lily said under her breath. "We're friends now. She seemed really sorry."

"I know, I didn't mean that," Iain said. "She's probably just finding things difficult as well."

"I know," Lily said.

They ate the rest of their meal in silence. Lily felt slightly awkward, like she couldn't work out if Iain was just enjoying the food too much to say anything, or if she'd upset him in any way. That wasn't her intention, but she had said that her and Louise were friends, when he was clearly still angry with her.

"Are you finished?" He asked, when both of their plates were empty.

Lily nodded, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin.

"Thanks for that," he said, removing their plates and setting them to one side on the table. "That was lovely."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Lily said. "Have I annoyed you, Iain?"

"No." Iain shook her head. "You could never annoy me. Don't think that, alright? This was a lovely evening, and I love you very much. I always will."

Lily could feel herself blushing a bright shade of red. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and giggled slightly. Iain had another sip of his drink and set it back down on the table, breathing out heavily.

"I'm stuffed," he chuckled, draping a hand across his stomach.

"Could I try something?" Lily asked quietly.

"Of course," Iain said.

Lily straightened out the skirt that she was wearing and edged forwards slightly. Iain shut his eyes briefly, sensing her breath on his neck. Slowly, Lily cupped his face in her hands and pressed her lips against his, kissing him gently. Iain didn't move, knowing that it would just cause a major freak-out from her. He just sat there and waited until Lily pulled away.

"Well?" He asked, opening his eyes. "How do you feel?"

A smile spread across Lily's face and she slowly moved back, the awkward atmosphere soon returning.

"Good," she answered, her smile bigger than ever.

So I am terrified, guys! I don't know if you've seen but people think that Crystal could be leaving this year! She's been having new headshots, sorting out a new showreel, doing audition training. People are saying that it's all confirmed her departure, so I am so scared and upset right now.

What do you all think? Let me know in a comment or drop me a PM x