First of all: Thank you all so much for your reviews for the last chapter. I was quite blown away by your support so far, but since I really disliked the last chapter those reviews sort of meant even more, so thank you!

And now what you've all surely been waiting for: Chelsie…

Warning: Smut (sorry if it sounds a bit clumsy now and then)

Elsie was almost desperate to hold Charles' hand when they made their way from the old graveyard to the Abbey. A small part of her prayed that the book in question wouldn't be at the Abbey or anywhere in fact. The selfish part of love was gripping her. The part that made her a little possessive. Life without him seemed like a terrible nightmare. And then there was this part of her that only wanted him to be happy – whatever the cost.

"How did you know where I was?", Charles asked suddenly.

Elsie turned her head to look up at him. "I didn't know", she told him. "But Phyllis texted me to make sure you're ok and I guessed."

Charles gave her a sad half smile. "Do you really know me so well already?"

"I seem to do", she replied, sounding a little proud. "Do you really think the book is still at the Abbey?", she asked then, clearly doubting it.

"There's a little chance that it's still there. The cottage Beryl retired to was demolished decades ago so if there's something left of her it's at the Abbey", Charles explained.

"Do you think they'll let us in? After all, we're intending to search the entire building", Elsie pointed out.

"They will", Charles assured her. "They know me and my connection to Simon."

"If they don't we can always call Becky", Elsie suggested.

"And play police?", Charles asked. "That could proof fun, but I'll doubt it will come to this."

"Who knows", Elsie laughed.

…

The caretaker of the Abbey was eyeing them suspiciously on their arrival. The Abbey was closed for a few days to allow the staff a break after Christmas and visitors weren't expected. "Hello, Mr. McCree*. We are sorry to disturb you, but there is a rather urgent matter leading us here."

McCree stared at them grumpily. "And?"

"Well, you see, there is a certain book we need and we believe it to be at the Abbey", Charles explained.

"I can't let you in and search the house", McCree announced, raising his eyebrows.

"You know me, Mr. McCree. I was working together with Mr. Bricker. I wouldn't dare make trouble. Neither of us would. We just need that book for a research. It won't even leave the Abbey", Charles argued.

McCree grumbled something incomprehensibly. "Come in then", he said.

"Thank you very much, Mr. McCree", Charles said politely, leading Elsie inside and through the hall.

…

Half an hour later they found themselves in the chaos of the attics. For decades things had been stuffed away here and never been looked at again. Elsie really didn't know how one was supposed to find anything in this place. Charles seemed rather motivated, fumbling with the doors of one of the overfull wardrobes. She was going through a cupboard of dusty books, busy trying not to sneeze period. Eventually, she let out an exasperated sigh. Charles stopped mid-movement, eyeing her questioningly. "What is it?"

"Chaos. I loathe chaos", Elsie explained.

"Believe me, I disapprove of chaos as well, but I haven't been in charge of the household for a hundred years", Charles pointed out.

"Do you believe there is some kind of system?", she wondered, putting her hands on her hips.

"Eh, I don't think so", he admitted, scratching his chin.

"Even when you don't care where you put your stuff, wouldn't you always throw books to books?"

"I wouldn't ever throw books, but you might be right."

Elsie rolled her eyes at him. "Well then, let's search all places filled with books first."

Charles nodded in agreement. They started working themselves through piles of books. Elsie noticed that now and then he stared at a book a little longer, annoying Elsie with it. She viewed it as a waste of time, precious time she should be using to correct her seniors' essays. Losing patience she turned to Charles catching him reading. "You!", she shouted, grabbing a book and throwing it at him. It hit him right on the forehead, making him yelp in pain and surprise. "Why did you do that?", he asked, his grey-gold-hazel eyes looking at her accusingly.

"We are looking for a book and you start reading? Hello, I've got other things to do!", she said, gesticulating wildly with her hands.

"Sorry", Charles replied sheepishly.

Elsie sighed, being sorry for hurting him. "Is it very bad?"

"I know where Tom got his bowler skills from", Charles chuckled.

She worried her bottom lip. "Sorry."

"I'd say we're quit", he offered, smiling at her. Then he bent down to pick up the book. "Oh my god!", he exclaimed, opening it and skimming the pages, letting out a triumphant "Ha!". He held the book up, waving with it in front of Elsie's face. "That's it!"

And Elsie didn't know whether she should be relieved or disappointed that they had found it.

…

Charles tiny kitchen had turned into some sort of witch-house-meets-laboratory-set. Elsie had photographed the recipe for the needed potion and on their way back they had dropped by the petrol station to get the missing ingredients, being lucky that they had a variety of groceries. Otherwise they would have been forced to wait with their experiment until the next day, since it was Sunday and almost all shops were closed. A few things needed to be cooked, but eventually they were able to fill a glass with some sort of liquid that looked like a drink.

"So now you drink it and go back?", Elsie asked skeptically.

"That's how it's supposed to work", Charles confirmed.

"How fast will it take hold?"

Charles stared down at the odd looking liquid. It was some sort of red. "Last time it took a day, but I had only a small amount of it then."

Elsie choked back tears. "That's that then?", she asked, her voice cracking with emotion.

Charles gave her a sad look. "I feel I should say goodbye to Tom, but…"

"He wouldn't understand", Elsie interrupted. "He'll be a mess as it is."

"Tell him…" He swallowed hard. "Tell him that I love him and believe he'll be a great cricketer, will you? And that I'm sorry to have left."

"And what else should I tell him? You'll hardly write letters or visit once a year…"

"I don't know, Elsie. Maybe just tell him the truth", Charles suggested. "Not now, but later?"

"To him this will be like losing a father all over again", Elsie said quietly.

Charles sighed. "Please, don't make this harder than it already is. I'm leaving behind a group of people I'm very fond of."

"But you're old life is your priority", Elsie concluded.

"Elsie, it's where I belong. It's my home", he defended himself.

She held back a sob and forced a smile onto her lips. "I'm sorry, of course it is."

He nodded gratefully. "I'll miss you too, you know. You mean a great deal to me."

"Thank you", she said quietly, sniffing when a tear escaped her eye.

Charles stepped towards her and gently hugged her to him. "Thank you, for everything." He kissed her temple. "I wish you every happiness."

"Ditto", she replied, getting another half-smile from him. He took the glass. "Cheers!"

"Wait!", she told him. "Wait until I've left the room, ok?"

He felt tears dwelling in his eyes and nodded. His heart was aching terribly when she turned away and walked towards the door.

Elsie felt so bad that she was in physical pain. It hadn't been that real to her that she would never see him again if he left. She'd never hear the soft rumble of his voice again. Never look into these soft whisky gold eyes again. There would be no more walks through town or seeing him and Tommy share a cricket moment between them. And his smell. The smell of peppermint and wine, books, his aftershave and that part of his scent she couldn't identify, because it was just him.

Charles was surprised to see her turn back to him. With three long strides she was standing right in front of him, as close as possible. He couldn't quite interpret the look in her eyes, but it reminded him of the way Phyllis had looked at him. Only this was more intense. And he felt different. Elsie put her hands on her cheeks, her thumbs stroking the light stubble there. "I love you, Charles Carson. So very much", she breathed, standing on her tiptoes and brushing her lips against his. It was the gentlest touch he had ever experienced and his eyes fluttered shut.

His beard tickled lightly, but the feel of his warm, soft lips on hers was worth everything. Elsie couldn't bring herself to look at him when she broke the kiss. She turned on her heels and stormed out of the room, never wanting to lose that tingling sensation the kiss had left on her lips.

The door closed with a bang and Charles was alone. He was still holding the glass in his hand, his mind focused on his lips where Elsie had kissed him. Suddenly, everything was clear to him. And the liquid was poured down the drain. Charles almost ran the few feet towards the door and tore it open, relieved to see Elsie sitting on the floor to his right. She was hugging herself, sobbing violently, blinking through tears when she looked up at him. He gently grabbed her by the arms and pulled her to her feet, steadying her by putting one arm around her middle, aware that her legs were shaking. "Listen to me", he pleaded. "I'm a fool. Such a bloody, blind fool. I love you. I love you!" He bent down, peppering her face with tender kisses. "You idiot!", Elsie whispered.

He laughed and nodded. "I am an idiot. Forgive me!"

She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, burying her face in his neck, kissing his bare skin. "Don't leave me", she whispered.

"I won't. I belong with you", he said sincerely. He couldn't explain what made him so sure. But it had never been before so clear to him what he felt. There were no words to explain his feelings. He just knew that this was right. "Kiss me again…", he asked, his voice a deep rumble. "Please", he added softly.

Elsie smiled into his neck, her warm breath soothing Charles. She moved back just enough to grant him his wish. This time he kissed her back, gently at first to keep things slow, but when she opened her mouth and teased his bottom lip with her tongue, all thoughts of keeping control were forgotten. He moaned quietly, opening his mouth and allowing her tongue to invade it. His hands started roaming over her body while her fingers were digging into his shoulders. Without noticing it he pinned her against the wall. It felt wonderful to her to be trapped between him and the wall. The position allowed her to be close to him, very close. He broke the kiss reluctantly in need of air. Charles leaned his forehead against hers, taking deep breaths. Elsie moved her hands up his neck to the back of his head, playing with his dark curls. "Do you think we should… move to the bedroom?", she whispered, feeling nervous.

He smiled. "If you want to", he offered gently.

She nodded. "I love you. I can't say how much."

"Your actions speak for themselves", Charles assured her. "And I hope mine will do too in time, because I've never felt like this before about anyone."

Elsie kissed his nose tenderly and took his hand. He squeezed it and led her into his bedroom, closing the door behind him. He sensed her nervousness and hugged her from behind, allowing her to lean back and resting her head against his shoulder. "I'm nervous too", he whispered.

"Shall we take things slowly?"

"Your wish is my command", he said with a smile.

"I'd be more comfortable if we took off our clothes ourselves", she admitted.

"How much shall I take off?", he asked with a grin.

She looked at him adoringly, shaking her head. "All except underwear?", she suggested.

He laughed. "You too then", he demanded, feeling very lightheaded when she nodded.

Their eyes never left the other while they stripped their clothes off. Charles tried not to stare at the skin she exposed, afraid to make her even more nervous. He guessed that she hadn't been with a man since Joe's death, so this was new for her again. His heart was beating faster when he faced her in his boxers with her body only covered by a bra and her panties. They were taking in the sight of the other until Charles couldn't bare it any longer and opened his arms to her. "Come here."

She gladly stepped into his embrace, his warm skin soft against hers. Her hand caressed his chest that was covered with light grey hair. She could feel his heart beating strongly underneath her palm, a soothing sensation. His hands were running up and down her back, disturbed by the bra catch. Slowly he moved to open it, offering her a chance to stop him, but she didn't. He slipped her bra off and threw it away, closing his eyes when her breasts pressed against his chest.

"Who would have thought that?", she mumbled against his skin. "I would have never thought we'd be standing here like this today."

He smiled, kissing her hair. "Me neither, but I'm happy."

She looked up at him. "I'm happy too."

Charles couldn't hold back any longer. He kissed her passionately, putting everything he felt and couldn't say into this kiss. One hand wandered into her hair, the other to cup her breast, his thumb caressing it. He pushed her backwards, until they bumped into the bed. She sat down, pulling him down with her when she lay down, making him lie on top of her. His hands were sinking into the mattress on either side of her, making sure he didn't crush her beneath him. Suddenly she broke the kiss and turned her head to the side, shaken by a sneeze. Charles chuckled, kissing the tip of her nose. "Sorry", she whispered. "I think that was your beard."

"I can shave it off", he said, already making a first move out of bed, but Elsie held him in place, kissing him deeply. "You don't have to", she told him, moving from his lips to his jaw and sneezed again.

"That's it, I'll shave it off", he announced, getting out of bed and rushing into the bathroom. Never in his life had he shaved so quickly, freeing his face of the goatee. Only minutes later he walked back into the bedroom, grinning at the sight of Elsie who was now completely naked and smiling seductively at him. He took off his boxers and climbed into bed next to her. Her hand was at his chin immediately. "You cut yourself", she said worriedly.

"It's fine", he assured her.

"If you're sure", she offered gently, letting her hand wander down his body, excited by the deep growl of pleasure she drew from him when her fingers ghosted along his most sensitive part. Her nervousness had faded completely when she had seen the look of utter adoration on his face as he had stepped back into the bedroom. "Make love to me", she breathed. Charles didn't need to be asked that twice. When their bodies joined, Charles got a very different idea of what coming home felt like. Of what being loved and loving was like. Of what being happy and safe was like.

The room was filled with the sounds of their moans and heavy breathing. The bed creaked underneath them, making their rhythm echo from the walls around them. Elsie had put her legs around his waist to draw him as close as possible and was now watching his face, her eyes having difficulty to focus on his features, because the waves of pleasure running through her body with each time he moved deep inside her were incredibly distracting. Yet she managed to catch the sight of his brow furrow in concentration while his eyes were closed and his lips slightly parted, sounds of pleasure rolling through his body. Moving her hand to smooth the lines on his forehead, she made him smile and seemed to give him reassurance that he was doing nothing wrong. With her hand running from his forehead over the side of his face into his hair, she finally allowed her eyes to flutter shut and let herself be drowned in the love he was offering. She could feel his hands clench the bed sheets on either side of her head shortly before he buried his face in her neck, trying to hold back. More of his weight was now resting on top of her with his arms trembling and she turned her head to kiss his earlobe and whisper in his ear. "I love you, Charlie."

Never before had he felt so loved being called by his nickname. He could feel her clench around him, her nails digging into his skin. Both was his undoing. He tried not to collapse onto her and moved to the side, lying down onto his back. For a minute or two neither moved nor spoke, busy trying to catch their breaths. Elsie was the first to calm down, cuddling into his side, resting her head on his chest and placing one hand onto his stomach. Charles grabbed the blanket and covered them with it, putting his arms around her. The afternoon sun was shining through his window, making her hair glow. "How long have you been in love with me?", he asked gently.

She placed a kiss onto his chest. "It was a slow process. I first was aware of it when you got together with Phyllis. And when we were on the beach, the moment before we got knocked over by the wave: That was when I knew I loved you."

"And you didn't tell me, because I was with Phyllis?"

She nodded. "I didn't want to make you uncomfortable or ruin things between you."

"That must have been very painful for you", he said quietly.

"It was ok, until you decided to leave. I could bear just being your friend, but life without you?"

"I'm sorry, my love", he told her.

"You managed to save me just before my heart broke", she joked, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"I wish I had known sooner how much I need you. I thought I knew what love felt like, but I was so very wrong. I don't even know how I managed not to realise that I love you", he told her.

"But you did just in time and that's all what counts", she assured him.

"You said earlier that losing me would be like losing another father for Tom… Did he tell you that he hoped I'd be his new dad?", Charles asked.

"No, but I guessed. It's quite obvious how much he loves you. And you are a wonderful dad, do you know that?", Elsie said lovingly.

"Thank you, Elsie."

She yawned. "Are you as sleepy as I am?"

He chuckled. "I am."

"Afternoon nap then?"

"Sounds good", he told her, placing a kiss into her hair. "And please only call me Charlie when we are alone", he whispered amused.

She smiled. "Alone like alone or alone like making love?"

"Just alone. I like you calling me that", he admitted.

"You do?", she asked surprised.

"I do", he confirmed. "Sleep well."

"Let me just set an alarm for six on my phone. We ought to get back to my place for dinner. Can't have our future cricket star starve", she said, fumbling with her phone for second before she cuddle back into his side and closed her eyes. Charles felt her relax after a few minutes. With a content smile on his lips he nodded off.

*McCree was the butler at Duneagle

Next: Charles, Elsie and Tommy are officially a family, but is Charles really free of his past?