A/N Here we are, the final chapter in our little adventure. The muse has begged to be allowed to stay out, pleaded and has even been squee inducingly fluffy in the epilogue to try and sway me, but I know it too well so it's been stuffed back in it's box like a cat in a Tupperware. I suspect it won't stay quiet for long, and has already been prodding me with the odd idea for some additional OG one shots.

Anyhoo. Thank you for your wonderful support and all the reviews (they are popping up on email) follows and marvellous encouragement. You're all top notch.

Here it is. Get ready for the feelies.

Enjoy.

Elf xx

PS Anyone want to buy a slightly used muse? Sigh.

Molly hopped from the bedroom as she struggled to do up the strap on her shoe, and peered out of the window for the hundredth time. The text that he'd landed at Brize Norton had come in exactly one hour and twenty minutes ago. The drive, if everything went ok and the traffic was kind, could be done in one hour and twenty two minutes.

He had two minutes.

She took a deep breath and wished the butterflies in her stomach would stop performing the wall of death.

The calmness in her nut just wouldn't come. There was a car, was that him?

It drove past. No.

The disappointment was painful.

'Get a grip you twat.' She muttered under her breath.

She forced herself to sit on the sofa and opened the well-worn letter. Not matter how many times they had talked over the internet or emailed or messaged or phoned, this was the thing she could come back to when she missed him most. It had been read so often that the folds threatened to tear, she opened it carefully, reverently.

My darling Molly, my beautiful Molly,

It turns out writing one of these things isn't as easy as you might think. If I loved you less, I might be able to articulate it more. As you read this you will be on your way home, but this time, it's our home. You're leaving me, and once again we will be thousands of miles apart, and it doesn't get any bloody easier. I know my heart will be aching already. I can't wait to come back to you.

You are, without any doubt, the love of my life.

It's a crazy life we share, this military one. The army is all I've ever wanted, that is until I met you, now I think if I had to choose, it would be you every time. The very first time we parted, in Afghan, you didn't want to go and god help me, I didn't want you to either, but you needed your R&R and I needed coffee! Of course you know now, that was just an excuse so I knew you think of me while you were gone. I counted every moment until you returned because, much as I tried to fight it, I'd already fallen hopelessly in love with you. When the chopper arrived I could barely contain my excitement. My blisters had been my excuse to spend private time with you, close to you, and, of course, bright as you are, you'd noticed I hadn't visited the temporary medic for the treatment that I actually didn't need. My feet were fine, it was your touch I craved.

When you went back to Afghan alone I was still undecided on my future, and you, my darling, were the only one who did not try to push me, you talked to me and let me decide for myself. I was so grateful for that.

You're beautiful, both inside and out but, what I love about you most is your bravery and your warmth. You're fucking awesome, and people gravitate towards you; they love to be around you. I am so proud of who you are, but even more awestruck that you have chosen me to be the one you share your life with. Thank you.

Here the letter paused with Charles's familiar round hand. The next short script was scribbled hurriedly and in a different ink.

'Sometimes being the officer commanding is utter shit, especially when you have someone in your charge who is the most singularly important person in your world and you can't acknowledge it, I lashed out and I know I hurt you and I am so so sorry. I love you, I will love you for an eternity. And god I hope it's not too late to tell you that.'

C xx

Molly refolded the letter carefully and checked her watch. There was the sound of a key as it clicked in the lock. He was home.

Laden down with kit bag and Bergen Captain James opened the door to their flat and stepped inside. Molly was standing at the far end of the sitting room facing the door. Her hair was loose, the dress was fitted and elegant, perfectly paired with her make-up and high heeled sandals. She looked the very image of the perfect military wife, beautiful, composed, and calm for the return of her man.

Suddenly she squealed with utter delight and raced across the room towards him. There was just time to drop his kit before catching her in his arms as she showered him with a million kisses.

'Missed me?' he laughed, swinging her around.

'Nah,' breathless and giggling, her feet returned to the floor 'din't even notice you weren't here.'

He cocked an eyebrow.

'Although,' she said with a sniff, 'You dun arf pen an' ink.'

'I've just been on a 15 hour flight in an aircraft full of sweaty squaddies, what do you expect?'

She grinned, a huge Cheshire cat grin, her eyes twinkling with devilment.

'What?' he asked.

'Good thing then I've run you a bath then innit?'

'A… bath…?' Charles suppressed his amusement. 'And what am I supposed to do with myself in a bath?' He asked innocently.

'Well, me, mostly.' She giggled. 'I hope?' She held his gaze playfully, a smile tugging at her lips. Wandering to the kitchen she grabbed a bottle of beer from the fridge and popped the top before handing it to him. 'Go, get yourself settled and I'll be there in a minute.'

Charles took a mouthful of the beer and followed her back into the kitchen instead. He found her wrestling with the corkscrew to open a bottle of wine. 'What's wrong with a bleedin' screw top?' She said in frustration as he took it out of her hands. Standing side by side as he opened it they stole furtive glances at each other, flirtatious looks that spoke volumes. 'What?' He said. 'What?' She giggled back.

He handed her back the now open bottle.

'Thank you. Now go on… go…' She shooed him out of the kitchen.

Tealights flickered around the bathroom as Charles settled back into the warm pink coloured water, he had to admit, after the long flight it did feel pretty damned good on his aching muscles. The door opened and Molly appeared, she passed an appreciative eye over what she saw.

Putting down her wine glass, and making sure he was paying attention, she slowly began to undo the zip on her dress. The straps slipped over her shoulders as it dropped to the floor. The underwear was new and judging by the way he was staring at her, having exactly the effect she was hoping for. She bent to pick up the dress, giving him a perfect view of her bottom, she noticed he swallowed visibly as she glanced back over her shoulder.

Putting her foot up on the edge of the back she began to undo the strap on her sandal agonisingly slowly. Charles reached out to touch her, and she slapped his hand playfully. 'Oi patience.' She scolded. He pouted in response as, now barefoot, she moved away to pick up her hair tie. As she painstakingly wound her long dark locks into a messy bun on top of her head, she stretched, allowing him to perfect opportunity to admire her firm body.

'You're a fucking tease.' He growled lustfully. 'Get in here.'

Molly grinned her hundred-watt smile as she hurriedly removed the rest of her underwear and dipped a toe into the water.

'Ere, you do know a proper gent would have taken the tap end?' She said.

Charles crooked a finger, beckoning her to sit in front of him.

'Is that a submarine or are you just pleased to see me?' She giggled as she nuzzled her back against his chest and wrapped his arms around her.

'A navel reference Dawes? You know what they say, all the nice girls love a sailor.' He squeezed her tight.

Molly turned her head for a kiss. 'Bloody good thing I'm not a nice girl then innit?'

Their fingers deftly reacquainted themselves with each other's bodies as they chatted and kissed for what felt like an age until Molly shivered.

'You cold?' Charles asked, wrapping his arms around her once more.

She nodded. 'This water's taters now.' She said stepping out of the bath and wrapped a towel around herself.

'What does that mean?'

'Bleedin' freezing. Don't you speak English?' She said, releasing her mane of hair.

'I sometimes wonder if you do.' Charles said drying himself and tying the towel around his waist. 'However, I can think of one or two things that will warm you up.' He said. She squeaked in surprise as he suddenly picked her up in his arms bridal style and carried her to the bedroom.

'Oh for fuck's sake.' He said as he was confronted with the enormous mountain of pillows and cushions piled up on the bed.

Molly threw her head back in laughter at his reaction so he dropped her unceremoniously in the middle of it all. She picked up a cushion and threw it at him, then another, then another, and another until he was fending off the barrage.

'Ok, ok, hold your fire, hold your fire, I surrender. I bloody surrender.' He laughed.

She lay back on the bed laughing breathlessly as Charles watched her. Slowly, he settled down next to her, brushing the hair out of her eyes and trailing a finger along her neck and down her arm until his fingers entwined with hers. She picked up the sudden serious mood.

'Penny for them?' She asked.

'I was just thinking it was almost worth going on tour to come back to you like this.' He said thoughtfully. 'Almost.'

'Well isn't it about time you showed me how much you really missed me?' She said cheekily.

He grinned and claimed her lips with his as he prepared to do just that.

'Have I mentioned that I love you Molly Dawes.' He said.

'Not nearly often enough.' She said smiling.

'I love you.'

She stroked his cheek. 'Ditto.'