"What can I do for you James?"
Charles pulled the door open - this was a first. He'd never imaged willing inviting Bones into his home.
"Do you need a hand?" He offered awkwardly watching Charles struggle.
"Actually I need a leg but that mechanical piece of shit is the best I'm going get"
Bones laughed "That was humorous for you Charlie boy. Did they give you a personality transplant when they chopped your leg off?"
Charles smirked.
"Sorry that was too far wasn't it"
"A tad" Charles answered dryly.
"What can I do for you? Where's Molly?" Bones asked confused.
"She's gone to see her family. Things have been a little stressful as you can well imagine, I'm not the easiest person to be around right now. I encouraged her to have a break"
Bones nodded his head "You're lucky to have her" he said matter of factly.
"I know. That's why I need your help, I need you to encourage her to stay in the army. You seem to have... a connection. I want you to use it"
"I'm not sure I like where your going with this James. Didn't you tell with your best captains face that Molly was her own person and all that shit?"
"I need her to make her own mind up without this thing swaying her to stay at home. I need her not to resent me, to truly want to be here if that what she chooses. But I know her heart is still in the army"
"I think she proved herself in that jungle Charlie boy. Don't be a dick"
Charles sighed "that's not what I'm trying to do here. I know how she feels about me. I just think it's clouded her judgement for the army and I don't want to be responsible for that"
Bones nodded "I think you're right. I'll see what I can do" he extended his hand to Charles. After all these years, finally there was an understanding between them. And it was over a girl they both loved.
"Do you need anything before I go James?"
"No... thank you. I'm getting about a little easier now"
For the first time in years Bones looked him in the eye "I am truly sorry Charles. I'm sorry this happened to you"
Charles smiled gratefully "Thanks. Not as sorry as I am. But I appreciate it. And thank you. For saving me and Molly. And keeping her out of trouble. I should have said it sooner"
Bones nodded. He got why it had been so hard for him to apology and he didn't need a thank you. But it was nice all the same.
"Take care James. Oh a word of advice.. Put on the fucking leg and sort yourself out"
-OG-
He stared at the arrangement of pills Molly had carefully laid out for him. Although it had never crossed his mind to abuse them, it clearly was on hers as he had absolutely no idea where any of these pills lived once she had dished them out.
Nerve pain pills, blood thinners, more pain killers ... more pills than he'd ever seen before in his life. What this it now? Was life going to be him rattling round an empty house when Molly wasn't home and swallowing pills just to function? She was doing everything for him.
He'd noticed she was looking thinner and more tired and seemed to be on autopilot most of the time. Rarely stopping long enough to actually rest herself.
It was like she was using his needs as a distraction from her feelings and he was unsure what these feelings were. Regret about committing to him now he was like this or regret at no longer being in the army? Was bound to be one or the other. Maybe it was both?
