chuffyfan87

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 25d (NSFW)

"Dad?" Peter whispered nervously.

“She’s ok.” Charlie reassured.

Peter wasn't convinced but he realised he was starting to draw the attention of his sisters who were laid on the carpet watching TV.

Emily felt sick again. She rubbed her stomach.

"Hey girls do you fancy learning a new trick to teach the kittens?" Holly asked, smiling broadly.

“Yeah!” The twins replied.

"Em?" Holly prompted gently.

Em shook her head. “Stay with mum.” She said gently.

"OK." Holly sighed. "Come on you two, let's go find the kittens!"

Emily slowly got up from the floor and crept towards her parents. “Mum’s not well.”

Peter opened his mouth to reassure his sister but he just couldn't bring himself to lie to her.

“You don’t have to lie to me Peter.” Emily said quietly, “I’ve known for a while...”

Peter sighed and looked over at their dad.

Charlie sighed. He closed the door to the living room and sat down on the sofa next to Duffy. “I made you a promise, Em. I won’t break it darling. I’ll get your mum well.”

"This can't go on." Emily sighed, sitting down next to her mother and resting her head against her side.

“No it can’t.” Charlie smiled sadly.

"Should she still be in hospital?" Emily asked.

“Yeah she should.”

"Why did you let her leave?" Emily asked sharply.

“Because I don’t have control of her mind, Em.”

"But if she's hurting herself..!" The distress was clear on the teenager's face.

“My hands are tied sweetheart.”

"I hate this!" Emily cried, burying her head in her mother's side, causing Duffy to groan in her sleep.

“I know sweetheart.” Charlie ran his hand through Emily’s hair.

"Would an intervention work?" Beth suggested from where she still sat on the floor. "I mean, you're all here today..."

“An intervention? What kind?”

"Well it's clear that it's having an impact on all of you, maybe you need to make her more aware of that?"

Charlie hesitated, “I don’t know.”

"Maybe it'll be the jolt she needs?" Beth shrugged. "But you know her better than I do..."

“It’s worth a go.”

"She won't like it..." Peter sighed.

“I’m running out of options son.” Charlie admitted

"I know." Peter sighed, defeated.

“I’m sorry.”

"Its no one's fault. At least no one here..." Peter added bitterly.

“I don’t think he’s fully to blame, Peter.”

Peter crossed his arms and made a rude noise in response.

“I think your mum had these problems before she met Andrew. I just think he made it worse.”

"He more than made it worse..!" Peter replied sharply, his voice rising.

Duffy began to stir, the raised voices were beginning to wake her.

“It’s more complicated...” Charlie tried to explain.

In her semiconsciousness Duffy attempted to move - momentarily forgetting her injury - and let out a pained cry.

“Mum, you’ve broken your ankle, remember?” Em replied when she heard her cry.

Duffy's eyes fluttered open.

Beth, Charlie, Peter and Emily were watching her.

Duffy looked round at each in term. "Is something wrong?" She asked softly.

Em nodded. “We’re worried about you.”

"Why?" Duffy asked, attempting to smile reassuringly at her eldest daughter.

“Because you're ill.” Emily replied back.

"I'm going to be fine. You don't need to worry."

“But you’re not ok.” Emily said quietly.

Looking back at the others Duffy suddenly realised what was going on. "Oh I see, I can't move so you've all decided to ambush me?!"

Charlie sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, “We’re all worried.”

"What have you told them?!" Duffy demanded of Charlie.

“As little as possible.” Charlie answered.

"We're not stupid mum!" Peter burst out.

Duffy sighed, her gaze focused on her hands in her lap.

“We really need you to get better mum!” Emily chewed her bottom lip.

A single tear slid down Duffy's cheek.

Charlie wiped the tear from her cheek.

"I'm sorry." Duffy whispered.

“Ssh, don’t apologise.” Charlie smiled sadly and kissed her cheek. “You have nothing to be sorry for, ok?”

"I've let you all down."

“No you haven’t.” Peter replied. “You're ill.”

"I can see it in your faces." Duffy retorted.

“You haven’t let me down, mama. You haven’t let any of us down. We’ve just been so worried about you.” Emily rested her head in her mum’s lap.

Duffy gently stroked her fingers through Emily's hair.

Emily closed her eyes for a minute as she felt her mum's fingers through her hair. “Why did you break your ankle? Is it because your bones are weak because of your illness?”

"Its possible. I need to have tests done."

“What kind of tests?” Peter asked.

"A dexa scan."

“What’s that?”

"It looks at bone density."

“Ok.”

Emily looked from one parent to the other. "Is there a treatment?"

“Yes.” Charlie reassured.

"You have to do it then!" Emily stated firmly.

There was a silence. Duffy's fingers were twitching again.

Charlie took one of her hands into his. “I know it’s scary but we’re all here to support you.”

Duffy's hand shook slightly in his.

“We’re a team remember?”

Duffy nodded softly.

“And it looks like we’ve raised little children that want to help too.” Charlie kissed her cheek again.

"Little?!" Emily harumphed.

“Yeah.” Charlie laughed.

Emily scowled before smiling softly and snuggling into her mum again.

“I’m hardly little dad.” Peter replied.

Duffy laughed softly, holding out her free hand towards her eldest son.

Peter took his mum’s hand and stepped towards her.

Beth smiled, “I'll give you some space as a family...” She got up and wandered into the kitchen to find Holly.

"Beth! Look at this!" Tilly giggled with delight as she held the cat toy above Shadow's head and the kitten jumped a flip.

“Oh wow! Did you teach her that?” Beth asked.

"Yeh Holly helped me." Tilly grinned.

'Everything OK?' Holly mouthed to Beth.

Beth nodded. 'Will be.' She mouthed back.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 25c (NSFW)

"Yeh. I've got a track upstairs. It makes the car jump and spin!" Paul explained excitedly.

Peter held his hand out to his brother, “Show me?”

"OK." Paul took hold of Peter's hand and led his brother up to the room he shared with Oliver. He moved the ramp slightly. "If I put it here then the cars hit Oli's head when he's asleep!" The youngster explained with a huge grin on his face.

“Paul, that’s not nice.” Peter shook his head fondly.

"Its funny though!" Paul laughed.

“Maybe so.” Peter smiled.

Paul set up the cars on the track to show Peter. "What did you get for Christmas?" He asked.

“I got some money and some new clothes.” Peter smiled, sitting on the floor.

"Cool." Paul laughed as the car hit Oli's bed.

“Paul, you should be nicer to your brother.” Peter laughed.

"You call Jake 'doofus'." Paul pointed out with a mischievous shrug.

“Ok, you’ve got a point.” Peter rolled his eyes playfully.

Paul continued to play for several minutes before he spoke again. "Is mum gunna be OK?" He asked quietly, not looking up from his toy.

“Yeah. What makes you think she won’t be?” Peter asked gently, trying to work out what was going on in Paul’s head.

"She keeps getting hurt."

“I know.” Peter kissed his little brother's head. “Are you scared?”

"She was fine when she went out yesterday and then she came back hurt. Can't she just stay here? Then she won't get hurt."

“Sometimes mum and dad’s job is scary.” Peter kissed his head again, “And they get hurt.”

"Why do they still do it?"

“Because they like to care for other people.”

"Like Holly cares for animals?"

“Yes.”

"I like Holly." Paul smiled.

“That’s good. I’m glad.”

"She's not icky like the girls at school."

“You’re too young to be looking at girls.”

"I don't look at them, they smell!" Paul replied, pulling a face.

Peter laughed.

"Are you and Holly gunna get married? All the girls at school like to play weddings but I run away when they try and make me play!"

“I’d like to get married one day.”

"I don't."

“When you’re a bit older, you’ll change your mind.”

Peter played with Paul and his car for ages.

Eventually Holly came upstairs to see where they'd gone. "You boys having fun?" She smiled.

Peter blushed as he looked up, “Yes we are.”

"The girls put a film on. Your mum was asleep within ten minutes and your dad was barely keeping his eyes open when I left to come up here."

“I don’t think they’ve slept much from their shift last night.” Peter replied.

"Yeh I imagine it was pretty busy there last night."

“Paul? Do you want to go and watch the film with your sisters and brothers?”

"Yeh!" Paul beemed, jumping up and running out the room.

Peter remained sat on the floor and held his hand out to Holly.

She took his hand and sat down next to him.

“Can you believe it’s been a whole year?”

"I know, it's gone so fast!" She grinned.

He kissed her gently, “Maybe this year we can start some new chapters together?” He placed his hand on her stomach and met her gaze.

"I'd like to get married first." She smiled, placing her hand over his.

“I know. And we will.” He smiled.

"I can't wait."

“Neither can I.”

"I want my mum to be at my wedding." She whispered.

“Your real mum?”

"Yeh."

“Then let’s start looking for her?”

"I filled out the request form for my file but I've been too scared to post it."

“Let’s do it together?”

"Its been in my bag since before Christmas." She admitted.

“Tonight on the way home, let’s post it?”

"O-ok." She smiled nervously.

There was a silence between them, Peter’s thumb stroking over the back of Holly’s hand.

"Do you think we'll find her?"

“It’s worth a look.”

"I want to be able to tell our children about where I came from."

“You never know, your mum could be looking for you too.”

"I hope so." She smiled.

He smiled and kissed her again.

"Can I ask you something?" She asked hesitantly.

“You can ask me anything, babe.”

"Did it make you feel different? When you found out about your dad."

He nodded. “Yeah it did.”

"In what way?"

“I don’t know, I can’t explain it. I was a bit pissed off at first..” He admitted.

"Coz they hadn't told you sooner?"

He nodded, “I mean, it was pretty obvious who my dad was...”

"You do look a lot like him." She agreed.

“Mum and dad were just... Caught up in the idea they were just friends.”

"I can't imagine those two ever being 'just friends'." She chuckled.

He laughed, “I don’t think it was ever a stage for them.”

"So they hooked up and then pretended it never happened even though your mum got pregnant? How they manage to keep that a secret for so long?"

“Ask my parents. They’ll tell you.”

"I'm not sure I wanna have that kinda chat with your mum and dad..!" She giggled.

He giggled. “Nah, neither do I really.”

"That's one of the few upsides of my parents total lack of emotional interaction with each other - no awkward conversations!"

“Awkward conversations aren’t the worst, trust me.”

"What's worse?"

“Hearing them engaging in physical activity.” He laughed.

"Oh..!" Her eyes widened.

“Yeah, they’re not exactly quiet.” He chuckled.

"That's not a mental image I needed..!" She giggled.

“Sorry babe.”

"I imagine they'll be a bit more restrained for a while..."

“You’d like to think, wouldn’t you?”

"You don't sound convinced..." She chuckled.

“I don’t think anything would stop them.”

"But your mum can't walk unaided right now..."

“If mum wants something, she’ll usually get it.” He shuddered, “Can we change the subject? I think my lunch might make a reappearance.”

“What are you two laughing at?” Charlie asked from the doorway as he was passing. He’d come upstairs to grab a blanket for Duffy as she seemed colder than usual.

"Nothing!" Holly giggled. "I thought you were asleep."

“I was but I was cold, so I’ve come to grab a blanket. Are you both okay?”

"Yeh, we're OK. I'm amazed Lisa can sleep, her ankle must be agony!"

“You’d be surprised.”

"She's not having much luck with broken bones lately." Holly remarked.

“I know.” Charlie sighed.

"Dad..?" Peter questioned, picking up on the tone in his father's voice.

“She’ll be ok.”

"What's going on?" Peter pressed. "It wasn't just an accident was it?"

“Of course it was an accident.” Charlie paused, “I think your mum’s got brittle bones. It makes them easier to break.”

"I'm not surprised. She's lost weight since the last time we saw her. That was only a week ago dad!"

“I’m really trying, son.”

"I'm not blaming you." Peter sighed.

“I know.” Charlie sat on the edge of Paul’s bed and paused. “You know your mum’s problem, don’t you?”

"I know she's not getting any better. If anything, she's getting worse. She's a nurse, surely she knows the damage she's doing to herself." Peter sighed.

“It’s an addiction.” Charlie paused, “Like Louis’.”

Peter nodded.

“If only it was easy to ask for help.”

"What are her options?" Peter asked, he really wanted to help as best he could. It was obvious that it was tearing his parents apart.

“There’s three. One of which hasn’t worked so far.”

"The therapy sessions she's being going to?"

“Yeah. Anyway, come on, let’s go downstairs..?”

"OK." Peter agreed, though he wanted to press his father further he knew now was not the time.

Charlie smiled sadly as all three of them went downstairs, Charlie with the blanket in his hand. He was concerned to see that Duffy looked even paler than when he had left her to go upstairs and was still sleeping heavily despite the surrounding noise from the children.

Charlie took her wrist and discreetly tried to take her pulse, observing her respiration rate.

Peter moved to stand beside his dad, giving him a nervous look.

Charlie counted.

Peter became increasingly agitated though tried to hide it from his younger siblings.

Charlie counted twice before sighing and putting her arm back under the blanket.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 25b (NSFW)

He continued his movements for a few minutes before he climaxed himself.

Several moments passed and she didn't reopen her eyes, her breathing laboured.

“Duffy!” He shook her. “Wake up!”

"Huh?!" Her eyes fluttered open.

“Are you alright?” He stroked his fingertips against her cheek.

"Sleepy." She mumbled, her eyes starting to close again.

“Look at me?” He took her wrist and checked her pulse.

She forced her eyes open again.

“Do you feel ok?”

"Just let me sleep." She grumbled.

“Not until you tell me you’re ok?”

"I'm fine, just tired."

“Love you.”

"Love you too."

He watched her as she slept, dozing himself for an hour or so.

He was awoken from his nap from the sounds of laughing and excited shouting from downstairs.

“Babe,” He whispered, trying to wake Duffy up.

She groaned softly, she was a little difficult to rouse.

“I think the family want us downstairs.” He whispered.

"Huh?!" She mumbled.

“It’s New Years Day. We’ve got a lunch to make, remember?”

"Oh... OK..." She started to push herself up but stopped halfway.

“What’s wrong?”

"I'm ok, just sat up too quickly."

“You’re lightheaded?”

"I'll be OK."

“Hopefully the urgent referral to the cardiologist won’t take long.”

"Please don't fuss."

“I can’t help it.”

They got dressed and went downstairs, attempting to have the New Years Day they’d planned.

As he'd expected from their phone call Peter and Jake looked rather the worse for wear. Holly and Krystal looked slightly better but still clearly hungover.

"Fucking hell!" Jake gasped as he looked up and saw his mum hobbling into the lounge on crutches.

"I'm fine." Duffy insisted with a sigh.

Emily suddenly felt really sick and began to discreetly rub her stomach, escaping into the hallway.

“Rowdy night in A&E, I take it?” Jake asked.

"Yeh. Lunch might take a little longer than anticipated." Duffy sighed.

Emily watched her mum intensely. Why did she have such a bad feeling about all this?

"Dare we ask what state the other guy is in?" Krystal laughed after Duffy had headed through to the kitchen.

Charlie laughed, “I’m going to go and help Duffy make lunch.”

"Someone ring ahead and alert the fire brigade!" Tilly giggled.

Emily moved to the stairs, “I’m going out.” She declared.

"Where? It's new year's day, nowhere is open." Lottie replied as she came down the stairs.

“Anywhere but here.”

"You can't just leave."

“Why can’t I?” Emily answered back.

"Everyone is here."

“So...?”

"Mum'll freak if you just piss off."

“I’ll be back. Just cover my arse for an hour?”

"Fine whatever."

“Thanks!” Emily quietly crept upstairs to get changed.

The rest of the family were spread out through the various downstairs rooms so no-one else noticed Emily slip out through the front door.

She didn’t really have a plan. She just needed to channel the nervous energy that she had inside of her.

She'd made it to the corner of the road when her phone beeped with a text from Beth.

She looked down at the message from Beth.

'Hey pocket! How's the fam thing? Mum's having a fight with her latest fella in the other room. Urgh! Xx'

She read the text but didn’t respond. She chucked her phone back in her pocket and decided to go for a run.

After running three laps of the local park she sat down on a bench and took her phone back out again.

She replied back to Beth’s text; ‘Mum’s broken her ankle. She’s so clumsy xx’, She put the phone back in her pocket and decided to run another six laps around the park. The nervous energy wasn’t subsiding.

By the time she'd done that there was a reply from Beth. 'Wtf?! She OK? Xx'

‘Yeah she’s fine xx’, Emily began to head back home. Despite all that, she didn’t feel at all better.

'I've escaped the flat. Can't stand listening to them fight anymore. You at home? Xx'

‘Yeah, heading there now. XX’

'Would your parents mind if I came hang? Xx'

‘They shouldn’t do xx’

'Meet you there? Xx'

‘Yeah xx’, Emily sighed as she got home. She closed the front door harder than she’d meant to.

Peter appeared in the hallway. "Where you been?"

“Out.”

"Alright moody face!"

“Whatever!” Emily pulled off her hoody, “I’m going for a bath. Beth’s on her way.”

"Ooooh!" He teased.

She rolled her eyes and went upstairs. She went into the bathroom and ran the bath before going back into her own room.

About half an hour later Tilly yelled up the stairs to say that Beth had arrived.

There was no answer from upstairs.

"You might as well just go up." Tilly shrugged to Beth. "She's been a right moody cow today."

“Has she? She said everything was fine earlier.” Beth smiled, “I’ll go up, thanks.”

"She's probably grumpy coz you two haven't hooked up since before Christmas." Tilly added over her shoulder as she walked off.

Beth rolled her eyes and climbed the stairs, “Pocket?” She called.

Emily was asleep on her bed, curled up in a ball. The dustbin next to the bed had sick in it.

Beth crept into the bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed. She gently placed her hand on Emily's forehead, relieved to find she had a normal temperature.

Beth lay down next to Emily and wrapped her arms around her.

“Emmy, lunch is ready.” Charlie called up the stairs a short while later.

"I hope your mum cooked and not your dad!" Beth chuckled.

Emily opened her eyes and sighed, “Mum cooked.”

"I was a little nervous when you said that she'd bust her ankle that your dad would offer to cook instead..."

“Nah.” Emily’s eyes flickered closed again, “I’m not really hungry. Are you?”

"Bit peckish. What's worrying you?"

“Nowt. Just can’t be bothered with the shit anymore.” Emily sat up, “Let’s go downstairs.”

"What shit?" Beth asked, confused, as she followed Emily.

“It doesn’t matter.” They went downstairs and both went into the kitchen. Emily looked a bit pale in the light of the kitchen.

"I thought you'd only bust your ankle!" Beth gasped as she saw Duffy. "How come it's plastered up to your knee?"

"It needs to stay immobile." Duffy sighed.

Emily pushed the food around her plate, she wasn’t hungry.

“What happened?” Beth asked.

"I tripped over at work, landed awkwardly."

“That’s crap.” Beth tucked into her food.

"Yeh, one missed landing and I'm off work for six weeks."

There were different conversations happening over the table.

"Oh my god that's so cool!" Tilly suddenly gasped at the other end of the table.

“What is?” Lottie asked.

"Show Lottie!" Tilly urged Jake and Krystal. "Krystal gave them matching tattoos!"

“What?!”

Both Krystal and Jake rolled up their sleeves to show matching tattoos on the upper part of their arms.

“You’re both adults.” Charlie shrugged.

Duffy shot her husband a look. "Let's just hope you don't change your minds in a couple of years." She remarked.

Emily got up from the table and wandered into the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

"Can I have a tattoo?" Tilly asked, grinning.

“Not until you’re eighteen!”

"Lame! What about getting my nose pierced? Or my tongue?"

“No!” Charlie and Duffy said in unison.

"I thought you were supposed to be cool parents..!" Tilly whined.

“We’ll think about it...” Charlie replied.

"What?!" Duffy gasped, glaring at her husband.

Charlie caught his wife’s eye and smiled.

'Not a chance!' Duffy mouthed.

Charlie smiled and nodded.

After finishing their meal they moved through to the lounge, sitting on the sofa, armchairs and cushions on the floor.

Emily sat on the floor and rested her head in Beth’s lap.

Beth stroked her hair, curling strands of it round her fingers.

Emily yawned.

"Too much partying last night wear you out?" Beth whispered, giggling.

“No.” Emily shook her head.

Paul came bouncing back into the room holding a new toy that he'd gotten for Christmas. "Peter, look!" He grinned, holding the toy out to his oldest brother.

Peter smiled, “What’ve you got there, Paul? Santa bring you that?”

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 25a (NSFW)

Cowritten with @disastrousintention. Trigger warning for discussion of eating disorders.

-x-

Once home Duffy attempted to head straight upstairs for a nap but Tilly had heard the door open. Her eyes widened as she spotted her parents.

"What the fuck.?!" Tilly gasped.

“Your mum fell over at work. She’s broken her ankle.” Charlie explained to Tilly.

"You are literally the clumsiest person in the world mum!" Tilly teased.

"Yeh..." Duffy replied awkwardly.

Charlie kissed his daughter’s cheek, “Your mum and I are going to go for a nap for a bit. Have you lot been ok?”

"Yeh, gran made us a special new year breakfast." Tilly grinned.

He smiled, “Let me get your mum upstairs and I’ll come and speak to your gran. Assuming she’s still here..?”

"Yeh, she's helping the boys make biscuits for lunch later."

He smiled, “Love you Tots.”

He helped Duffy up the stairs and into their bedroom.

"This is so ridiculous!" Duffy grumbled. "All I did was trip over."

“Hmm.” He sighed. They sat on the bed, Charlie’s hands in his lap.

"You really think there's something wrong with my bones don't you?" She sighed.

“Yes.” He went to move his hand to her leg but hesitated.

"But I'm only fifty two..."

“I know.” He put his hand back in his lap, “But the years of abuse you’ve put your body through has clearly had an effect on the strength of your bones. You break them really easily. There is treatment.”

"I know there is."

“So what’s scaring you?”

"That it won't work, that they'll say I brought it on myself so I don't deserve help."

“You’re ill. You need help.” He said quietly.

"You've seen how colleagues react to these kind of things..." She sighed. "Why do you think I didn't want them all to know?"

“Only Zoe knows.” He reassured.

"I doubt it'll stay that way for long. How many people saw me lying in resus for most of my shift?"

He stood up and began to change. “A few people.”

"So gossip will be flying round then."

“Probably.” He removed his top, putting it in the laundry basket.

"Most of them probably putting the pieces together all wrong like Zoe did." She sighed.

“That’s true.” He put on a clean T-shirt. “I’m used to people getting the wrong end of the stick though.”

"You'd think your friends would think better of you than that." She frowned. "Does it not hurt that they look at you and think 'yeh, he's probably capable of kicking several lumps of shit out of his missus...'?"

“They see things clinically.” He nodded, “Yeah it does.” He admitted.

"You're the sweetest man I know." It was clear from her face that the accusations hurt her deeply too.

He removed his belt and then his jeans. “Do you need a hand getting out of your clothes?”

"With my trousers certainly."

Charlie helped her out of her trousers, he was gentle.

"So how long are you signing me off for this time?" She sighed.

“Initially six weeks.”

"Is that just for the ankle?"

“Just for the ankle.”

"That means I'll be off for longer than that then." She sighed as she attempted to get comfortable in the bed.

“You’ll be paid.” He reassured as he kissed her cheek, getting into bed beside her.

"That wasn't my main worry." She chuckled softly.

“What is your main worry?” His hand rested against her hip, his fingertips stroking the skin.

"That I'm going to fail. Again. That I'll let you down. Again." She sighed.

“You won’t.” He reassured, his fingertips gently moving up her body.

"But I've let you and the kids down so many times already..."

“You haven’t.” He kissed her cheek.

"You said that you'd broken some many promises to the kids over me."

“I promised Emily I’d get you better. I stand by that promise.”

"But what if I'm never going to be able to get better?"

“Then that’s something we’ll have to deal with.”

"If I don't get better there won't be a we..." She replied darkly. "You said that yourself earlier."

He closed his eyes.

Tears started to silently slide down her cheek and onto the pillow.

“I don’t want to lose you to this Duffy. I can’t lose you...” He pulled her closer.

"I was so scared when I woke up in resus by myself."

“I’m sorry. I was angry.”

"At me?"

“At me. I was annoyed at myself.”

"Why?"

He sighed, “I pretended you weren’t relapsing...”

"You and me both."

“I’m sorry.” He whispered as he kissed her neck.

"So am I. I should have spoken to you sooner."

“I should have spoken to you sooner too.” He whispered, he kissed up her neck.

She tilted her head slightly.

“I love you.” He whispered.

"I had planned to use our nap to finish what we started in our office earlier..."

“Make love..?”

"I'm guessing that's off the cards for a while." She sighed, frustrated.

“I just worry I’ll hurt you..” He said quietly as he ran his hand up her stomach towards her breasts.

"Zoe made a snarky remark about avoiding 'strenuous exercise'..." Duffy rolled her eyes.

“Since when did you listen to doctor’s orders?” He smirked, “She’s right though. Until you’ve seen a cardiologist at least.”

"Smart arse!" She muttered. "Its been a while since I've seen the cardiologist, the kids will start getting ideas..!" She added, her tone teasing.

“They wont need to know.”

"Its been about seven, almost eight years in fact." She ran her fingers along his cheek. "Are you sure we can't break the rules..?" She pouted.

He looked down at her lips. A familiar stirring... “No, we can’t.”

"This year is getting more shit with every passing minute." She continued to sulk.

His fingertips brushed against her breasts.

"That feels really good." She whispered.

He did it again.

"Your tongue would feel even better..."

“Would it? Where?”

"Right here." She moved his fingers to her nipple.

“You want my tongue right there?”

"Yes."

He moved down and kissed her breast, purposely ignoring her nipple.

She attempted to nudge his head nearer.

He kissed her nipple.

Duffy let out a little moan.

He smiled and did it again, allowing his tongue to run over her nipple.

"So much better." She breathed.

He began to suck on her nipple, his hand rested on the top of her thigh.

Her moans and sighs were encouraging him on.

He pulled away and met her gaze.

"Why you stop?" She whined playfully.

He kissed her passionately.

She moaned into his mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

The kiss was rough and heated.

"I want you so much!" She gasped between kisses.

“Which part of me?” He whispered as he took his penis and rubbed it against her wet folds.

"You know what I want!"

He entered her, gasping softly against her ear.

"I love you so much!"

“I love you too.” He moaned as he began to move gently.

She lightly scratched her nails across his shoulders.

He grabbed her hand and entwined his fingers through hers.

She wanted him to go faster but knew why he was being gentle and slow.

Knowing what she wanted from him, Charlie’s thrusts became faster.

She gripped his hands tightly.

“Are you okay?” He asked, “I’m not hurting you, am I?” He whispered.

"I'm ok." She replied, trying not to sound breathless.

“Promise me?”

"Yeh."

He slowed his thrusts down, “Lie on your side and face me,” he whispered.

She tried to roll over but the cast on her ankle was making it tricky.

He giggled. “It’s not going to work is it?”

"You could help me rather than laughing at me!" She pouted.

He gently moved her onto her side and took her back into his arms and began to make love to her once again.

Their eyes locked.

He smiled. Her eyes had a small sparkle evident.

Her eyes widened slightly as she began to reach orgasm.

“Oh fuck,” He moaned, his eyes still locked with hers.

She closed her eyes as her orgasm hit.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 24d

He squeezed her thigh, “I love you.” He started the engine.

"Even when I do stupid things like I did tonight?"

“Yes.” He rubbed her thigh before putting both hands on the steering wheel and beginning the journey home.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 24c

"I don't remember what happened..."

“It’s ok, it doesn’t matter.” He kissed her cheek. “I just want you to know, I love you. You and the kids, ok?”

"I love you too." Another wave of panic crossed her face. "The kids! Have you spoken to them?"

“No, they don’t know.” He stroked her cheek again.

"How are we going to explain this?" She sighed, gesturing to her ankle.

“I haven’t thought that far.”

"Things got really serious didn't they?" She sighed. "I'm sorry I frightened you."

He nodded. “We’ve reached a point babe...” He sighed sadly.

"Are you saying that I nearly died?" She asked hesitantly.

“I think you’re in early stages of heart failure by the sounds of things.”

She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed, nodding.

“Which is why I want us to try something different in terms of your treatment.”

"To try and head things off before they get worse?"

“Before you die, yes.”

"I don't want to die."

“I don’t want you to die either.” A tear rolled down his cheek.

"I keep trying to fight but it's so exhausting."

He nodded, “I know. I know how exhausting it is fighting something that controls you.”

"I wish it didn't. It scares me, thinking of the effect it could have on the children."

He stroked her cheek. He couldn’t tell her about his own struggles. She needed him more than anything right now. “We’ll be ok sweetheart.” He reassured.

"I hope so." She was quiet for a few moments. "Did you mean what you said earlier..?"

“Which bit?” He asked.

"About our wedding vows."

“Maybe one day.” He replied sadly.

"That wasn't what made me worse. I was already slipping before that." She admitted.

“Was there a reason?”

"Does there need to be a reason?"

“Yes.”

"Do alcoholics need a reason to drink? Do drug addicts need a reason to inject?"

“Yes. Usually they’re avoiding something.”

"Not always. Sometimes they just feel a compulsion to do it."

“And that’s what it was? A compulsive need to stop eating?”

She nodded. "Coz that will somehow magically solve everything." She sighed.

“But it doesn’t. Can’t you see it just causes more problems?”

"Of course I can! I'm not stupid!" She retorted.

“I’m not suggesting you are.”

"I don't want to be like this. I didn't chose to be like this."

“Why didn’t you talk to me? When things were getting bad again?”

"I didn't want you to discover that I'd failed again. That I couldn't manage to do what you wanted, what you needed, me to do." She sighed. "I was ashamed."

“So you hid it from me instead?”

"I'm sorry."

“It’s fine.” He sighed. An uncomfortable silence descended over them.

"You're angry with me aren't you?"

“No. I...” He sighed, “It doesn’t matter.”

"It matters to me."

He shrugged.

"Please tell me what you're thinking."

“Why? It won’t change anything.”

"It might."

He sighed but didn’t say anything.

"Charlie please."

“Why? What good will it do?”

"Whatever it is, it's clearly eating you up inside."

“I am not going to be the reason you stick your fingers down your throat.” He whispered sadly.

"There'd be no point sticking my fingers down my throat, nothing would come up anyway." She replied somewhat flippantly.

“I’m still not going to tell you.” He replied. “I won’t be the reason, OK? This isn’t getting us anywhere.”

"Fine! Be like that!" She huffed.

More silence fell over them.

Duffy could feel her eyelids growing heavy again but she tried to fight it.

“Go to sleep, I’ll wake you up when it’s time to go home.” He kissed her forehead.

"Promise to tell me later what's bothering you?"

“No. We need to focus on you babe.” He kissed her forehead again, “Love you.”

She sighed. "And you say I'm frustrating..!"

“We’ll talk later ok?”

"Promise?" She asked sleepily.

He nodded. “Promise.”

"Not the new year we planned..." She sighed, her eyes closing.

“No baby, no it wasn’t.” He sighed and kissed her forehead. He stayed with her whilst she slept.

A little while later Zoe came back into resus. "Is she still wanting to be discharged?" She asked softly.

“Yeah. She doesn’t want to be admitted.” He explained, “Can she go home?”

"I would normally say no but I trust you to give her the best care at home." Zoe smiled.

“We have a lot of things to discuss when we’re home. About where we go from here as a couple.” He said quietly.

"That sounds pretty deep." Zoe replied nervously.

“I won’t ever leave her but we have things to talk about.”

"I'm sure you'll be able to make it work. Mainly coz if you can't what the hell kinda chance is there for the rest of us?!"

He smiled and kissed Duffy’s hand. “We’ll be ok. I know we will.”

"Let me know when she's awake and I'll get her ankle plastered up and kit her out with some crutches."

“Thanks.”

Zoe turned to leave but a voice stopped her.

"Its a little difficult to sleep when you two are yattering on..!" Duffy mumbled.

“I thought you were asleep!”

"That'll teach you to talk about me." Duffy smiled cheekily, her eyes slowly opening.

He met her gaze. Those green eyes still continued to give him butterflies.

"So let's get this ankle sorted so I can go home. I've got a lot on today."

Around forty minutes later, Duffy’s ankle had been plastered up, she’d been given crutches and she had a follow up appointment at the fracture clinic for a week's time. She was free to go home.

"If the kids ask I tripped down some stairs OK?" She told Charlie.

He sighed, “Ok.” He stood up, “I just need to get something from the office, you stay here. Ok?”

"OK."

He was in his office for so long that eventually Duffy got bored of waiting and hobbled over to the office, not bothering to knock before going inside.

He jumped, dropping the box he held in his hands onto the floor.

"Charlie?" She questioned softly.

“It’s nothing.” He grabbed the box quickly and put it in his coat pocket. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

"Liar." She retorted.

He didn’t say anything. They went to the car in silence.

After he'd gotten her comfortable in the passenger seat Duffy took the opportunity whilst he was loading her crutches into the boot to take the box out of his coat pocket that he'd slung on the driver's seat.

It was a box of codeine, no label on them so they didn’t look prescribed. He closed the boot.

She held them up as he got into the car. "Zoe didn't prescribe these for my ankle so what are you doing with them?"

“Can I have them back?” He held his hand out.

"No, not til you explain."

“There’s nothing to explain.”

"You have an unlabelled box of pain meds, let's start with where they came from..."

“This is pointless. Can I have them back?” He sighed, “They’re mine.”

"I presumed that. How long have you been taking them again?"

“Not long.”

"How did we end up in such a mess again?" She sighed sadly.

He shrugged, “It's complicated.”

"It always is with us."

“There’s things I need to tell you but I won’t. Because I won’t be the reason you relapse over and over again.”

"I don't need a reason." She sighed.

“Exactly. So why would I tell you things if I know there’s a chance you’ll use my words to hurt yourself?” He sighed. “I promised Em I’d get you better. I’ve broken one promise to her, I won’t break another! But...” He rested his head against the steering wheel, “I am tired Duffy. I’m tired of not knowing how best to support you.”

"You should tell me things because I'm your wife."

“I hate it when you’re skinny.” He replied, “I hate making love to you because I’m scared I’ll bruise you or break your bones. And I promised on my life that I would never, ever hurt you!”

"When you pull away from me it makes me more paranoid, I fear I'm losing you." She admitted, her voice barely audible.

“I don’t want to be like Andrew. I don’t want to hurt you.” He whispered. “So I pull away from you.”

"You'll never be like him."

“I haven’t known what to do for a long time.” Charlie admitted, “I try my best to support you but, truth be told, I don’t know what you need from me. I don’t know what I should or shouldn’t do.”

"I wish I could tell you. I wish it was that simple."

“I don’t want us to ever reach the stage where we resent each other.” He closed his eyes and swallowed. “I just wish you’d be able to see what I see. What the children see.”

"Which is?"

“A woman who's infuriating and stubborn and beautiful. Who makes us laugh, bang our heads against walls in frustration but loves us with all her heart.” A tear rolled down his cheek, followed by another.

"Oh Charlie..." She reached out her hands towards him.

“I’m ok.” He smiled sadly, “We should go home.” He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Can I cuddle you when we get home?”

"I'd be upset if you didn't." She smiled.

“I’m sorry.” He paused, “I won’t ever leave you. You know that, right? Even when it’s really tough between us.”

"Deep down I know that's true but sometimes my fears get the better of me."

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 24b

“Hey,” He stepped closer to the bed and took her hands in his. “Breathe! Nice and slowly. It’s ok.”

Duffy clutched at her chest, the colour draining from her face as her eyes began to roll unfocused.

“I need some help in here!” Zoe called.

“Baby? Babe?” Charlie’s own heart began to pound as he watched her.

"Has this happened before?" Zoe asked Charlie as she lowered the trolley flat.

“Duffy has had intermittent seizures ever since she was seventeen.” He explained as he stood up. “But other than that, nothing else.”

As the seizure subsided Zoe placed her fingers against Duffy's neck. "Her pulse is very thready. We need to move her to resus and keep her monitored."

He nodded, remaining quiet. He swallowed, “She thinks I don’t notice...” He said quietly as they moved Duffy into resus.

"Tell me everything. I'm guessing she's ensured this has a lot of gaps..." Zoe sighed, referring to the notes that lay on the foot of the trolley.

“I don’t hurt her.” He said gently as he sat down on a chair beside the bed. “Never laid a finger on her, never will.”

"I believe you. But someone has..?"

“Her ex husband. All those broken bones over the years, that was him. Last twelve months, she’s had broken bones but told me she’d tripped over things.” He paused, “Tonight, she was pushed and now she’s got a broken ankle. Her bones are weak, that’s why I wanted her to be referred.”

"Ah." Zoe sighed as she poured over the notes again, glancing up periodically at the monitors. "There's mention of heart problems several years ago but nothing recent. Do you know if she's had a resurgence of those issues recently?"

He smiled sadly, “Probably but not that she’d talk to me about them.”

A memory suddenly struck Zoe. "She mentioned having indigestion the other day but if you're right and she's not eating - which her frail appearance that she's clearly tried to hide would suggest - then why would she have indigestion..?"

Charlie shrugged, “Sign of heart trouble?”

"I get the feeling from your reaction tonight that her eating issues aren't a recent development..."

“No they’re not.” He sighed.

"So we could be looking at anorexic heart failure?" Zoe sighed. "How the hell did we miss this right under our noses?!" Her tone revealed just how angry she was with herself for the oversight.

“Don’t!” He snapped. He rarely snapped but the seriousness of the situation was getting to him. “I’ve tried so many times to get her help but...” He shrugged. “I give up.”

"I'm not blaming you. She spends every day surrounded by highly qualified medical professionals and none of us picked up on it."

He stood up, “I need some air. Will you come and find me if she wakes up or deteriorates?”

"OK." Zoe replied, turning her attention back to the monitors.

“Thank you.” Charlie left resus and sat in his darkened office.

He noticed there was a blinking light on the phone on his desk, indicating that he had a message. He sighed and picked up the phone, listening to the voicemail.

Peter and Jake's voices filled the air. "Happy New Year! You two losers are probably too busy working but we just wanted to wish you all the best!" It was clear from the slurred words and giggles that both young men were very drunk. "Hope you managed to see in the new year together and didn't break any furniture!" More giggles. "See you for lunch later."

Charlie smiled sadly as he listened to the voicemail and hung up the phone. He wiped away the tear that had rolled down his cheek. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could do any of this...

A little while later there was a knock on his office door and Dixie peered around it. "Charlie?"

“Hmm?” There was an unopened box on pills on the desk. He was still sat in the dark.

"I've just been in resus with a patient. What the hell happened?"

“She just had a funny turn. She’ll be fine.” He groaned as Dixie switched on the light.

"Looked like more than a funny turn to me. Why aren't you with her?"

“No point, she’ll be out for a while.” He replied.

"So you're just gunna sit here in the dark instead?" She asked as she stepped closer, spotting the pills on the desk.

He followed her vision and put the box of pills back in the top drawer of his desk. “Why not?”

"Your wife is lying unconscious in resus..."

“Yes and..?”

"If it were mine I'd want to be there with them."

“I just need time to think about things.” He replied, “Then I’ll go and be with her.”

"Do you want to talk?" She offered gently.

“Not particularly.”

"Cuppa?"

He smiled sadly, “No thanks.”

"OK." She squeezed his shoulder gently.

“I’ll be in here if anyone needs me.” He said gently as he looked at his desk drawer.

Dixie wanted to say more about the pills she'd seen on the desk but she felt it wasn't her place to.

When he was left alone again in his office, he rested his head against the desk.

It was another couple of hours before he was interrupted by another knock on his office door. This time it was Zoe.

“Come in.” He said sadly.

"I've been told to summon you to resus." Zoe told him with a small grin.

“She’s awake?” He stood up and followed Zoe to resus.

"Yes and in quite the foul mood..."

He sighed. He reached the doors to resus and hesitated.

The trolley was tilted up slightly, Duffy looked pale and had her ankle strapped up.

It took him about a minute before he finally entered resus and went towards the bed Duffy was occupying. “Hi...”

"Where have you been?"

“Working.”

"I want to go home."

“Well you can’t, not yet.”

"Well can you ask someone to come plaster my ankle so I can?"

“You need to be medically fit for discharge and I really don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon.”

"What the hell are you talking about?" She seemed genuinely confused.

“What’s the point in telling you? It won’t make a blind bit of difference...” He retorted.

"I'd just like to know why you're sulking!"

“Don’t!”

"What happened?" She repeated.

“Zoe thinks you’re possibly in anorexic heart failure but you’ll sit there and deny it. You’ll say everything’s fine, that you don’t have an eating disorder!”

"What?! But... But... All I did was break my ankle..." She stammered.

“On top of abusing your body for years.” He replied. “I’ve noticed Duffy! Ever since I said about renewing our vows, you’ve started losing weight again. Well it’s off! I don’t want to renew my vows!!”

"What are you going on about?" Her eyes were full of terror and panic.

“I don’t want us to renew our vows.”

"I don't understand... Are you leaving me?" Her voice broke, her eyes filling with tears.

He shook his head but didn’t come any closer.

"Charlie..?" Her bottom lip wobbled as she tried to hold back tears.

He closed his eyes and stayed where he was stood for a minute. “It’s making you ill. I thought it would give you something to look forward to but it didn’t... It just gave you another excuse to make yourself ill.”

"I'm sorry..." She sobbed.

He sat on the bed and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “I’m sorry too.” He began to cry.

"Please don't leave me..." She begged in a whisper.

“I won’t ever leave you.” He told her through tears. “You were doing so well, sweetheart. What happened?”

"I... I..." She shrugged. "I don't know."

“What’s going through your mind right now?” He rested his chin on her head lightly.

"I don't want to be here like this."

“In hospital?”

She nodded. "Everyone knows don't they?" She sighed.

“Only Zoe.” He replied as he stroked her hair. “Is it something I’m doing wrong? Am I putting too much pressure on you? Am I not loving you enough?” He asked, his voice breaking.

"She thought you hurt me. I kept telling her that you don't but she wouldn't believe me!" There was a note of panic in Duffy's voice.

“Hey, don’t worry.” He reassured and kissed her head. “Zoe knows I haven’t hurt you.” He paused, “You didn’t answer the question. It is me, isn’t it?”

"I don't want to let you down."

“Why would you let me down?”

"I try so hard. I know you believe I can get better but I can't."

“Yes you can. You just need the right support.”

"We've been banging our head against this wall for years." She sighed.

“What’s stopping you from getting better? There has to be something.”

"I wish I knew. If only it was that simple..."

“Then maybe we need to look at a different treatment option. Inpatient rather than outpatient? Outpatient treatment isn’t working.”

"No!" Duffy's eyes widened with terror.

“Why not?”

"I can't do this without you."

“But outpatient therapy isn’t working.” He sighed, “Maybe we should try inpatient? See what’s out there? See what other options we have?” He suggested.

"Please don't send me away!" She begged, her hands clutching his tunic.

“I’m not planning on sending you away anywhere.” He reassured, “I just think we need another option because I fear this will break us.” He admitted.

"I can't go back there..." His words weren't sinking in.

“Go back where?”

"She said it was only for a few days... She lied."

“Who sweetheart and when? You’re not making much sense?” He cuddled her tightly.

"She said they'd make me better but it didn't. It just gave me ways to get worse."

“When? Who?” He was really confused.

"Did you never wonder why I didn't speak to my mum for years?"

“No.” He sighed, “You’ve been admitted before?”

"When I first started having seizures."

“Ok.” He paused and kissed the top of her head. “No inpatient treatment. There is another option we could look into but it would require you to take leave from work.”

"What's that?"

“A day treatment programme.”

"I'm not sure..."

“What’s worrying you?”

"I don't know how to do anything else."

“What do you mean?”

"What if I don't know how to be better?"

“I can’t answer that sweetheart. But I think finding the right support network and programme can help you be better.” He said sadly, “Can we discuss the day treatment programme when you’re feeling a bit more up to it?”

"OK. Please can I go home?"

“Not yet, your shift doesn’t finish until eight.” He smirked.

She giggled. "What time is it?"

“Six o’clock.” He yawned and moved to meet her eye. He stroked her cheek, “I’m sorry I made you cry. I... I think you and I have a lot of things to talk about when we get home.”

"How long was I asleep for?"

“Five hours or so.”

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 24a

Cowritten with @disastrousintention. Trigger warnings for discussion of abuse, eating disorders and substance misuse.

-x-

Night shifts were bad enough, especially if your night shifts happened to fall on Friday and Saturday nights when the majority of A&E attendances were drunken louts. New Years Eve was no different and Charlie and Duffy were both rota’d in to cover the department. Charlie groaned as he looked at the clock. How an Earth was it only 10pm? He felt like he’d been here twelve hours already.

It seemed that the heavy drinking and fights had started especially early this year, with numerous patients arriving with injuries from assaults and traffic accidents.

Charlie had barely spoken to Duffy, both of them far too busy with their job.

After patching up a young man with a busted nose Duffy realised that they were minutes away from midnight. After finishing off her patient's notes she did a quick visual sweep of the department before spotting Charlie near his office. A mischievous grin lit up her face as she strode over to him. Grabbing hold of his arm with one hand and opening the door with the other she pulled him into his darkened office.

He laughed as he was pulled into his office. “Hello gorgeous.”

"Have you seen the time?" She giggled.

“Nearly midnight?” He smiled.

"Exactly. And this is one of the few perks of working the new year's night shift together." She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down for a kiss.

As he kissed her gently, one of his hands grabbed her bottom, giving it a playful squeeze.

Her fingers played with the collar of his tunic as she slid her tongue into his mouth.

He sucked on her tongue.

She walked him backwards towards the desk, not breaking the kiss.

He reached the desk, the kiss becoming more passionate.

She giggled against his lips as she heard the cheers and excitement from outside as the new year arrived.

He laughed gently against her lips, “Happy New Year babe.”

"Happy New Year handsome. Let's make this the best year yet." She grinned.

“Of course. We’re getting married again.”

"I can't wait. I..." There was a loud bang on the door. "Urgh, sounds like duty calls!" She sighed dramatically.

He gave her a quick kiss. “Sounds like we’re needed.”

"At least they've learnt not to just barge in!" She giggled.

“That’s true! Come on, gorgeous. Lets go back to work.”

"See you in a bit." She smiled as they both headed back out into the department.

It was around an hour later when there was a commotion in the middle of the reception area. Two blokes squaring up to each other. As the nearest senior member of staff Duffy headed over to try and calm things down without the need for security to be called yet again.

"Right, enough! Either you calm down or you leave! Which is it to be?" She raised her voice as she positioned herself between them as much as she could.

One of the men seemed to back down but the other one didn’t. He pushed Duffy and launched himself at the guy. Luckily, some other members of staff were able to separate them and chuck them out of the department.

The fracas had drawn Charlie's attention and he came rushing through concerned to find his wife sat awkwardly on the floor. He crouched down in front of her. “Babe, you ok?”

"Yeh, just give us a hand up will you?"

He helped her up off the floor.

The second she attempting to put any weight on her left leg it crumpled, a pained scream ripped from her throat.

“Duffy?” He stopped and looked at her.

"I'll be fine, I just need to walk on it a bit."

“Can I take you to cubicles? Give you a proper examination?”

"I think it's a busy right now for us to sneak off for a quickie." She attempted to joke but her leg was in agony.

“I think you’ve broken your ankle.”

"Don't be ridiculous, it'll just be bruised from landing awkwardly." She argued as she attempted to limp through to cubicles, trying to ignore the fact that he was having to do most of the work to propel her forwards.

He made her sit down on the bed and he gently took off her shoe. He wrinkled his nose and teased, “They’re a bit wiffy.”

"Rude! Ow! Are you this rough with all your patients?" She complained.

“No.” He examined her ankle gently, “I’m going to order an X-ray, there’s a chance it’s broken. Do you want some pain relief?”

"Oh don't be so dramatic! Just strap it up, I'll take a couple of paracetamol and I'll be fine in a couple of hours."

“Please Duffy. I don’t want you to be in pain. And with your history, I’m not taking any chances.”

"What history? A twisted ankle isn't going to trigger anything." She rolled her eyes.

“I meant the fact you’ve not long healed from a fractured wrist.” He sighed, “You’re having an X-ray, I’ll carry you up there myself if I have to.”

"Fair enough if I'd hurt my wrist again but I haven't."

“Please will you stop being so argumentative and stubborn? The quicker you agree to an X-ray, the quicker you can get back to work when it turns out to be a sprain.”

"Fine!" She harumphed. "But only because you won't shut up about it until I do."

“Thank you.” He kissed her nose and forehead before washing his hands and leaving. Before he reached the door, he called; “Try and stay out of mischief whilst I order your X-ray.”

"Fine." She folded her arms, sulking.

Charlie rolled his eyes playfully and went to order the X-ray for Duffy.

By the time he came back the cubicle was empty.

He shook his head. Where the bloody hell had she gone?

He eventually found her in a nearby cubicle, leaning against the trolley as she stitched the head wound of a young woman who had fallen over after being ejected from a nightclub.

He watched her clearly unamused. He waited until she’d finished stitching the head wound before he coughed. “Duffy?”

"Yes?" She asked nonchalantly.

“You need to go for your X-ray when you’ve finished here.”

"OK." She turned back to her patient. "A doctor will be along in a bit to give you a final check over and then you can go home."

The young girl smiled sleepily, “Thank you.”

Once outside the cubicle, Charlie put his hand on her arm, “Do you want me to come with you?”

"Can you spare the time? It seems pretty busy."

“Yeah.”

"I'm not using a wheelchair." She insisted stubbornly.

“Did I mention using a wheelchair?”

"The way you've got hold of my arm suggests you don't believe I can walk there by myself."

“I’m worried that if you do have a broken ankle, you’re making it worse by walking on it.”

"Shall we just get this over with so I can get back to work?"

They went upstairs to the X-ray department and Charlie waited whilst Duffy had her ankle xrayed.

He was somewhat surprised when the xray tech came out to fetch him rather than her returning by herself.

“Everything ok?” He asked the technician.

"She's going to need help getting back downstairs and she wasn't happy for me to come out here to speak to you but..."

“Is her ankle broken then?” Charlie smiled sadly and stood up. “Did you get a mouthful?”

"In three places." The tech confirmed. "She insisted I take the xray again..."

“Stable fracture or is it displaced?” Charlie queried as he followed the technician into the room.

"You'll need to get one of your doctor mates to look at it to tell you that."

“Right, ok.” Charlie approached Duffy and picked her up. “I’m not letting you walk on that ankle if it’s broken in three places.”

"Charlie!" She complained loudly. "I am not an invalid!"

“Nope. But you’ve got a broken ankle. So either I carry you downstairs or I get you a wheelchair?”

"Oh this is so humiliating..!" She grumbled.

He was silent as he carried her downstairs and back to her original cubicle. Sitting her on the bed, he stroked her hair. “I’m going to get Zoe to come and talk to you, ok?”

"This is a lot of fuss over nothing Charlie."

“I think there’s something medically wrong.” He said quietly.

"What do you mean?"

“How many bones have you broken in the last twelve months?”

"Um... Three... Well I suppose four if you want to be pedantic and count each finger individually..." She caught the look he was giving her. "Alright! And my wrist was fractured in two places so... If you add that to today then I guess you'd call it seven fractures but I'm only counting it as three."

“That’s not normal.” He said gently, “And it never occurred to me that there may be a medical reason.”

"I've broken bones all through my adult life..." She shrugged. "Curse of being clumsy!" She added flippantly, attempting to gloss over the years of abuse she'd suffered at the hands of her exhusband.

He stroked her cheek, “You and I both know that’s not true. I want to talk to Zoe about referring you for a dexa scan.”

"I don't need one!" She retorted angrily.

“What are you so afraid of?”

"Nothing. I just think it's a pointless expense in an already financially unstable system."

“I disagree. I feel it’s necessary.”

"There's nothing wrong with me!"

“Has it ever occurred to you, you could have osteoporosis?”

"I'm too young." She retorted.

“That’s what I thought but,” He took her hand stroking his thumb over the back of it, “I think your eating disorder probably meant you developed it sooner.”

"I don't have an..!" Her outburst was cut off by Zoe entering the cubicle.

“You and I both know that’s bollocks, Duffy!” Charlie replied as he looked at Zoe.

"I'm here to check on your broken ankle." Zoe explained, looking suspiciously from Duffy to Charlie and back again.

There was an awkward silence between Charlie and Duffy until Charlie asked Zoe. “Can I ask you to do something for me?”

"Depends..." Zoe replied. She held Duffy's medical file in her hands and it made for concerning reading, especially when taken in conjunction with the argument she'd just witnessed.

“Is there any chance you can refer Duffy for a dexa scan?”

"Well I'd need to ascertain first if that was the correct way to proceed." Zoe replied before turning her attention to Duffy. "Do you have any other injuries or is it just the ankle?" She asked.

"Just the ankle. Honestly I'm fine. There's no need for any fuss."

“You’ve got her medical records.” Charlie replied and watched Duffy carefully.

"Yes I have and I'd like to examine Duffy thoroughly. Alone." Zoe added pointedly.

“Why? Because you think I’m the cause of her injuries?” He sighed and stood up. “I’ll be in my office.”

"That was completely unfair!" Duffy remarked angrily, folding her arms. As she did so she realised she had a ring of bruising on her upper arm, she shifted her fingers to cover it.

“Is there anything you’d like to talk to me about in confidence?” Zoe asked, “Does he hurt you?”

"No!" Duffy's heart was beginning to hammer, her head pounding.

“You don’t have to be scared of him.” Zoe watched Duffy’s reaction, noticing her breathing had become heavier. “You’ve got bruising on your upper arm. How did it happen?”

"I'm not. It's nothing!"

“Duffy, your medical records over the years show a lot of broken bones. Am I really supposed to believe it’s because you’re clumsy?”

"That's nothing to do with Charlie!" Duffy was teetering on the verge of hysteria.

“Can I examine you?”

"No!" Duffy hugged her arms around herself. "You're here to fix my ankle, nothing else!"

“As the doctor undertaking your care, I’d like to do an examination. Has Charlie hurt you somewhere else?”

"No!" Duffy practically screamed.

“Then if it’s not Charlie, has someone else?” Zoe pressed gently.

Duffy turned her head away.

Zoe sighed and began to examine Duffy's broken ankle, concerned that her foot felt cold. Her concern deepened when she checked Duffy's other foot and found the same issue.

“If someone’s hurting you, you don’t have to suffer alone.” Zoe paused, “Both your feet are cold, are you usually cold?”

"I'm fine." Duffy replied defensively, knowing full well that her toenails were tinged blue, just like her fingernails and her lips under her lipstick.

“She’s always cold but she’s more cold recently.” Charlie said from the curtain. “She’s bulimic. The reason she won’t let you examine her is because you’ll see how much weight she’s lost. It’s the same reason we haven’t been intimate for weeks. Ever since I said about renewing our wedding vows, her bulimia is worse. It’s the cause of her fractures most likely.”

"Charlie!" Duffy screamed angrily. "I don't have an eating disorder, there's nothing wrong with me!"

“Admit it. Just say it out loud Duffy!”

"No!" Duffy's heart was racing faster and faster, she began to struggle for breath.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

We Need To Talk... Part 3

Charlie glanced anxiously over at his in-tray for the third time in as many minutes as he sat in his office attempting to catch up on some paperwork. On top of the various memos and other supposedly important issues deemed to be requiring his urgent attention was two brown envelopes. One had his name printed on it, the other Duffy's.

The last two weeks had been stressful as they'd both attempted to carry on as normal. She'd been increasingly distant with him which hurt more than he'd expected.

Heaving another sigh Charlie got up from his desk and poked his head out the door, asking Susie to tell Duffy to come to his office when she next saw her. That done, he went back to attempting to focus on his paperwork.

About half an hour later he heard the door open behind him. "Its considered polite to knock..!" He grumbled without looking up.

"You summoned me.?!" Duffy retorted sarcastically, ignoring his rebuke.

"Oh, um, I didn't mean it to sound like a summons..." Charlie sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as an awkward silence fell over them.

"Was there a reason you asked to see me?" Duffy asked after several moments of standing waiting for him to speak further.

"Ah, yes... These came." Charlie held up the envelopes.

"Oh..." Duffy replied as she nervously took hers from him. She looked down at the envelope. It looked so innocuous, a plain brown envelope with Miss L Duffin printed on the front. There was no indication of the fact that contained within was the news that could irreversibly alter the trajectory of her life and career forever.

"Look, I know we said we'd open them together but I totally understand if you'd rather do it on your own."

"No, let's just get this over with shall we?"

The only noise in the room was the sound of the envelopes being torn open and the letters unfolded.

Charlie breathed a silent sigh of relief as he read the word 'negative' in bold type on the page. The feeling was shortlived however as he looked up to see that Duffy had burst into tears, the letter shaking in her hands. "Oh Duffy... Hey, come here..." He pulled her into his arms.

Though panicked by what her letter may say Charlie pushed that aside and focused on trying to calm Duffy's tears, a task that took several minutes. Eventually she looked up at him. He brushed his thumbs over her tearstained cheeks. "What did you letter say?" He asked softly.

"Its negative. I don't have the virus."

"Then why the tears?" Charlie asked, somewhat bemused.

"You can be such an idiot sometimes Charlie Fairhead!" Duffy retorted with a small smile.

"Thanks!" He chuckled, pulling her back into another hug. "You had me really scared there for a moment." He admitted.

She moved her head and caught his eye. "It scared you that I might be ill?" The idea seemed alien to her.

"Of course it scared me! I really care about you."

Duffy blushed, seeing the truth of his words in Charlie's eyes. "I... I should get back to work." She stammered slightly, pulling away from his embrace. "Can we keep this just between us?"

"Of course we can." Charlie promised. "One last thing before you go..?"

"What's that?" She asked, her palm resting on the door handle.

He stepped towards her and kissed her softly. "I really am glad that you're OK." He whispered.

"So am I." She replied before leaving him alone in his office once more.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

We Need To Talk... Part 2

As the shift finished Charlie had never been more grateful to make it through a night without a major incident to deal with. Try as he might to ignore it he couldn't help but be preoccupied by Duffy's unexpected bombshell.

He lent his hands on the sink and stared into the mirror. "You're an idiot!" He muttered at his reflection. Twice in just over a year his sexual indiscretions had come back to bite him on the arse, except this time the bite could be lethal.

He sighed, splashed some water on his face and rubbed his eyes. He laughed bitterly at the thought that the worst thing he'd imagined she'd say when she'd told him that they needed to talk was that he'd knocked her up. In all honesty that would have been a whole lot easier to deal with compared to the possible fate that hung over both of them now.

Letting out another sigh he dried his face and headed off to gather his stuff and meet Duffy outside.

As he walked up to his car he was grateful he no longer drove the rather inconspicuous yellow beetle he'd previously owned.

"Hi." He smiled weakly at her.

"Hi." She mumbled, fiddling with the cuff of her denim jacket.

"Jump in." Charlie opened the car door for her before heading round to the driver's seat. The silence was awkward as they both settled into their seats and he placed the key in the ignition. "At least this one starts..!" He joked, attempting, and failing, to alliviate some of the tension. He cleared his throat as she continued to stare expressionless at the dashboard. "Well, um, it's not too far to the clinic." He added lamely as he drove off.

Not a word was spoken by either during the short car journey. Charlie parked up and saw Duffy make no move towards getting out of the car.

"We're here." He told her. Still nothing. "Duf?" He nudged her arm gently causing her to jump, a loud squeal escaping her.

"We're here." Charlie repeated gently. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"I'm fine." She mumbled, climbing out of the car, glancing around nervously.

"They're expecting us." Charlie explained.

Once inside they filled out the forms and sat waiting to be called in. Duffy still had barely spoken.

"It'll be OK." Charlie reassured her softly again as they were both called into separate offices.

Charlie's test was over quickly and he left the office after being told the results would take two weeks - something he already knew - and waited for Duffy to appear.

The minutes ticked by and he was starting to become concerned. What was taking her so long?

She briefly looked up as she finally left the office. "You didn't have to wait." She told him.

"I said I'd drive you home remember?" He replied. "Everything go OK? You were in there for quite a while..."

"They ran a pregnancy test." She explained, once more avoiding his gaze.

"Ah..."

"Don't worry, I'm not pregnant."

"Oh that's good! I mean, it's good for you... Not that I'm glad that you're not... Well I am but... I think I'm just gunna shut up now..." He babbled as they walked into the carpark.

Duffy turned to finally look at him properly, her eyebrow raised as she fought to contain a laugh at his awkwardness. "Its ok, I'm pleased I'm not too. Nothing personal but I am no way ready for a baby right now."

"I would have supported you." Charlie mumbled.

Duffy's smile was genuine for the first time since Peter had dropped his bombshell the previous day. "I know you would have. It means a lot."

He smiled softly back at her. "Let's get you home, you must be exhausted."

"Thanks for everything today Charlie."

"Its ok. That's what friends are for."

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

We Need To Talk...

AU fic set during series 2.

-x-

"Ouch!"

The squeal of her disgruntled patient snapped Duffy back to reality. "Oh..! I'm so sorry!" She babbled, trying to focus on the task at hand, rather than the dirty look the man she was treating was now giving her. Her hands shook slightly as she finished stitching and dressing his wound.

Her head was all over the place, still reeling from the bombshell that had exploded in her life just a few hours previously. Why was this happening to her? She could try and blame the alcohol but that wouldn't excuse the fact that she should have been more careful. She was a nurse for goodness sake, she should have known better!

She was so caught up in internally berating herself that she didn't see him in front of her until she crashed into him and he spoke.

"Earth to Duffy!" Charlie teased.

Duffy briefly closed her eyes and sighed. Just the person she didn't want to bump into right now!

"Sorry! I was just..." She attempted to move around him but he blocked her path.

"What's your hurry? It's a..." He stopped himself from saying the q-word. "There's no need to be rushing around." He finished instead, flashing her a cheeky grin.

Her eyes flicked up briefly to meet his gaze before she looked down at her feet. It was that look, combined with a large amount of alcohol, that had gotten her into this mess in the first place!

Noticing her odd reaction concern washed over Charlie. "What's wrong?" He asked, reaching out to touch her arm.

She flinched away from his touch which deepened his concern.

"What is it?" He asked, his tone betraying his worry.

"I... Erm..." She glanced around nervously. "Not here..."

"My office?" He suggested.

Duffy nodded, sighing again as she followed Charlie into his office.

Charlie lent against his desk watching Duffy as she closed the door and stood silently in front of him staring at the carpet. Several awkward minutes passed before Charlie broke the silence. "So are you going to explain why you've been walking round in a daze all shift?" He asked gently.

Duffy shifted awkwardly, her hands flitting between her pockets and behind her back before eventually settling for folding her arms across her chest. "We, erm... We need to talk Charlie..." She mumbled, still not looking up at him.

Charlie stayed silent allowing her to continue in her own time.

"I... I know we agreed not to bring it up again, that it was just a drunken mistake..." She continued after a pause. "But, well, recent developments have forced me to bring it up..." Her voice trailed off as she unfolded her arms and began fidgeting with her hands once more.

Charlie's eyes widened, his mind racing, a growing sense of deja vu settling over him. "Duffy..." He swallowed nervously. "Are you trying to tell me you're pregnant?"

Duffy's head shot up. "No!" She gasped. "At least I don't think I am..." She stammered slightly. She hadn't even considered that possibility.

The brief sense of relief that Charlie felt quickly evaporated. It wasn't that the idea of having a child with her horrified him, if he was honest he really liked her - she was beautiful and funny and kind... And even though he'd been very drunk at the time he could still recall how fantastic she was in bed. It was just that she'd been through so much recently and he didn't want to add to that. She was still so young...

His thoughts were broken as she spoke again.

"Its Peter..." She began.

"Peter?" Charlie questioned. Peter was the bloke Duffy had been seeing for the past few months. Personally Charlie thought he was pretentious and brash in his suits and fancy car but Duffy was apparently besotted with him. That was one of the reasons Charlie had backed off after their drunken night together - she was happy with Peter and Charlie didn't want to ruin that.

"Yeh, he found out..." She stumbled over her words as she started to cry.

"About us sleeping together?" Charlie asked.

"His ex called... He had to take a test..."

"A test?" Charlie was baffled. "I don't understand, what's this got to do with you and me?"

"He's HIV positive!" Duffy wailed.

"Oh... Oh!" Charlie's eyes widened. "Have... Have you taken a test..?" He asked tentatively.

Duffy shook her head, crying harder.

Any anger or fear he felt for himself immediately evaporated at her tears. "Oh Duffy..." He pulled her into a tight hug, stroking her back softly. "It'll be OK. You'll see. You were careful weren't you?"

"Not always." Duffy mumbled against Charlie's tear-soaked shirt.

The panicked feeling in his chest was back but he pushed it aside, he knew she needed him to be strong. "OK. You need to take a test Duf. For your own peace of mind if nothing else." He tilted her chin up to look at him. "Do you want me to come with you? I'll take a test at the same time. We can say there was an accident here. You don't have to tell them what really happened."

"You'd lie for me? But you could get in serious trouble..!"

"Let me worry about that." He smiled softly, stroking her cheek with his fingers.

Duffy blushed, her eyes cast down.

"Whatever happens I'm here for you. Remember that." He gently kissed her forehead. "I'll get the tests arranged for the morning. Do you want to go home? I can pick you up after my shift finishes." He offered kindly.

She shook her head. "I just want to keep busy. I'll be careful I promise!" She added, her panic rising again.

"Hey, hey, I'm not worried about that, I'm worried about you being so upset." He explained.

She looked up and gave him a watery and somewhat forced smile. "I'll be OK."

"OK, but the moment you're not you come find me. Promise?"

"Promise." Her smile this time was more genuine.

"Right, well, I'll leave you alone for a few minutes so you can fix your make up or whatever it is you girlies do." He chuckled lightly.

Duffy laughed, socking him gently on the upper arm. "Cheeky bugger!"

"That's more like it. You're even prettier when you smile." He blushed as he realised what he'd said.

She giggled nervously, a blush spreading to her cheeks too, aware that they were still stood dangerously close.

Their eyes locked. The intoxicating desire that bubbled just under the surface was still there drawing them in. Their lips met gently, the kiss short but full of meaning.

Charlie pulled away reluctantly. "It'll be OK." He whispered once more before quietly leaving her alone in the office.

Once the door was closed Duffy sunk into the chair with a sigh. Now she was even more confused, she'd expected him to be angry, to yell, but instead he'd been so caring and understanding. She just had to hope that he was right and that everything would turn out OK.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Priorities. Part 2c (NSFW)

“Fuck! That feels good!” Charlie breathed.

"So good!"

He paused for a moment.

"You ok?"

“Just don’t want to finish to soon!” He laughed.

"That's what happens when you leave it too long, you get overexcited!" She teased.

“You’re telling me!” He exhaled loudly a number of times. “What an idiot I am!?”

She giggled.

He started kissing her neck and play with her hair as he began to move again.

Her giggles turned to moans once more.

“That’s it,” He encouraged her.

"That feels so, so good!"

“Good!” He grinned, watching as her expression changed and she held onto him tighter.

"Oh fuck! Charlie!" She gasped.

“I love you so much!” He whispered; it wasn’t long before she reached her peak.

She rested her head back against the pillow breathless.

He grinned at her broadly.

"You're looking rather smug Fairhead!" She giggled.

“I’m just glad I still do it for you!”

"You do indeed." She smiled.

Charlie wasn’t finished, so started to move again.

She squeezed her legs around his waist.

Charlie sped up. “Fuck, I’m not going to be able to last much longer...” He whispered.

"Just let yourself go." She urged.

After a few moments, Charlie moaned as he reached his peak. “Fuck me!” He panted.

"I just did." She giggled.

He laughed, “And it was bloody good!”

"Don't leave it so long next time. I swear I'm going to be walking funny tomorrow!"

“Don’t worry I’m back on it now!” He grinned. “Sorry if I’ve hurt you...” He looked concerned.

"I'm ok." She smiled, wrapping her arms around him as he lay down next to her.

“I love it when you do that,” He whispered.

"Do what?"

“Cuddle me... I’ve seen a lot of your back recently, I was worried you’d gone off me too you know.”

"I felt neglected, I thought it was my fault so I gave up trying." She admitted quietly.

“Oh love,” He wrapped his arms around her. “It won’t happen again.”

"No because from now on we're both going to get our priorities right." She smiled.

“And from now on, you are my number one!”

"You and me, that's what's most important."

“A team, us against the world remember?” He kissed her head.

"Absolutely. Now go take your medication before we go to sleep."

“They say romance is dead!?” He laughed. “You do look after me well,” He grinned.

"Someone has to." She giggled.

“Very true!” He pulled on his boxers and tried to locate his medication.

"Top drawer, left hand side." She sighed, shaking her head indulgently.

“Thanks,” He laughed. He loved that she knew exactly where it was.

Once he'd taken them and gotten back into bed she snuggled into his side once more.

They lay in silence, enjoying their snuggles.

"Fancy calling in sick tomorrow?" She giggled mischievously.

“I’ve already taken us off the rota...” He smirked.

"You naughty, naughty boy!" She giggled.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Priorities. Part 2b (NSFW)

Charlie nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. “Too long.” He whispered.

She held out her hands towards him.

Charlie tentatively stepped towards her and took her hands in his. His heart was racing as he looked into her eyes - wide with love, forgiveness and a little sadness for the days that they’d lost.

"Tonight has been wonderful." She whispered.

Charlie nodded in agreement. “I love you Mrs Fairhead.”

"I love you too." She smiled, her eyes sparkling.

Charlie ran his hands up her arms, feeling the silk on her shoulders. “Silky soft!” He smiled at her.

She shivered slightly as goosebumps appeared on her skin at his touch.

After so long, it almost felt as if it were their first time together. “I’ve got butterflies,” He whispered, giggling nervously.

She smiled, taking a step closer to him and resting her forehead against his.

Charlie closed his eyes, resting his own forehead against hers; he loved this woman with his whole heart.

"I don't expect every night to be like tonight but we can find a middle ground right?"

Charlie nodded, “I think we can.” He wrapped his arms around her into a hug.

"I'm glad, we've waited too long for this to mess it up." She replied as she snuggled into his embrace.

“We really have, so let’s make the most of the time we have.” He spoke, nuzzling into her freshly washed hair.

"You make us sound so old when you say that!" She giggled.

He giggled, “I mean it only took us thirty years...”

"We took the scenic route." She smiled.

“It was worth it,” He held her close.

"It was. It is."

“I can’t tell you how glad it makes me to hear you say that.” He kissed her forehead.

"Hopefully you've finally learnt your lesson this time."

“I have, I promise.” He smiled.

"Good. You can be such a slow learner in some respects." She teased.

“I have the best teacher though!” He winked at her.

"Good job I have the patience of a saint then!" She giggled.

“I’m not that bad am I?” He raised his eyebrows at her.

"I'm still here over thirty years later so you can't be that terrible."

Charlie laughed, pulling her to sit down on the bed next to him.

She giggled as she wriggled to sit on his lap.

“Hello you,” He whispered into her ear, putting his hands on her thighs, as she wriggled into a comfy position.

She giggled as she continued to wriggle in his lap.

“You look really good in these pyjamas, and they feel good too,” He smiled as he ran his hands over the material.

"Very sumptuous." She grinned.

“Time for a cuddle?” He asked her softly lifting up the duvet.

"Sounds perfect." She smiled, snuggling up under the duvet.

Charlie began to take his clothes off as Duffy got under the covers.

"I've been looking forward to getting back into this bed all day." She chuckled.

“Tired?” He asked, removing his trousers and socks.

"Not really. Today was just one of those days..." She sighed.

“Want to talk about it?” Charlie climbed into bed next to her.

"Not really. Just that I'm getting ever closer to showing Connie Beauchamp just what happens when you cross ED nurses..."

Charlie raised his eyebrows, “Should I be worried?” He laughed.

She gave him her best innocent face but her eyes were twinkling with mischief.

“I know that face, I should definitely be worried!”

"I don't know what you could possibly mean." She giggled.

“You have those mischievous eyes Duffy, I know you too well!” He grinned.

"She asked for it." Duffy pouted.

“Oh god... What did you do?” He teased.

"Nothing..."

Charlie leaned in to kiss her softly. “Go on... Tell me,” He whispered, before kissing her again.

"You'll find out when you get to work tomorrow afternoon."

Charlie kissed her again. “You’re not going to tell me are you!?”

"Nah, it'll be more fun to see your face." She smirked. "Anyway... Enough about work..."

“I'm really worried now! Can we talk about kissing instead?” He grinned.

"I'm not sure we need to talk about it..." She giggled, pulling him towards her.

“It’s been a while, I might have forgotten...” He joked.

"Let me remind you..." She pressed her lips against his.

The kiss was tender and passionate. “I think I remember...” He kissed her back.

She giggled against his lips as she wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him down on top of her.

“Woah,” He laughed. “It seems that you might have missed me too!”

"A girl has needs."

His eyebrows raised, “What might those be?” He feigned innocence.

"Surely it's not been that long..?" She pouted.

Charlie nodded, “It’s been a while...” He looked down, realising he was at fault.

"Well we've got all night to make up for it." She winked.

“I like the sound of that...!” He rolled them over, so she was on top and he could move his hands over her body.

"What is it with you and dominant women?" She teased, giggling.

“Whatever do you mean?” He teased back.

"We've known each other a very long time..." She grinned as she ran her hands down his chest.

“And you still fancy me!?” He laughed.

"You have your charms..."

Charlie ran his hands over her legs, that were either side of him.

She reached down and kissed him.

“Mmm, I like your kisses” He moaned softly.

"Would you like more?" She whispered.

He nodded, pulling her down to kiss her fervently.

She giggled against his lips as she felt his hands slip into her pj shorts.

He was enjoying the feel of the silk against her body.

It felt so good to be back in his arms again.

He reached under her top and moved his hands over her breasts.

She moaned against his lips.

Charlie began to unbutton her silky shirt.

She shivered as the cool air hit her skin.

He lay back and admired her breasts.

She blushed as she caught his eye.

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about, I think you’re gorgeous,” He tried to reassure her.

"I feared you'd gone off me." She whispered.

“Oh darling, I’d never go off you...”

"I'm glad."

He watched her intently as he reached out and traced a pattern on her with his finger. “No way!”

"I thought that's why you were spending so much time at work."

“That I was avoiding sleeping with you?” He questioned, his finger circling her breast.

"Why else put us on opposite shifts?"

“I thought we’d actually see more of each other outside of work that way...” He ran his fingers over her nipple.

"Oh... Mmm!"

“I thought when you were off I’d see you after my shift and vice versa. More quality time outside of work.” He ran his fingertips up her neck and down to her other breast, trying to explain himself as he went.

"But it didn't quite work out like that..." She sighed as she lent into his touch.

“It didn’t, I just ended up seeing you less. I’d get home and I’d have missed you, you’d be asleep.” He ran his finger over and around her other nipple.

"At first I'd try to stay awake til you got home but it just got later and later..."

He removed her top completely, running his fingers along her arms. “And I’d be kicking myself... Because you’re the only person I wanted to talk to, to tell you what’s in my head and the only person I’d want to touch, to cuddle, to sleep with... And you just seemed constantly so far out of my reach.”

"Let's not let that happen again."

He nodded, sitting up against the headboard, so that he could kiss her neck.

She let out a moan as he reached a particularly sensitive spot.

Charlie ran his fingers down her back as he kissed lower to her breast.

She let out another moan, encouraging him to continue.

Charlie was taking his time, savouring every moment with her.

Their gazes briefly met, full of love and desire.

Kissing her tenderly, he lay her down next to him, his hand slipping under her silky shorts.

A contented sigh escaped her lips.

Charlie stared at her intently, watching her every move. Tonight was about her.

She pulled him in for another kiss as his fingers began to gently caress her.

Kissing her softly, he took his time to pleasure her. By now, he knew exactly what she liked.

Her little moans and sighs told him that he was doing exactly what she wanted and needed.

Charlie was pleased with the effect he was having on her. He had worried after their recent distance, things might be different some how. Perhaps she wouldn’t want this? Or perhaps he would have forgotten what she liked? Thankfully, watching her now, he realised he had nothing to be worried about.

She pulled him closer, her hands beginning to explore his body.

He nibbled her ear lobe, whispering “I’ve missed you so much Duffy.”

"Show me how much you've missed me." She whispered fervently.

They held each other’s gaze, almost telepathically communicating. Removing her shorts and his boxers, he lay above her, waiting for her signal.

The crooked half smile pulled at her lips as she stroked his cheek.

He kissed her softly, entering her slowly. It was something he had always took his time over, constantly watching her, not wanting to hurt or frighten her.

"I love you." She smiled.

“I love you more!” He smiled, kissing her.

Their kisses became more passionate, Charlie was trying to take his time, but hearing her breathing quicken, he couldn’t help but speed up his movements.

"Oh yes!" She moaned.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Priorities. Part 2a (NSFW)

Cowritten with @fairheads.

-x-

While Duffy was at work, Charlie set to making this an evening to remember. His mission: to remind her why she was with him and how much he loved her. He cleaned the house, went food shopping and began cooking. Before she arrived home, he showered and changed into a crisp shirt and jeans. He looked up as he heard her car pull up outside.

Checking his hair in the mirror, he grabbed the glass of wine he had just poured, and opened the door to welcome her home.

"Oh! Hi." She smiled as she looked up from digging around in her handbag. She'd not expected him to be at the door.

“Welcome home lovely,” He smiled broadly, passing her the glass of wine.

"Three times I was vomited on today. Three!" She grumbled as she took the glass and swallowed a large mouthful.

“That good hey!? I’ve run you a bath with bubbles, why not go and have a soak?”

"That is a very good idea."

Charlie watched her hang up her coat and drop her bag in the hallway, before climbing the stairs. He hoped she’d like what he’d done with the bathroom - he’d run a bubbly bath with rose petals and lit candles all around the tub. He’d left a fluffy towel ready for her afterwards on the heated rail.

Stepping into the bathroom she smiled at how inviting the bath looked. It had been a very long day.

Charlie continued prepping the dinner, sipping on his own glass of wine as he did and listening to some music.

About half an hour later Duffy arrived back downstairs wrapped in her dressing gown, her hair hanging in loose damp curls, an empty wine glass in her hand.

Charlie was at first oblivious to her return, he was dancing along to the song and wiggling his bum whilst stirring the food.

Duffy tried to hold it together as she watched him but couldn't stop the snort of laughter that escaped.

Charlie turned around and immediately went bright red, he was so embarrassed. “Oops! How was your bath?” He reached for the bottle and topped up her glass.

"Well I don't stink of stale vomit anymore." She chuckled.

“Well that’s something I guess!? Dinner won’t be long.”

"That's good. It smells delicious." She smiled as she sat down at the table. "Have you been having secret cooking lessons?"

He grinned, “It’s amazing what you can find online these days! It’s called a Morrocan Tagine or so the recipe said...”

"Very impressive."

“You haven’t tasted it yet!” He grinned, walking over to stand behind her and massage her shoulders.

"Mmm, that feels nice." She mumbled.

Charlie continued to massage her head, neck and shoulders. “So tense! Hope that’s not my fault...”

"Maybe a little..."

“Well hopefully I can help with that now.” Charlie smiled, adding just the right amount of pressure to ease the knots.

"Yes... Just there..."

“Just working my magic!” Charlie smiled, pleased that she was enjoying it and becoming more relaxed.

"So long as you don't get too distracted and burn the food." She teased.

“Oh yes... Focus Charlie!” He laughed.

She laughed as he dashed back over to the stove.

Serving the dinner, he carried the two bowls across to the table, which he had already laid. “Bon Appetite m’lady!” He laughed, placing it in front of her.

She giggled as he did a little bow. "This really does look amazing."

He settled in the chair opposite her and looked at her, smiling.

"I could get used to this."

“Well I’m hoping to make it a regular fixture.” He began tucking in, it actually tasted pretty good, he was pleased with himself.

"I like the sound of that." She smiled, taking a bite of the food. "Oh wow!" She grinned.

“Apart from the aforementioned, how was your shift? How was Connie..?”

"Her usual haughty self." Duffy replied, rolling her eyes.

“You stood up to her I hope,” He winked.

"Since when have I taken nonsense from snotty consultants?" She chuckled.

“Good!” He grinned.

"I learnt from the best." She smiled.

She knew just what to say to make his heart beat faster. “Well I have been very busy today,” He grinned.

"I noticed the bathroom, what else have you been up to?"

“There’s a few things in the lounge... I went shopping!” He smiled at her wholeheartedly.

Her eyes lit up at the idea of presents.

They finished their dinner and Charlie put everything in the dish washer.

"You can make that again."

“I’m glad you enjoyed it! Now do you fancy some dessert?”

"Ooh yes please!"

He stood up and took her hand, she stood up bemused. “It’s in the lounge,” He explained.

"Really?" She asked, her eyebrows knitted in confusion.

“Yup!” He answered, holding her hand as he lead her to the lounge.

"Do I need to close my eyes?" She giggled.

“Ooh good idea!!” He grinned, waiting for her to cover them with her free hand.

"Its a good job I trust you..!"

“So you should! Now no peeking!” He opened the door to the lounge.

"Just don't let me trip over!"

“I’ve got you,” He used the excuse of her almost stumbling, to put his arm around her.

"Can I open my eyes yet?" She asked as she felt him ease her down onto the sofa.

“Almost...” He moved a few things on the table.

"What are you doing?" She giggled.

“Nothing,” He replied, giggling.

"I feel like a right dork sat here with my eyes closed."

“You can open them now!”

Charlie had set up on the coffee table little bowls of her favourite sweets and fruit and some of her favourite movies were stacked in the middle.

"Well you have been busy..!" She gasped.

“I thought after your shift, you could do with a chill out? What’s better than a romantic film and your favourite snacks!?” He grinned.

"But you hate romantic films..."

“But you love them and they make you cry happy tears!” He smiled.

"You must be really sorry if you're prepared to sit through one of these movies." She remarked, looking through the stack.

“You could say that...” He smirked. “Just thought it would be nice to cuddle. I’ll try really hard to stay awake this time!”

"That'll make a change!" She chuckled.

“Which one do you want to watch?” He passed her a jelly snake.

"Hmm..." She considered her options. "This one!"

Charlie went to put in on, returning to her making herself comfy on the sofa.

"I've haven't watched this for ages." She smiled.

“Room for me?” He smiled, as she’d stretched out on the sofa.

"I suppose."

“Only suppose?” He joked.

"Well if you're going to fall asleep and start snoring midway through the film then you can go sit over there." She pointed to the armchair across the room.

“I’ll stay awake,” He pouted, running his hands over her legs which were now in his lap.

"Hmm..."

They started to watch the film, and already Duffy’s eyes began to water. Charlie reached for her hand.

She snuggled up to him under the blanket.

Charlie held her tight as her tears flowed at a sad bit in the film.

As the credits rolled she blew her nose before reaching for the snack bowl and discovering that it was empty.

Charlie looked sheepishly at her, but luckily had a bag of replacements next to the sofa.

"I should know by now not to trust you around sweets!" She teased.

“I needed the sugar, I was trying to stay awake!” He joked.

"So long as you're not hyper all night as a result." She chuckled.

“I can’t promise that!”

"So what now Romeo?"

Charlie snorted at her name for him. “Well Juliet, what do you fancy? Another film? Some more wine? An early night?”

"I'm not sure I'd make it through another film awake." She giggled.

“I’m so glad you said that!” He agreed.

"You got to go back to sleep this morning..!" She pouted playfully.

“Very true, are you sleepy then darling?”

"I will be in the next couple of hours."

“Do you want to snuggle in bed?”

"That sounds like a great idea. Do you need me to stay down here while you run off upstairs?" She smirked.

He laughed out loud, “I think we’re okay.”

"OK, well lead the way." She smiled.

“Up we go!” He smiled.

She giggled as he took her hand and led her upstairs.

When he got to their room, he stopped. “You go in first,” He smiled.

She raised an eyebrow but did as he suggested, pushing the bedroom door open slowly.

“Hope you like it...” He whispered.

She gasped as she looked around the room. She hadn't expected this at all.

Charlie had put up little fairy lights all over the room, put clean covers on the bed, with a new throw and scatter cushions. He’d bought her some new pyjamas which he left folded by her pillow and next to them lay a new velvet bag.

"You have been a busy boy!" She giggled.

“I’m exhausted!” He grinned.

"Aww, well its a good job it's bedtime then isn't it?"

“I bought you some new pyjamas, if you’d like to put them on..?” He smiled at her.

She wandered over to the bed and picked them up, feeling the fabric between her fingers. "Silk?" She asked, impressed.

Charlie nodded, “Super soft, I thought you’d like them.”

"I do." She smiled, untying her dressing gown belt and letting it fall to the floor, leaving her stood in just her knickers.

Charlie gulped hard, he hadn’t expected her to do that. He watched her intently.

Fully aware that she was being watched she slowly dressed in the pjs, letting out a sigh as the silken fabric slid over her skin.

Charlie was award he was transfixed. “They look great,” He mumbled.

She smiled as she turned around to face him. "I'm glad you think so."

“Beautiful!” He breathed.

A slight blush coloured her cheeks.

Both of them stood there, taking each other in, as if for the first time. “I’ve really missed you.” He sighed.

"Its been far too long."

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Priorities. Part 1b

“He was an idiot, so I’ve replaced him with a better version!” Charlie grinned.

"I hope you've kept the things I liked about the old version..?"

“I hope so, although you might have to remind me which things they were!”

Placing the tray on her lap she began to eat breakfast. "Well, you can be very charming and kind..."

“I’ll try to remember those!” He smiled.

She noticed there was a flower on the tray. "I see you haven't forgotten your romantic side." She smiled, picking up the flower and bringing it to her nose.

Charlie smiled weakly at her, he felt awful for putting work ahead of her and he knew that a flower wasn’t going to make it all better.

"Are you working tonight?"

Charlie shook his head, “I’ve changed my shift. Thought we could do with some quality time together...”

"Is that why you're awake so early? I bet Connie loved you calling her at five in the morning." There was a mischievous glint in Duffy's eyes.

“She wasn’t particularly pleased...” Charlie grimaced. “But I explained that I needed some time with my wife and this was non negotiable.” He grinned.

"Oh she's going to be in a great mood with me when I get into work then..!" Duffy smirked.

“I know... It was that or not seeing you at all...”

"I swear if she puts me on cleaning the sluice I will riot!"

“I did tell her that she better be nice to you today...”

"Well that's well and truly sealed my fate! Cleaning duties for me today."

“I’m sorry, I just thought it would be nice to actually have some time together...” He felt he couldn’t win.

"Oh Charlie..! I was teasing you." She nudged him.

“Ohh...” He laughed.

"Though on second thoughts I may need to punish you if she's mean to me all day..." Duffy smirked.

“Oh yeah? I think I could cope with that.” He laughed.

"I thought you might be able to." She grinned.

“God, I’ve missed you Duffy.” He moved closer to her.

"I've been here the whole time." She smiled as she rested her head against his shoulder.

Charlie wrapped his arms around her, breathing her in. “Thanks for not giving up,” he kissed her head tenderly.

"I briefly considered it but then I thought about how long we fought to get here."

“You considered it?” He whispered, the full gravity of the situation hitting him.

"For about thirty seconds."

Charlie exhaled, “Thank goodness for that!”

"Lovely as this is I'd best get ready for work." She sighed.

“I should have phoned you in sick shouldn’t I!?” He pondered aloud.

"Then we'd both be in big trouble with Connie!" She giggled.

“True! What do you fancy doing after your shift?”

"Why don't you surprise me?" She threw over her shoulder as she headed to the shower.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Priorities. Part 1a

Cowritten with @fairheads. Set towards the end of series 32. What might have happened if the writers had let Chuffy talk through their issues like the adults they are...

-x-

Duffy sighed as she scraped the plate of cold food into the bin. He'd sworn he'd be home by 8pm. It was now almost 10pm. She understood that it would take a bit of time for Charlie to get back into the swing of being nursing manager again but it was getting beyond a joke! He hadn't finished a shift on time in almost two months and seemed determined to put them on opposing shift patterns so they barely saw each other. She was beginning to feel like his wife in name only.

Charlie scratched his head, looking at the clock he realised he’d missed dinner again. He sighed, he hadn’t meant to let her down but had been stuck late at the department again. He picked up his phone to call her.

She heard the phone ring but ignored it, turning the TV up until she heard it click over to the answer machine.

“Duffy? Duffy? I’m sorry love. I should be home in half an hour. I... I’ll see you then.” Charlie left a voice mail, wondering if she had purposely not answered.

"I'll believe that when I see it!" She muttered darkly from the sofa as she heard him hang up.

Charlie made it home just before 11pm, later than he said. He was tired and hungry after a long day at the ED. Opening the door, he listened for a moment trying to figure out whether Duffy was still up watching tv or whether she’d gone to bed. He’d hoped the former was the case, he felt like he hadn’t seen her properly in weeks.

The sound of the TV blaring out floated through from the lounge.

Standing in the doorway, he lent against it. “Hey...” He greeted her softly. She was curled up at one end of the sofa, covered in a blanket, her head resting on her arm.

"I see you remembered where you live..." She muttered, not turning to face him.

He was surprised by her cutting remark. “I’m sorry love.” There wasn’t much else he could say.

"You're always sorry. Doesn't change anything though does it?"

“No.” He sighed, internally berating himself. He didn’t want to fight with her, he needed her support but she needed him too and he wasn’t there. Taking his coat off, he walked through to the kitchen, putting the kettle on and opening the fridge.

"If you're looking for your dinner it's in the bin." She called through from the lounge.

He was again surprised by her unkindness, it wasn’t like her. He didn’t respond, instead he grabbed some bread and popped it into the toaster. “Can I get you a cuppa?” He shouted through.

"I'm on the early shift tomorrow, remember?"

Charlie had forgotten, his head was all over the place. “So no tea?” He confirmed with her.

The only response he got was a snort of derision.

Charlie sat down at the kitchen table with his toast and tea, he’d had the shift from hell and now his home was a war zone to top it off.

Duffy remained on the sofa, staring at the TV but not taking any of it in. If she was honest she hadn't really been paying attention since she'd turned it on earlier that evening.

Charlie finished his supper. How did they get to this, sitting in separate rooms? Never any time to properly speak? It worried him.

Hearing Charlie place his plate in the dishwasher, Duffy turned off the TV and prepared to head upstairs to bed.

Charlie turned and almost literally bumped into her in the hallway. “Sorry,” He apologised. “You off to bed?”

"Its almost midnight and I have to be up at 5.30am, what do you think?"

Charlie swallowed his words and looked down at his feet. “I thought we might have some time to talk...”

"Maybe you should have thought about that three hours ago." She retorted.

“It was a bad shift, I tried really hard to get back love.”

"Funny how I can always make it home on time but you can't..."

Charlie sighed and reached for her hand but she pulled away.

"I'm going to bed." She turned and began to head up the stairs.

“Duffy...” He tried, rubbing his neck. “Please, love...” He tried again, but she was gone.

He grimaced as their bedroom door was slammed shut.

Charlie sat on the sofa alone, he was finding his new role difficult and he found it impossible to time manage effectively. He wrapped himself in the blanket, it smelled like her.

Duffy sat on their bed feeling utterly ridiculous for sulking like a child but she'd had enough.

Neither one of them moved, they were both stuck in their private hell, above and below each other.

After several minutes had passed, Duffy stood up from the bed and quickly got undressed, throwing on an old pair of pjs before climbing under the duvet.

Charlie fell asleep on the sofa, waking up an hour or so later, cold and stiff. He climbed up the stairs, unsure whether he should sleep in the spare room or not.

He tentatively pushed open the door to their bedroom. Duffy was curled up under the duvet, turned away from the door.

His bedside lamp was on and a fresh glass of water sat beside it along with his heart medication.

Charlie smiled when he saw what she’d done. It was something she’d done every night since they’d been together, but he hadn’t expected her to bother tonight - she was so cross with him. He got undressed as quietly as he could, trying not to wake her. Swallowing his tablets, he carefully got into bed and turned the light off.

Staring at the wall in the darkness she waited to see what he planned to do next, if he was serious about wanting to talk.

Charlie tried not to move at all so he wouldn’t wake her, she’d been pretty clear about her early shift and he didn’t want to piss her off any more!

After a few minutes she couldn't help but sneeze, giving away the fact that she was indeed still awake.

“Can’t sleep?” He whispered, rolling over to face her.

"Hmm..."

He reached for her hand.

She didn't pull away from his touch, instead just leaving her hand resting limply on the bed.

It was unlike her to be so unresponsive. “Want to talk?” He tried.

"Unless that talk includes you saying that you're sorry for being a totally crap husband recently and intend to do much better and actually mean it then no."

“Duffy...” He tried to get her to look at him.

"I'm starting to feel like I saw more of you when I lived on the other side of the bloody world!" She continued, still not rolling over to face him.

“Please turn over...” He urged, placing his hand on her hip.

She huffed and finally rolled over.

Charlie tenderly brushed her hair out of her face, cupping her cheek with his hand. “I’m so sorry Duffy, I’ve got this all wrong.”

"So you get that you have to actually put effort in to make a marriage work then?"

“I don’t want to lose you.” He stumbled over his words.

"I don't want to be taken for granted." She sighed.

“I thought I could do the job easily, thought it would be like putting on old slippers but everything’s taking me so much time. Tonight I really tried to get home in time to have dinner with you but it just seemed to be one thing after another. I didn’t mean to not have time for you. I’ve been really shit haven’t I?”

"I understand that it'll take you time to get back into the swing with the nursing manager job but why put us on opposing shifts? It's like you don't want to spend time with me." She sighed.

"The idea was that it would give us more time together." He sighed, “I guess I got it all wrong... I’ve been such an idiot.” He seemed genuinely remorseful.

"We promised each other that things would be different."

“I know and I want to work on us. I can do better. Can I try and make it up to you?”

"Depends what you had in mind."

“Anything... I’m sorry for being a totally crap husband recently and I intend to do much better and I actually mean it.” He echoed her earlier words.

"I understand your work is important to you, it's important to me too, but you need to remember that you have a life outside of that hospital."

“A very good life with a very wonderful woman...”

"Who doesn't appreciate being second best."

“Can you forgive me? Let me make it up to you?”

"You can try..."

“I’ll try to make sure I get home earlier and try to swap so we’re on same shift for a start. I want to prove to you that you’re the most important thing to me, can I do that?”

"Its a good start."

“How else I can I make it up to you?”

"You keep saying I'm special to you but actions speak louder than words."

“Point taken. Can I kiss you?”

"I suppose..." A small smile was slowly creeping onto her face.

He held her cheek, leaning in to kiss her softly. “I’ve missed you.” He whispered, kissing her again.

"I've missed you too. This bed is awful cold without you."

Charlie nodded, “I know and for a moment earlier I thought I should go sleep in the spare room but then I saw you’d put my meds and water out and I thought what am I playing at? I have this beautiful woman who has the biggest heart who still loves me even though I’ve been a complete idiot. And...” He was still rambling, when she kissed him.

"You are a complete idiot but you're my idiot."

“I’m glad you still think so... I’m really sorry about dinner, I was going to pick us up some wine and I’d planned having a lovely evening with you, showing you that you are important to me and then everything that could happen, happened and the clock was just ticking. I felt awful.”

"I'm sorry I threw your dinner away."

“I don’t blame you, it’s not like it’s the first time this week is it..?”

"Still... It was quite childish of me. I shouldn't be throwing temper tantrums like that at my age." She blushed.

“I think I deserved it. Thank you for talking to me.”

"I don't like going to sleep on an argument."

“It didn’t look like you were getting much sleep. It’s your shift soon though...”

"I fell asleep on the sofa earlier waiting for you to arrive home and its thrown me off."

“Wide awake now? Did you worry I wasn’t going to come back at all?”

"A couple of times you haven't."

“I know... I’m not proud of that. The thought of you all on your own here, when I should be with you...”

"I'm used to being on my own but I never thought you'd treat me like that."

Charlie felt ashamed of his behaviour. “Me neither...” He mumbled.

"You were there through it all, saw the crap I went through..." She sighed.

He nodded, “I know...” He ran his hands through his hair, he was uncomfortable with the guilt he felt.

There was an awkward silence between them for several minutes. "How did we end up in such a mess?" Duffy sighed, finally breaking the silence.

“I don’t know but it’s all my fault.”

"How about we both try harder? Both at work and at home."

Charlie nodded. “I might need a hand at work...”

"I've been waiting for you to ask."

“It’s all got a bit on top of me. I could do with some help...”

"So what do you say..?" She teased.

“I’ll try harder, I promise.” He smiled at her.

"A simple 'please will you help me?' would have sufficed."

“I think I can cope and then it all becomes a bit much and I’m not very good at asking for help. Please will you help me?”

"Yes I will help you, you silly, stubborn old man!" She chuckled softly.

“I’d appreciate that. And please will you tell if I’m getting this wrong again? You are the most important thing to me, I don’t want to upset you."

"OK. I will try."

“Time for a cuddle?” He asked.

"I suppose you've clawed your way far enough back into my good books..." She smiled.

He smiled, “I’m trying!”

"Very trying at times..."

He laughed, “Come here you... We haven’t had a hug in ages.”

She sighed contentedly as she shuffled over and he wrapped his arms around her.

He kissed her head as he held her in his arms. “I love you Mrs Fairhead and I’m really am very sorry.”

"It still makes my heart skip when you call me that." She admitted shyly.

“Mine too, which is why I know I’ve been a bloody idiot and I need to make it up to you.”

"Well you talk a good talk, now you've just got to back it up by walking the walk."

“I will. You should probably get some sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

"Yeh, sleep deprevation and twelve hour shifts don't mix well..." She yawned.

“Tell me about it! Night darling.”

Despite it only being a few hours til she had to get up for work Duffy slept better than she had in weeks. When her alarm woke her she was surprised to find Charlie also awake and a tray of breakfast waiting on the bedside table.

“Morning beautiful,” He smiled, as she stretched and groaned.

"What are you doing up?" She queried.

“I wanted to make you some breakfast before your shift?”

She tilted her head. "Who are you and what have you done with my husband?" She giggled.

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin

[chuffyfan87]

Growing Pains. Part 23e

Tilly went up to her mum.

Duffy pulled her middle daughter into a big hug. "Love you Tots."

“Love you too.”

#chuffy #charlie and duffy #charlie fairhead #lisa duffin