#captain dutton

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Tell me something, but say it with your hands slow When you touch me, paint me like a Van Gogh I wanna study every inch of you 'Til you trust me to make the angels come through

Like a choir singing, "Hallelujah" When my body's crashin' right into ya When we align, ooh yeah Do you feel me? Can you feel me? 'Cause I can't breathe

Where did you come from, baby? And were you sent to save me? Ooh There's God in every move, ooh And you're the living proof The way your hands can't shake me Soft to the touch like baby, ooh There's God in every move, ooh And you're the living proof 

Countin' freckles, as they run down your spine Show your demons, and I might show you mine One at a time, yeah, yeah What are you hidin'? What a design, yeah, yeah I wanna dive in, what a divine moment Can you feel me? Can you feel me? 'Cause I can't breathe

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Emmett had to carry you home. You refused to look at him, grumbling nearly all the way back, which made him sigh; “I did warn you.” “This is embarrassing-!” You weren’t exactly sure how you’d done it either, but you’d certainly done something to all the muscles up your right hand side over your ribs. It felt like cramps and knots rather than a strain... but you couldn’t tell yet. And you thought you were okay, until it started audibly popping. Which you knew wasn’t normal, and it hurt to move - so there was no way you were walking all the way home. Besides as soon as Emmett heard it and started showing concern you knew you were done for.

Okay, you probably would have. But this was Emmett Dutton you were talking about so, of course he had to be the gentleman and carry you back. And you were making sure he knew that you were none too happy about that. “A bath will probably fix you right up.” You folded your arms with a pout - “That’s the best you can come up with? All that army training and bath is the best you can do-!?” “Funny, usually you’re not one for complaining about things like that…” He opened the door and you gasped; “Why-! Emmett--! What are you suggesting!?” But the look on his face only made you laugh as he closed the door with his foot, and then you winced. “Okay, I’ll behave. If you think the bath is the best place for me…  please, do take me to the bath, good Sir!” He shook his head, with a grin, “Oh stop!” Emmett took the stairs gently, making sure your body was still well supported. He entered the bathroom and paused with a small frown of his own, “What?” “Well I can’t actually put you in a bath still dressed, can I?” He swivelled, eyes searching the room for somewhere he could sit you, Emmett held you that little bit tighter too conscious of dropping you. “AH!” In the corner of the bathroom was a spare chair you usually placed towels and clothing on whilst you bathed – Emmett pulled this to the side of the bath sat you delicately on it, “Perfect.” You shook your head at him, with a small smile as he began to run the water, “I don’t think you know the meaning of the word.” That tone in your voice had him raising his head to you slowly, and that look on your face had blush dusting his. “D-Don’t you start.” You batted your eyes innocently, “But you are.” He pointed at you, backing up to find your favourite soap; “You were complaining at me less than 15 minutes ago!” You sighed gently, tipping your head and placing your arm across it for dramatic effect, “Oh but, Emmett, I’ve seen the error of my ways.” He very nearly stuttered through his next sentence, pouring a little more than necessary; “S-Stop it-! I’m n-not undressing you!” You tsked, “Oh, you’re no fun.” His laugh was strained as he left the room to collect you fresh towels and clothing, “I think the word you just used was perfect.” You shook your head, watching the bubbles begin to form in the hot water, and the steam rise in gentle clouds. As the bath continued to fill you decided not to waste time waiting for him to return and stood gingerly, slipping your clothes from your body yourself. You had to be careful at how delicate your side was behaving, but there was no visible bruise – so hopefully it would just be a cramp that needed heat to unwind. You didn’t even want to help him by throwing them on the back of the chair, instead leaving them strewn around the bathtub, before you shut the water off and stepped in. Emmett had the temperature just right, you would certainly give him that. You slipped beneath the water and let out a sigh of content, resting your head against the tub with a soft smile. He was perfect – and you weren’t about to let him forget it, especially when his blushes were always so damn cute. You heard his footfalls coming back towards you moments later, and as they reached the bathroom floor, even when you weren’t watching you heard his stumble. Then Emmett’s slight cough as he regained composure, but hesitated in walking across the bathroom to you. Sure he’d collected good soft towels for you, and fresh comfortable clothing, but he knew what was bound to happen if he got anywhere near you. The last thing you were going to do was stay in that water… beneath the bubbles at least. What you knew, of course, was that Emmett also wasn’t about to leave the contents of his arms anywhere but the chair next to you. To make him a little more comfortable you didn’t open your eyes, and kept taking relaxed breaths. A silent promise that you weren’t going to move like he thought you would. Emmett skirted the room, getting as close as he dared before placing the towels on the chair, eyeline everywhere but the bath, and yet he could still feel himself getting hot under the collar. And for a moment he hated that you knew all his ticks so well; because he also wasn’t about to leave the bathroom floor a mess. Gathering your skirt and shirt, he sighed gently at the way your underwear was just strewn nonchalantly at the foot of the bathtub; collecting these too Emmett couldn’t help but look up to the sound of movement through the water. A fateful mistake, as he came face to face with you, your head resting on your folded arms – inches from his face. His pretty blue eyes were suddenly wide, and they begged you not to move. Your slow blink was just as innocent before, your voice full of sugar; “Oh, Emmett, you’re such a sweetie. What would I do without you?” “Uh, I…” His eyes couldn’t help but trace the lines of your face, the sweet little smile you were giving him, your soft skin and the water droplets now running from it, the way the ends of your hair were now darkened, having already been soaked, giving them a gentle curl, the colour rising on your own cheeks at the temperature of the water. You reached out with a hand, knowing he was already immobilized; your touch was so warm and yet he couldn’t help but almost shake as you pulled him in for a gentle kiss. “Thank you.” “Y-You’re welcome.” His eyes still held yours, but Emmett was bashful – and suddenly in the silence he backed up, “Wait! NO!” He stood, face flushing again, “You-!” You sunk back into the water, “Aw, come on Captain… I could do worse.” “I’m leaving you here in peace! You’ll be the death of me at this rate-!” But your eyes and the pout on your lips worked like a charm and you patted the chair again; “And leave me alone? Oh… But Emmett! You wouldn’t, would you?” He swallowed hard, looking to the clothing in his arms, “Just… let me put these in the wash.” But he pointed at you, “No tricks.” “I promise.” Although you could only promise him anything but.

*** Emmett sat gingerly when he returned, as far from you on the chair as he could get, still wary of you and your feminine whiles. He knew what you were capable of, and wasn’t the least bit fooled by the innocent look on your face – and as if to prove he would be ignoring you, he set a folded newpaper across his lap, but he did spend a little longer than he thought necessary surveying the water. Steam was still rising, and he hoped that would help you. You drew your hand from the water and held it out for his; Emmett’s sigh was gentle, but he took it, running his thumb affectionately over the back of yours; “How are you feeling?” You nodded, with a soft smile, “Better. Thank you… You always do know best.” “Well,” His smile held all his adoration as he looked to your face, “Anything for my best girl.” That made you blush at least a little; he was honestly such a gentleman, whatever you did to get him, you were only ever intent on keeping him. There was silence for a moment, before he chuckled; “This seems awfully familiar!” Your mind flicked back to his return from Darwin, and your heart caught for a moment; “Hardly as serious…” But you gripped his hand a little tighter; talking about it still scared you, “I’m so glad it’s all over…” “Mhm…” Emmett’s hand slipped from yours and he stroked your hair, “Me too… At least life has a little more normality now.” There was some truth in that, he was stationed back here with you, where he belonged – currently. Although you’d already vowed to him that any movement he made from now on would take you with him. You nodded, closing your eyes and sliding your body further into the hot soapy water – lying still for a moment. Emmett kept his hand on the side of the tub for a moment, pausing to watch you – you were calm and serene, and he couldn’t help but stare at you in complete adoration for a minute. The colour that flushed your cheeks now was gorgeous, and you looked so content and happy. “How’s the side?” “Better…” He watched the water stir as you pressed your hand over your ribcage; “…Yeah. It doesn’t hurt as much.” “As long as it’s working…” You nodded once more, and even though your eyes were closed you continued to smile, bringing your hands back up to run them through your hair. He wanted to tear his eyes away from you, to sit here and keep you company whilst you relaxed; that was the right thing to do, that’s what Emmett would normally do. But it was the way that you had been staring at him from over the rim of the bath that got his eyes sweeping the water and him swallowing hard. You caught him at it; eyes cracked open – that smile turned quickly to a smirk, and his hand was in perfect grabbing distance.

“WOAH!” He had to steady himself on the other side of the bath with his right hand, left pulling from yours, but now resting against your shoulder. Emmett mere inches from touching the water himself; you tsked with a pout – surely his army training had been the thing to save him. Water sloshed from side to side and spilled to the bathroom floor with the force of his weight against the tub, you were sure he’d love that just as much. You were a little annoyed but it didn’t stop you from looping your arms around his neck; “If you’re going to spend so much time staring, Captain, you might as well join me…” “Y-Y/N!” Once again Emmett was flushed and stammering, but he hadn’t pulled away from you, “Stop!” Your hand ran from around his neck to over his chest, and his breathing became shallow as you continued to pull him closer. “Just kiss me, Captain…” He moved his hand from your shoulder to the tub, resting just to the side of your head, but Emmett knew better than fighting back, and lowered himself another inch to brush his lips to yours. Another mistake on his part, because you pulled him to you tighter, and when he pulled back he found himself lifting you from the water – body pressed against his. His sigh against your lips was soft at how warm your body felt against him; you were still kissing on him, and clinging to his shoulders to let him know you weren’t about to let him go. You released his lips and Emmett was breathless, so off guard that he was basically speechless, and you knew you had him right where you wanted him – tugging him back into the bath with you by his shirt collar. The front of his shirt was soaking and now plastered to his skin, and you’d assume that the back was the same at this point. You curiously glanced down the rest of his body, noticed his spattered trousers from the force of the water pouring over the side. Your eyebrow raised and you looked back to him; “Oh, Ooops…” “Y-You-!” He attempted to protest, and you pushed a finger to his lips, “Hush-! Join me…” “Y/N!” His eyes were wide and voice shocked by the notion. “Darling, you might as well…” You looked back to his clothing, hands sliding to the first few buttons, the first one was undone but as you travelled to the second his hand caught both of yours – but that only brought him closer to you as his right hand struggled to support his weight against the wet surface of the tub. “Y/N! This isn’t proper--!!” But you could still move your hands under his to undo that second button, and you leant up to kiss him again; “This is my house, and you are my partner…” third button, your next kiss was to his jaw “…we’re not in Darwin, we’re not at a party, we’re not in public…” then his neck, and Emmett slipped again, this time with a quiet moan, suddenly his shirt was even more soaking, and his body was pressed back against yours, “…And I love you.” But you hardly thought you needed to say that. His eyes met yours, clearly embarrassed as he stood straight, water cascading from him and to the floor. Emmett wiped the droplets from his face and ran his hands through his hair with a soft sigh; “You are… you know exactly what you…” He panted again, unable to finish, “I…” You waited for him to make a sentence, to say anything even coherent, but his fingers were already on his own buttons. His hands were shaking, you sat straight, and beckoned him back to you; “Baby let me help you with those…” Emmett’s resistance was gone, and he took your offered hand to allow you to pull him back to undo his shirt. It fell to the floor with no resistance – and it wasn’t long until the rest of his clothes joined. You bit your lip gently and huddled your body to let his join yours in the other end of the bath. Yet you didn’t leave him to get relaxed. Pushing forward through the water you wrapped your arms around him again, lips back on his, he embraced your body close to his; and with the temperature you couldn’t tell if the red in his cheeks was embarrassment or the heat – but you thought you knew the answer. He tangled his legs with yours as you ran your fingers through his hair; and the harder you kissed him, the further you pressed your body into his, the more delicious his stifled little moans became – Emmett always tried to keep them to himself. You always thought that odd; like he thought the whole damn street would automatically know you were having sex. (Though, had to admit to yourself that sometimes you wanted them to know what he was capable of doing to you). That only made you even more delighted when you managed to pull a real one from him; lips to his neck and grinding your body into his. He sighed your name, and then again, his grip on your body tightening as you smirked into his skin. Emmett gasped, and his fingernails dug into you, nudging your head he pleaded to capture your lips with his once more and you allowed him as much of you as he wanted – gasping as he gained the confidence to explore you. You were a marvel to him, every single inch of you beautiful, heaven sent. And yet even you knew that he was the real Angel here. The pain in your side was quite forgotten by now as other feelings stirred within both of you. You continued to grind against him until Emmett could barely breathe, he couldn’t kiss you, his head tipped back and his breaths became short and sharp pants; “Y/N-! Y/N! P-Please S-stop! Stop!” You did as he asked and stilled, waiting for him to calm down, which he did – slowly, and as his head raised you placed your forehead to his; both your eyes lust rimmed, and both of you gently panting. “Sorry, baby, I…” need you… I don’t just want you I need you… It was his turn to hush you, “I know…” His laugh was nervous, “I know…” but he kissed you gently once more, embracing you tighter, running his hands over your bare shoulders he placed a kiss to your forehead, before turning your body in the water. It was still at a moderate temperature, and you could spend some quality time together like this; your back pulled into his chest. Emmett looped his arms around your waist, and relaxed you both against the side of the tub, kissing your ear, back of your neck and finally your shoulder. You smiled gently; “Do we get to finish this later?” There wasn’t bashful silence this time, and you were met with a chuckle; “Perhaps.” You looked back at him; “…You’re really something else, Emmett Dutton.” His gentle blue eyes were inquisitive, maybe even confused, “I am?” “Yes.” You breathed, reaching back to pull his lips to yours once more, before resting your head against the side of his; “A real gentleman.” Then you giggled, “I’m not sure I am deserving.” He didn’t like that you’d say that, and shook his head, “No. No. I won’t hear a word of it.” His hands massaged you comfortingly under the water, “You deserve no less. I am humbled by your presence.” It was your turn to blush horribly at that, “Oh… Emmett…”

 *** The rest of the bath didn’t end without a few good old-fashioned hand wandering and teasing shenanigans, but as you dried and dressed each other between gentle kisses you both knew that in the end, bath time cuddles were the best medicine. Emmett still insisted on checking your side, but was happy that you looked absolutely fine – you insisted you also felt it, but dressed in more comfortable clothing, Emmett also insisted that you sit quietly with him whilst he read the paper; because, pulling him into the bath meant he hadn’t quite got around to doing that.

You got to be cuddled up with him, and closed your eyes to inhale his warm inviting scent, and because of the bathing products – he also smelt faintly of you. That gave you a little bit of an ego boost, and you desperately tried to think of something to send him down the road to do, any small errand – just to say Yes, he smells like me, because he’s MINE. But you couldn’t think of a good excuse, and so in your arms he stayed, which in all honestly you probably preferred, you could keep him all to yourself here. “Now I might actually get to read this!” He flipped over another page, surprised you were staying remarkably still. That raised a smirk from you, head on his chest; “OH! Don’t be so sure-!” Emmett tsked, almost knowing he shouldn’t have said anything and continued reading, until he noticed that something interesting was going on in your little town; “Are we engaged tonight?” You peered at him from underneath your lashes; “I believed we were finishing off from the bathtub…” His nervous chuckle was back, “Could… Could we go out instead?” “Instead-!?” You pretended to protest, but knew that considering what you’d just been thinking, you would love to have the Captain on your arm. “Well, alright, as well as-!” You pretended to think hard, “That depends. Where are you taking me tonight?" Emmett nodded to the paper; "Oh, they're showing that new Kathner film at the picture house..." You immediately brightened; "Kathner!? Now there's a good-looking man!" It was an obvious tease, but Captain Dutton fell for it anyway; "Y/N!" You grinned; "Nearly as good looking as you!" "Y/N!!" You pressed a finger to your lips in thought; “I wonder if he’s ever filmed any steamy bath scenes…” Emmett covered his face, in potential embarrassment for you as well as himself; “Stop it or we’re not going.” Your grin was however triumphant; “You don’t really want me to stop, do you Emmett? Baby… Me?” You batted your eyelashes and then took his hand, “I would love to go to the pictures to see a Kathner film with you...” You looked to the clock, “I think we can finish before the film starts-!” He sighed, with a gentle roll of his eyes; “Remind me what I’m going to do with you…?” You threw his paper to one side, looping your arms around his neck and straddling him suddenly – certainly a bold move – “What you always do incredibly well, Captain. Love me.” 

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__________ So we back in the club With our bodies rockin' from side to side Thank God the week is done... No control of my body Ain't I seen you before? I think I remember those eyes, Keep downing drinks like there's No tomorrow there's just right Now, now, now, now, now, now Hands up, when the music drops Put your hands on my body Swear I seen you before I think I remember those eyes 'Cause baby tonight, D-J got us fallin' in love again Yeah, baby tonight, D-J got us fallin' in love again So dance, dance, Like it's the last, Last night of your life, life Gonna get you right Cause baby tonight, D-J got us fallin' in love again ---  All it was meant to be was a night out with your girls at the karaoke bar. Sure that bar also gave everyone a break from horrendous (increasingly drunk) singing, because it also had a dance floor, but you weren’t here for that. Whether you would end up on it or not... was another matter... Being with your girls was only one of two reasons you were out here. Because you were hoping to catch the eye of someone else. You could tell just by looking at him that he wasn’t usually the type to come to something like this. But it’d been a couple of months since the far beyond cute Captain Dutton had caught your eye across the mess hall, and whilst passing him today you’d inquired as to if he was coming out tonight; “Oh I-” “I just know a lot of the barracks are going, so I thought you might...” “No it’s, just that I- it’s not really my scene...” “Oh... not even for one night?” Your look did your pleading for you, and he gave a soft sigh and a smile “Okay, one night... now go on, before your drill sergeant catches you.” “Yes, Sir!” You responded with a grin, back straight - before you jogged off to your next drill exercise. You were a tough girl by all accounts and had got into the army through no small feat. Your aim to always add a little feminine charm, and beat all the boys while you were at it. You’d already outpaced a few of them on both running, and obstacle drills - and stood at the end, arms folded behind your back with a little smirk; “What, too hard for you guys?” Sometimes that landed you a little in trouble, but, you mostly stuck to the rules. You did know what was good for you, sort of. And the Captain... He could definitely be good for you.  Emmett Dutton was the quiet type. And if he wasn’t where he was, and at the rank he was at, you would almost say he was the shy type. Maybe he was, maybe he was just good at this. He seemed to make friends with all his peers and you figured, once you started crushing on him, that it wouldn’t be too hard to make friends with him yourself.  Of course, your own friends figured out pretty easily (because you kept staring at him whenever he was in the same room... even when you were supposed to be listening to someone else brief you) that you had a crush. And the teasing became relentless. Luckily it hadn’t spread around the entire barracks yet but, every time you saw Emmett pass by and you gave each other a smile they would sigh dreamily, pretend to swoon and say “Oh captain! My Captain!”. Which only led to them getting punched in the arm - but it wouldn’t be long until people caught on. Especially since you’d started keeping Emmett up to date with your schedule, and he would come around if he had free time to watch you. You had figured out by now that it happened often enough for it to be more than just ‘passing by’ as you often heard him announce to the officer in charge that day. Which only made the girls wiggle their eyebrows and nudge you. “Shut up!” you hissed, “He’s clearly here for—!”  Except, when you’d finished up, he might also decide to catch you and say something akin to ‘great work’. And you had to listen to your friends try to hold their laughter and screeching in whilst still being respectful of his title. Of course, once he was out of ear shot you couldn’t help but laugh with them laughing at you. Emmett was going to get you in all kinds of trouble, and to be honest, you didn’t mind the prospect all that much.  ***  So half your night tonight had been incredibly fun - singing along to every song in the three of you’s repertoire. With the singing becoming screaming and both it, and the song choices, becoming increasingly cheesy & bad as the night progressed and you consumed a little more alcohol. In the end, half of the words were lost to giggling. To the point where, inevitably, they shut down the entire thing for the night and the DJ began pumping out hit after hit. Leaving you all to huddle onto a bench table and chat away. But it must have been at least an hour and he still hadn’t turned up yet... and you weren’t about to sit here and wallow in self-pity (even though you were).  But then in he walked. Looking about as shy and hesitant as you expected. And also better perhaps than you had even seen him in uniform. His shades were tucked into the front of his shirt, even though it was late evening. You wondered if he had managed to take some of the day off since you’d invited him out, then. As today even you had found time to lay on the grass and bask in the sun’s warm rays. It had been a good one by all accounts. It was about to get even better. You hoped. Emmett was wearing a black shirt over white, sleeves rolled up to give further effect to that contrast, dark jeans that looked almost stone washed, and black lace ups - you thought that was likely about as casual as he got. And yet you were almost surprised, with his hair still near perfect, that he looked that casual. Your mood instantly picked up, suddenly alert, you leant forward with a smile. He’d come, you’d asked him to come and he had! He looked around for a moment and to your annoyance, spotted his friends first. “...Ahhh—!!” Both your friends suddenly leant on you as they also noticed him. “If it isn’t your Captain!!” “Shut up!!” You pushed them to no avail but kept your eyes on him, still smiling. He smiled too, and then he laughed.  And your heart fluttered softly; damn this crush... damn him for making you feel this way, and want to fall so deeply into this. Emmett ordered his drink with his friends, still laughing with them - before he turned to admire the rest of the bar. And as his eyes scanned around you realised that he was looking for someone. And then he saw you, and the smile he gave was unlike one you had ever seen from him. He offered a wave “Hi!” “Hey-!” You mouthed back; knowing you were smiling in a similar fashion. “You’re blushing.” You turned back to your girls, both of them staring at you bluntly “What-!?” “Blushing—!” The problem was you knew you were, and now they had mentioned it you could feel your face heating up, but you swivelled back to the bar intent on ignoring their jibes at you... By this time he was sipping beer smoothly, and edging away from his friends. They were pushing his arm and laughing as much at him as your friends were at you. You noticed that he laughed back, and held his hands up like it was hardly his fault. Emmett took a few steps away, then laughed and turned back as they all began cat-calling to him. “Shut up!” You saw him say before he turned back to them and got a little animated as they all started laughing again. From over here you couldn’t hear them but you could imagine the banter. If Emmett was even half as proper in his down time as he was dressed in uniform, then this was likely to cause quite the stir with people who weren’t his friends. So he walked, all the way across the bar, to you. “Hey...” His voice was just as soft as his demeanour “Emmett...” it almost felt strange to call him by his first name, but, he wasn’t the captain when he wasn’t in uniform. “You came.” “Well...” he gave a gentle shrug, “You asked me to, didn’t you? Would you... like a drink?” “I...” you indicated to your own “Think I’ve maybe had... a few too many...” “Oh...” he looked a little disappointed, and took another sip of his own, “...Well then...” he held his hand out “... Dance with me.” “Wh-!?” You probably couldn’t have sounded more surprised as your friends stared at each other in disbelief. “Well, the music is up, if you don’t want another drink and you invited me here, I believe that I should at least offer you a dance...” You took a deep breath, hardly daring to believe this was real, and took his hand; “...And I will accept your dance, Captain...”  As he pulled you from your seat, both yours and his friends whistled - ear piercing enough to cut through the music and have you both laughing; “You must forgive my friends...!” Emmett took your other hand in his as he smiled, “But, um, things like this are a rare occurrence for me...” You giggled, “Maybe I should change that.” A slight blush crossed his cheeks as he bit his lip through his smile; “I - haha - wouldn’t be adverse to that...” You gave a sweet smile, and accompanying wink; “Me either.” “Be careful, you haven’t seen me dance yet!” You both laughed at that; “Oh, Y/N, you must forgive me my lateness... There were a few things I needed to attend to back at barracks, and I was waylaid a little longer than I ought to have been...” You shook your head, “I... I’m just glad you’re here... and I understand...!” It was his job after all, and you knew Emmett would have put anything he had to do for his men first. You gave a grin, “Don’t worry! You didn’t miss much!! Just karaoke!” He laughed, “Oh goodness! How could I?!” You returned a cheeky wink; “Exactly! It was the best bit!” “Well, hopefully you dance as well as you sing.” “Oh no!” You laughed harder “Then you’d be in trouble Emmett!” “Why!?” His smile was still sweet, “Because you would show me up?” “The complete opposite Captain I assure you!” He raised an eyebrow, “Nonsense!” The beat to the next song started and he grinned, “Time to put your money where your dance moves are!!” You had to raise an eyebrow yourself at that, because this man did not appear to you to be a dancer. But, here you were – in civvies – on a dancefloor in a tiny bar having the time of your life.  He took your hands and led you, through jam after jam, after jam. Sometimes he was your dance partner, and sometimes it was nothing short of a dance off. But then the DJ decided to turn it up a notch, and you noticed even his friends and yours, who had been watching you all night, clamour to get out on the floor with you. Emmett and yourself paused, looking around, you recognised the hit another club classic from 2010; “Is this DJ got us falling in love?!” “…That’s subtly ironic…” He mused, with a gentle chuckle. And his eyes fell back to you – your face read curious, even though you picked up on his meaning right away. But the smile on your face transformed into a grin; “…Only… subtly…” And so both of you sang along to every word – and became the literal embodiment of the phrase dance like no one is watching, even though you were both aware,that everyone in this little bar – even those also dancing – were watching you. He moved with you like you’d been doing this for more than just a few hours – but maybe you’d both somehow been able to commit each other’s movements to memory. You weren’t sure you’d enjoyed yourself this much in ages. Hands up, no cares or worries. Only him. Only each other. And this music. *** Top that! You would have said, as everyone stayed on the floor for the next few songs. But you knew it wouldn’t happen. You were having fun out here and although you realised the night was going to end, and likely soon, it was the last thing you wanted to happen. You were both seeing things in each other you’d never seen before. And tomorrow it would be back to formalities and calling him Captain – standing that little bit straighter when he walked by, and keeping everything as respectful as was commanded. No – apparently the evening could be topped. Because the DJ decided to end the night not on another incredible classic that would keep everyone out here. But a ridiculous slow dance. To which the majority of people groaned and evacuated the dancefloor – there were couples here though, that stayed – and friends that decided they hardly cared the type of song, they were determined to be the last ones out on the floor. You thought Emmett would be as likely to pull away too; but he didn’t. Instead he kept a firm grasp on your hand, and as you turned to leave, drew you to him. “No, no… Y/N? You’d leave me at the last song?” “This song?” “…Yes, this song!” “But… Captain I…” “…Emmett.” He held you closer as he corrected you, hand in yours to begin an faultless sway, you guessed this did seem like more of his kind of music, “…You need not be so formal with me.” “In a few minutes that’s exactly what I will have to be.” “Why?” “Because that’s who you are…” “But to you I don’t have to be. Not outside…” Your lips parted as your eyes flicked between his, “Subtly ironic…” “Mmm Hmm…” Emmett was serious. He was talking about dating. He was talking about real relationships. You & him. Not just a crush… “MM hmmm…” You looked away from his gently blue eyes, biting your lip, and could feel the blush raising on your cheeks instead. The song finished and he stepped away from you with a gentle bow. “Thank you.” “For dancing with you?” Your returned his bow with a beautiful beaming smile “…No, Emmett, thank you for coming...!” “It was nothing…” “To me, it was everything…” you let your hand slip from his, but the smile remained. “We should do this again.” “Yes…” He ran a hand through his hair; “And more than once.” “You asking me on a date?” He laughed, bashfully, “I think so…” “Multiple dates!?” you clarified. That laugh turned to a grin, aimed more at the floor than you; “…Yes. I guess…” You nodded in acceptance; “I suppose I should say I can’t wait to see you on the dance floor again?” You got to hear that gorgeous laugh from him again; “...My sentiments exactly!”

---

______ I really can't stay (Baby it's cold outside) I gotta go away (Baby it's cold outside) This evening has been (Been hoping that you'd drop in) So very nice (I'll hold your hands they're just like ice) So really I'd better scurry (Beautiful please don't hurry) Well maybe just a half a drink more (Put some records on while I pour)

The neighbors might think (Baby it's bad out there) Say what's in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there) I wish I knew how (Your eyes are like starlight now) To break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell) I ought to say no, no, no sir (Mind if move in closer?) At least I'm gonna say that I tried (What's the sense of hurtin' my pride?) I really can't stay (Baby don't hold out) Baby it's cold outside I simply must go (Baby it's cold outside) The answer is no, no, no (But baby it's cold outside) The welcome has been (How lucky that you dropped in) So nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm) You've really been grand, (I feel when I touch your hand) But don't you see? (How can you do this thing to me?) There's bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my life long sorrow!) At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died!) I really can't stay (Get over that old out) Baby it's cold outside ---

Emmett Dutton had been trying to get you to desist for goodness knows how long, and he thought this time you might actually let him make it to the door; “Y/N! It’s not like it’s snowing!” “Yes, but look at it!! It’s bitter-!” “I have to get back-!” “You don’t have to do anything-! Stay-!” He sighed gently, “Y/N! I should go...” This little persuasion of yours had been going on for about an hour - and so far had worked like a charm. Because if there was one thing you knew, it was this: Captain Emmett Dutton couldn’t resist you. Proper though he may have been, which is exactly why he wanted to leave now, there was something about you that made bending that strong will of his worth it. On occasion.

Clearly he didn’t think the coldest temperatures on record in your area were a valid reason to stay with you and not head back to barracks. You thought that was stupid - what if something happened to him in the cold and dark-!? And anything could; who would know!? Who would be around?!

In your opinion, it was much safer for him here. And that wasn’t just a tease, or you being selfish with his time, it was a genuine fear. God forbid you let him go and never see him again. “I have a coat and jacket, I’ll be fine!” You pinned yourself to the door in front of him, and he hesitated with shrugging it on; “Y/N...” “One more drink...” “I’ve already had one more one more drink. I think that I should-” Emmett stopped short, looking into your big round innocent eyes, and sighed. Hanging it back up; “Fine... one more drink...” Truth is he didn’t want to leave you alone on a cold dark night either. But he knew the correct thing to do was depart; he didn’t want more people talking than necessary. And Emmett knew your little town. They may not be as bad as Darwin, but they were still bad. And they would certainly talk back at base if he didn’t check back in tonight. He had the advantage of rank to stop the chatter though, you did not. “Put a record on, darling...” You kissed his cheek gently, and swept through into the kitchen. He sighed gently, eyes following you. “Any preference?” “No - Baby – Captain’s choice.” He chuckled at that and drew his finger carefully along your collection, muttering titles until he found one you would both enjoy.

“Good choice!” Your approval was called from where you were standing as you waltzed back over to him, glasses in hand. The dress you were wearing moved gracefully with you, and he couldn’t help beaming. You always dressed up for him, even though you didn’t need to. He knew you would look perfect in anything... but he sure appreciated it when you did. Emmett took one from you, with a smile of appreciation. “Thank you...” “You’re very welcome...” You glanced back at the window, “Emmett... you can’t really want to go out when it’s so cold?” He shook his head, watching you, were you really about to do this all night?; “It’s not that far-!” “By truck or car maybe! But you’ll be walking! That’s so dangerous! Anything could happen.” He laughed “Let me clarify that this will be for my safety, rather than you just wanting me to stay.” You couldn’t keep your face straight; “Of course!” “Y/N... I’m serious this time. When I finish this drink, I must go.” “Is my company so bad?” Emmett looked hurt that you would pretend to be hurt; “No. I adore your company darling, and you know that... but this is not proper of either of us.” You sighed “What if you get lost?” He almost choked on his sip that you would entertain that; “I know my way back!” “In the dark-!? Alone-!?” “Do you have such little faith!?” “No I must simply try everything—!” He allowed you to wind your arms around him, “What about frostbite-!? Hypothermia-!?” “Y/N... Darling... I don’t think it’s quite cold enough for anything that bad to set in...” “I’d still feel terrible if you got sick!” “It shouldn’t be too bad.” “Oh no... Emmett...” You shook your head, as he wound an arm gently around you also; “You simply must stay, I will not allow you out in such weather!”

 *** But he stayed through another two or three drinks, and by then it was (very) early morning. And Emmett decided to sip them slow if for no other reason than making sure he wasn’t too tipsy when he would need to walk home. God forbid any of your fears be realised. But then he was once again taking you gently but firmly by the shoulders and telling you he had to go; “Your neighbours will talk!” “Yes, and when have you been averse to talk!?” “What would your family say!? Y/N... My dearest, I will not allow your reputation to be tarnished by my staying with you...” “I don’t care!” You protested, taking his hands in yours again “Well I do. And that should matter just as much.” “It does... Emmett, but... I care just as much about your wellbeing...” “I know...” the Captain hushed you with a soft trail of kisses; your forehead, your nose, your lips. “...But I really must get on. I will be in just as much trouble - and that’s no good for either of us...” You sighed gently, knowing exactly what that meant – probably that he wouldn’t be allowed out to see you again for a little while; “You think they would make the exception! And surly as a Captain.” “You do not think I’ve thought of every plausible scenario? My darling, it simply will not work...”

He removed his hands from yours, but you tipped your head getting ideas of your own. That means somewhere in his head he’d considered it - and Emmett had already stayed this long that you felt there would be no one around to even know he hadn’t left. Save, possibly having to sneak out in the morning... but then you weren’t sure you wanted that for him either. But you wanted your Captain to stay, you were too lonely without him as it was. What was one night? He was the absolute shining example of good behaviour; you didn’t see how this could even be a black mark for him. But he was a good man. A gentleman. And he wouldn’t want it to be a threat as much as you didn’t want him to have them. And Emmett had made up his mind about how this was also good for you, so, it was now completely out of the question.

“Darling. I love you... I do... truly...” He kissed you again, hoping that perhaps he could kiss away the disappointment on your face; “but I must be off... and you must try to get some rest too...” he headed back to the front door. You very slowly in tow, trying and failing to show some mercy on him for needing to leave. Whilst also desperately clinging to the hope that something could make him stay.

Jacket on and smoothing his hair back to also replace his officers’ hat - he still took his sweet time. Emmett was fighting with himself enough for you to realise that both halves of him were fighting for you. And then it clicked. He reached for the door, and you took a few steps forward, the voice you used perhaps a little louder than you anticipated in the urgency to spill the idea from your lips; “Well if you won’t stay for any of those reasons... stay for me!” He stopped and turned back to you. That was your very last-ditch effort. Standing there looking more than just a little upset. Eyes pleading with him.

Emmett turned around, and your heart sank for just a minute, you thought he would say ’No’, try to explain himself again, and leave before he could think on it any longer. But something else happened. Instead he relaxed his hands, bowing his head to the door as if asking it to forgive him and exhaled, pulling his jacket back down his arms. He twisted slowly back to you - replacing his things on the coat stand, his eyes didn’t quite find yours at first, a little guilty. Then he gave a shrug, and a tender smile - raising his eyes back to you; “Well... They can’t tell me I didn’t try...” You laughed - and if tears did indeed spill they were of joy - and you surged forward, sprinting the short corridor to run into his arms. You caught Emmett in a tight embrace.

Good. At least you could make sure he was safe and warm here...

--- Thank you for reading!!!

@mandy23b​ @mfolcore​ 😘💙💜

_________

I believe kids oughta stay kids as long as they can ...Go climb a tree, get dirt on their hands I believe we gotta forgive and make amends 'Cause nobody gets a second chance to make new old friends I believe in working hard for what you've got Even if it don't add up to a hell of a lot I believe them streets of gold are worth the work But I still wanna go even if they were paved in dirt I believe that youth is spent well on the young 'Cause wisdom in your teens would be a lot less fun I believe if you just go by the nightly news Your faith in all mankind would be the first thing you lose I believe most people are good And most mama's oughta qualify for sainthood I believe you love who you love Ain't nothing you should ever be ashamed of I believe this world ain't half as bad as it looks I believe most people are good

---

noun

an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.

the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need.

Adelaide. Dutton didn’t think he’d ever seen something so beautiful in his entire life. Having said that it could have been anything. After Darwin. But, they were due to meet the main convoy here. So… Adelaide was the place he decided was the most beautiful. It's been a long hard journey. 30+ hours would be had enough if he only had his troops to think about. But Emmett Dutton now had a group of Mission Children to think of also. And any time he could he would have the convoy break to let the children be children. Even if that only lasted 10 minutes at a time. He was plenty glad for Brother Frank at all times. Because Emmett couldn’t look after all these kids alone. Much as he would like to try. It surprised him even more how much he found himself caring for these kids. He wasn’t never a kids person. He just wasn’t at all sure he was good at it. Frank was nearly 100% sure that he was. And even other members of his troop took time for the children. They didn’t have much considering all that had happened in Darwin, but… Everyone shared everything. It was on one such break that Emmett contemplated the future of the children. Usually if he wasn’t amongst the children himself he would stand watching them with a smile. There was still innocence at a time of war. Or he would just be happy… that there were good things. He had to continue to remind himself that there were still good things. However today Emmett Dutton looked worried. And Frank noticed this, wandering over; “Penny for your thoughts, Captain.” Emmett chewed his lip thoughtfully “…Brother Frank… tell me, when we get to Adelaide… what happens to the children?” Dutton already knew it was likely he would have to move his troops on. The convoy was not about to just end in Adelaide. It was likely Australia would play a bigger part in the war now. Would he have to travel to Europe to fight? To the USA? He shook that thought away as quickly as he could and turned to his companion for answers. “Well… Adelaide is a big place. It will have a Church.” “Surely the church cannot look after so many…?” It wasn’t Emmett didn’t think it possible. But the money, the people, the resource? …The fact the children were Aboriginal?... He’d seen so much injustice already done due to that. And adoption was so hard he didn’t expect anything to happen there of any consequence either. He’d explained that to Sarah many times. (And watched her fight it, though… He had to admit as much to himself). It certainly hadn’t deterred her, hopefully they would find more such people in the city… What Emmett thought they needed was another woman like her. “Well. God works in mysterious ways…” Emmett raised an eyebrow; “Indeed he may, but… Don’t these boys need a mother as well?” Frank’s face suddenly beamed; “I’m sure they will get one Captain. It’s only a shame I am not able to call ahead!” *** So now he was here in Adelaide, Emmett hoped that Brother Frank’s promise would pay off. Dutton wasn’t worried. But, now it was like these children were his. And he wanted to make sure they were well looked after and taken care of. The majority of the main army convoy was already here; but he was told that those from Darwin were allowed respite. Thank God. And rightly so after what they had been through. This gave Emmett precious time. And now he was tailing Brother Frank through the streets. “…So… Will they go here? Not the Church?” “If she can take them all. I’m sure she can! She has… the room, and the monetary resource at least.” “How do you know all this!?” “She does a great deal for the Church that is well documented. I’m sure she will be up for this too…” They continued on walking, and ended up a little way out of Adelaide… And Emmett couldn’t help but stop dead. Frank continued on; happy disposition as always, through the front gate and down the path. Emmett thought Faraway Downs was big; but it had nothing on this. In fact this was like taking Faraway Downs and planting it in the middle of a city… Maybe it was even bigger than the Administrators property in Darwin. “W-Wait… She lives here!?” “That’s right!” “Alone!?” How could one person manage an estate like this all by herself? “Yes.” Then Frank corrected himself; “Well, she probably wouldn’t by choice!!! But does, by circumstance.” They weren’t even all the way down the path before you were outside. And Emmett discovered the second most beautiful thing he had seen today. Your eyes flicked between them, amused. “You gentlemen look like you could be here for completely different reasons… And that you’ve seen better days. Should I invite you in, or are you simply too busy…?” You walked down the steps to join them on the path, addressing them correctly “Brother, Captain… How may I be of assistance?” You looked between them again. Okay, fine. He was cute by the clergyman was off limits, but the Captain... Well, someone that easy on the eye couldn’t have been single. “Actually we are…” There was a second pause, before the sentence was clarified “Here for the same reason, I mean!” “Oh!” You smiled, what could the Church and the army have in common? If the Captain was about to ask you to host troops that would make sense. But what did the Church have to do with something like that? “We have come from Darwin.” Your eyes widened, and you placed a hand over your mouth as you gasped; “Oh my goodness! I heard-! We all did! Oh-! Wow, my goodness… I’m… I’m so sorry… Are you all, okay?” “Those of us that made it… But, there were some children sent to mission island. It was hit, but, the majority survived.”  Your expression instantly softened, and Emmett took instant note of this as Frank continued; “I heard you might be the person to talk to…” “You want me to foster…. Children?” You tilted your head, but you were suddenly beaming; turning back to the Captain. “But what is the Army’s stake in this?” “Personal only… Ma’m.” You smiled; “Y/N. Call me Y/N… Please.” Then you realised “OH! I didn’t ask-!” “Oh!” He held out his hand instantly, manners maketh man, Emmett!! “Dutton. Captain Emmett Dutton… And this is Brother Frank.” “Emmett…” You liked that, and showed it by saying his name with a sweet smile; you took his hand “Thank you, for your service.” ***

 It surprised you that he was still around, so you certainly hadn't expected to run into him in the middle of town; "Oh! Captain Dutton! I expected you to be long gone by now..." "No no, not yet at any rate. Just waiting for the next posting... And please... Call me Emmett..." "Emmett..." you agreed, "I like that, it's a nice name..." You weren't sure if you were really complimenting him or it was just inane babble, but he seemed to turn a faint shade of pink anyway. "Thank you... But I shall not be taking the credit there..." he smiled "Can I be of any assistance...? You must have a lot to do, all things considered...?" "Oh... That’s sweet of you, thank you..." you let him walk in step with you, smile on your face "I'm just letting them settle right now. Brother Frank is a good help too... But... You have done so much for them already Captain, bringing them here... That’s very heroic..." you looked to his face for a minute; his hesitation. Probably to correct you on his name again. "Emmett! Sorry!" "That's okay... And I don't know about heroic... But they certainly needed to be far from mission island and Darwin..." "Mission Island... Oh. I see." you shook your head "They should be allowed to return home, don't you think?" "Well, maybe we can do that together..." You weren't sure if he was being truthful, but by the look in his eyes you would believe anything Emmett said, and that intensity. That belief as you had that that would be the right thing to do, took your breath away. "Y-yes... When all this is over..." Dutton nodded; “Well, hopefully that won’t be too long… I would hope humanity would have the decency to put a stop to this…” He shook his head “Maybe I shouldn’t go on believing it, but…” Emmett shrugged almost helplessly “When that’s all we have…” You smiled despite this; “You’ve not given up your faith in us all yet… Even with what you must have seen in Darwin?” “If anything it’s only made me more defiant. The world will get through this… They said the last war was ‘the war to end all wars.’ Maybe this one will actually do it.” You tipped your head “…Will we win?” “If it was all so black and white…” but he laughed “…I would think, in the end, the people who are meant to prevail will… But our most immediate problems… The things we can change…” He paused his walk, and turned to you – inspired “…Are right here!”

Emmett and you continued to wander around town together as he helped you run errands and shop for groceries. You hated to admit how much you enjoyed his company. Not because you wanted to come off standoffish, but because you knew that one day he would have to leave. And it would be soon. He wouldn't have reason to be here, in reality if they stationed him back up north... If he was so used to Darwin, he'd be so far away from you. You didn't want to start something just to see it all end. But you couldn't help falling for him. He was charming and sweet. How could you not?

 "Emmett, come in for a little while, I'm sure they'd like to see you..." "well, I suppose I have time. Are you sure you don't mind?" "i just invited you didn't I...!?" you quirked your eyebrow - "Of course, also its only polite that seen as you helped me with all of this." "Oh no! That's nothing, any time..." You folded your arms with a subtle shake of your head; "That's not nothing... Anyway, please, just accept my gratitude and come inside!?" He laughed; "okay, you won't need to tell me twice..." Of course as soon as you got him through the door and the children realised, they were all over him. "Woah-! Woah-! Okay...boys!!" Emmett was laughing again, which you loved; it made you smile. So much it started to hurt to smile for much longer. "Just let me help Y/N alright then I will come and see you..." When he finally got some of the younger children to let him go, with a little encouragement from you - you both slipped into the kitchen: "I suppose you get that a lot?" he straightened out his shirt, looking curiously back into the corridor where several of them were watching you both "Less than you would think... But you? Oh, they talk about you all the time..." "Really!?" "Mmm, oh, Captain I know all your stories second hand. Granted there's some variations on what actually happened, and I certainly wouldn't pass up the opportunity to hear them first hand, But! Yes, they certainly like you a lot. And you obviously care for them deeply..." He turned back to you, and that look on your face he hoped he might be reading correctly. But also made him bashful: admiration? Why? Hadn’t he done what any decent human would do? He felt he'd done far less than you... “Oh I…” he struggled with what was best to say, so he opted for a simple “Thank you…” instead. “No… Thank you.” Emmett set about helping you put things away, but you realised pretty quickly that you had gathered a small audience, laughing with him like this. That was understandable, they were equally curious on what was making you so happy (not that you weren’t always) and Emmett himself. Eventually you pushed him gently towards the door “Go on…” “We aren’t even finished-!” You waved away his protests “Go on, they want to listen to you… I’ll come through when I’m finished…” He hesitated “Y/N… I… Are you sure?” “They want to see you! Go on, I mean, how much time may you really get with them?” “I suppose you’re right… But I…” “Emmett…” You pushed him gently again; “Please, go!” He looked like he didn’t want to leave you, so even when he walked from the room, he did it slowly – almost pleading with you to pull him back. You couldn’t help your cheeky wink; “I won’t make you wait long!” He had to laugh again; and turned back to the children once again clambering all over him to pull him through into your extensive living room. “Okay! Okay! It’s alright! I’m here…” You tidied away and then wandered through. Each and every one of them was engrossed in every single word. And you sat yourself on the arm of one of the sofas with some of the younger children to listen too. You barely heard a word that Emmett said, and he barely registered that you’d even walked in, but the way he told it… The way he wasn’t even that animated, but his passion, the way he spoke… everything had everyone in that room hanging on his every word. You weren’t surprised that when you finally had the inclination to look at the clock it was late; But you still waited until the appropriate time to interrupt his story; “OH! Boys… Dinner…” Several of them leapt up immediately to eagerly assist you.  Emmett stood “I suppose I better get going…” “Nonsense, Captain… Would you please join us? It’s only fair, considering all your help in town and telling us such wonderful stories… Also, you can finish them over dinner… What do you say boys?” “Yes! Please! Please stay…!” The clamour of voices all politely asked the same thing. And Dutton wasn’t about to resist them or you; “Oh… Then, I suppose I better stay… Thank you…” You grinned; “I better ask now if you can cook!” “Oh I---” he laughed nervously “I… Suppose I can… You do tend to pick up a few things, here and there…” You nodded, that would do, all you really needed was another pair of (firm but fair) hands to help you out. “Well, Captain, I suppose it’s time for you to put those skills to the test…” “Oh. If I’d have known there was a test… I’m not sure I would have accepted the invitation!” ***

Turned out that his ‘you pick up a few things’ was neither wrong, nor exactly truthful. "Why don't you stop acting so humble?!" you giggled slightly, "At this rate its gonna turn out you cook better than me!” He laughed, but blush swept his face “No! Oh gosh! I wouldn't want to show you up..!" "Too late captain!" but you were both laughing. You had some of the boys help you with the easier things and then sent them on their way again before returning to cooking. Emmett let himself just watch you for a minute, how you made 10 things at once look easy.

He couldn't help it; "You're amazing, you know?" it was quiet, like a thought he hadn't meant to slip out and yet he wanted to You turned to him "Me!? No... I'm... Doing what anyone would do..." "No, no... This... Is amazing. Those boys deserve a mother and... For sure you are one... They couldn't have done better than this. But you must have helped so many people... Brother Frank alluded to it but... You are nothing short of incredible." "Captain, please..." you pressed your hands to your face, feeling it heat up, you'd never been very good at taking compliments. You didn't do this to be noticed after all, but so that other people could live a better life, or pick themselves up. He crossed to you for a minute "All you're doing, people should just thank you more often." "Well, they think I'm crazy for doing it..." His voice was quiet again "Well, I don't..." You looked back into his eyes, still blushing. Well I don't was possibly the most significant thing he'd yet said. And he'd said a lot that meant something to you. He still had that ever so sweet smile of admiration on his face. And he was getting to you. You were close enough to feel the heat from his body; and something within you was pining for that closeness – for his touch… or his love. But it couldn’t have been just you, you couldn’t have just been imagining that he was leaning closer to you. That made you instinctively lean into him. And this could happen, you could kiss, and it could be like some kind of fairy tale. And all this went through your head very quickly. Of course, reality had something to say about that – as the timer in the corner of the kitchen went off. SERIOUSLY!? He pulled away from you and took a polite step back as if he was forgetting himself; “Oh… I… I’m sorry…” You wanted to tell him not to apologise; you wanted to grab him and tell him to kiss me, dammit! But you couldn’t. Your face was still flushed and what you did do was say “It’s okay… don’t worry…” NO! DAMMIT! Y/N! IT’S NOT OKAY! IT COULD HAVE BEEN A PERFECT KISS!!! No time to dwell on that, with dinner ready, but both of you did. Standing looking at each other, hesitant for just a few more moments… Until one of the older boys cleared his throat; “Should I tell everyone it’s ready, Miss Y/N?” You didn’t want to tear your eyes from Emmett, but you had to; “Yes! Thank you!” *** Dinner passed quickly, but Emmett continued his anecdotes to the boys. Every so often one of them would pick up on a story thread of his and begin sharing a story of their own; and Emmett liked watching how you gave it your undivided attention. You reacted appropriately, and asked relevant questions. You made every boy around that table feel special. And when you caught Emmett’s eye and smiled like that, that number included him.   He stayed long after dinner was over, and helped you both tidy away and put the boys to bed. Which he found was not an easy task. “Drink?” You couldn’t help giggle at his slightly bedraggled exhausted look as he tried to neaten his appearance; “Please… I don’t know how you do it! You’re a Saint.” “Oh-! Sometimes I don’t think they’d think so-!” You gave a wink, “Can be the total opposite if they won’t behave!” He shook his head, mocking shock; “I don’t believe a word of it!” You sat him outside and handed him a glass as a night cap. The air was still warm even though the sun had long since set, and it made for a pleasant evening. There was comfortable silence as you both admired the scene of your garden, lit every so often by the glow of fireflies, and you could think about the evening in a little detail. Eventually you broke the silence with a hesitant question; “Do you have kids?” He turned those inquisitive blue eyes back on you, “NO. No… Single…” You wondered why he’d added that statement, because that wasn’t what you had asked. Single wasn’t a qualifier for if he’d ever had kids. And unless he meant always been single which you couldn’t believe for a moment, it certainly had no relevance. “You’re good with kids…” You mused, finishing your glass and setting it down “That’s worth something?” You smiled back at him, gently “I think it is…” His next smile was significant as he fielded your compliment back; “You’re a good mother.” You opened your mouth to respond, but it was like it suddenly all hit you, and you took a noticeable deep breath out “I learned from a good mother…” “So you aren’t one?” “No… I had a lot of younger siblings who moved out… They are all around Australia and Europe now… some of them…” You looked back to the house “…I stayed to help look after my parents… and when they both passed on… I thought what better to do with their house than look after people…” “You really are a Saint.” You turned back to him; how he seemed to voice some kind of clarity that hit you again, full force. And your heart yearned for him. To have him here to tell you things you so desperately wanted to hear… “Maybe…” Your voice was quiet, and when you looked away from him again he reached for your hand; “Not a maybe… you have compassion and generosity that you can’t show gratitude for with mere words… And yet you do this all without shouting it from rooftops.” “I don’t do it to be noticed, I do it because, like you, I want to believe there can still be good in the world – even if I have to do it all by myself…” He set his glass down; and took your other hand in his; “Y/N… Believe me, you are not alone.” And in that moment, what you knew he meant was you have me. *** It was a few days later when Dutton found the time to wander back to your house to see you and the children again. You were out in the back garden when he arrived; still expertly keeping the attention of all the children. Engrossed in some story or other you were telling. Acting out scenes here and there with the help of some of the older boys. Emmett couldn't help but laugh to himself as he watched from your porch, relaxing himself by leaning against it. From here he was in the shade from the hot afternoon sunlight but it didn't seem to bother you or them in the slightest.

Eventually your eyes caught his, and you turned to the older boys to keep the game going whilst you took a breather; "Captain! You're still here!" The way you were beaming and the sunshine hit your hair and eyes and made you literally glow, was the reason that just this once he didn't bother correcting you; "You always sound so surprised!" He turned his full attention from the children to you as you joined him. "Well, I just don't want to get my hopes up that you'll stay..." Emmett tried and failed not to read too much into that, and his smile was gracious "Well... You never know, perhaps you should..." He nodded to the children in order to swiftly change the subject, "they all seem to be getting on well." "Yes, thanks to you." "Me!? You-!" "Emmett you rescued them!" "Not I... A good friend of mine... I simply delivered them into your care... You have saved these children... You have given them a far better life that they would have received on mission island I can tell you that..." You shook your head, placing your hand on his to turn him back to you; “But as I say, they always ask after you... Emmett... When you're coming around next, if you’re going to spend the day here... Every time they see you... I wish you would stay..."

He watched the way that your eyes nervously left his, how you bit your lip and stared at his chest instead. From nowhere he gained a moment of courage, and instead of the nervous laugh he felt, Emmett spoke up, this time entwining your fingers properly with his. "Is that the only reason you wish I would stay?" This time you did blush; those soft blue eyes and that sweet smile became too much and you could feel the heat from his face at your almost kiss again. “Maybe not… But it shouldn’t always be about me…” He couldn’t help his chuckle, you were probably the most charitable, unselfish person he’d ever known. How could anything you did ever always be about you? “Then tell me…” Tell me what I want to hear; that’s what he was pleading with you to say… But you weren’t hearing that, because you didn’t want to believe it could be true. “You told me I was a good mother…” He tilted his head, “I did. And meant it…” You decided there was no time to be bolder and looked back into his eyes with confidence; “Well… I figure those boys need a good father figure too…” “Heh…” he bit his lip gently, but smiled through it “That’d require me to stay.” “No… Just be there when you can be…” “Well what about you?” “What about me…?” He tried again, this time more obvious “Maybe I would hope you weren’t just saying that… for them…” “…Why are you asking me to say it?” Emmett gave a little shrug; “Because maybe if I hear you say it I will know it’s true. What you really want.” You took a breath; “I don’t know what I want…” You shook your head “I want you to stay, if you can stay… of course I do. But if you must leave, then I want you to come back… But what I know for sure, is that what I wanted the other night…” You hesitated a moment and swallowed “I just wish…” You shook your head “I should have kissed you.”

For a moment he couldn’t believe that you would be that forward, but he liked it. He loved it. “Well, I feel we should rectify that situation… If you would allow me to kiss you?” Your eyes widened slightly, you knew it! You’d known it… You should have done something then… But he was doing something now. So your smile was confident as you looked back into his eyes “You may.” He kept your hands respectfully in his, and leaned in slow and gentle, you closed your eyes. Hardly daring to believe that this was real; that it was really a dream that you were about to wake up from. But as his lips touched yours you held his hands a little tighter; and pulled him in closer. No dream would compare to this. The kiss was just as soft and sweet as he was, and you kept your eyes closed as he broke it and placed his forehead gently to yours. You realised that you didn’t need to ask him to stay, that that kiss was a promise. No matter what the future held, he would return to you.

--- 🙈 Was that too sweet?! Ah! Sorry babe! But thank you for requesting him! As ever 😘💙💜 Eeeeek! 4 Virtues Down!

Some nights I come home fightin' mad Feel like runnin' my fist through the wall. Is it even worth it what I'm fightin' for anymore? Feelin' torn, all to hell with it all.

But when she's says baby, No matter what comes ain't goin' nowhere She runs her fingers through my hair and saves me. Yeah that look in her eyes got me comin' alive And drivin' me a good kinda crazy When she says baby Everything gonna be alright. Just lay down by my side. Let me love you through this life. Yeah she's the perfect shot of faith. When every bit of mine is gone. Somethin' I can believe in, a best friend A heaven sent love to lean on. 

---

You weren’t sure if stressed was even the word. It was so far beyond that now that it was something else entirely. Worry?, yes you were extremely worried. But the truth was you wished the news would just stop. News spread rumour, and rumour just sank you more and more into something close to a depressive state. It’d been the day previously when news had broken of what was occurring in Darwin. And you weren’t the only girl in town with a military beau out there. But of course, to YOU, yours was the only one that mattered. Even more shocking was you were due to join him in two days. If you’d even just decided to surprise him early then... well it could have been you caught up in that disaster. But Emmett...

Well he was there. And all you’d heard was that Japanese planes had bombed the hell out of it. No news of deaths, though the toll was thought to be high, or survivors... You couldn’t even race down and find out for yourself because the city had been evacuated. So rumours were allowed to fly. You couldn’t face going into town because... well. He was a captain. So the first person who was apparently going to know anything was you. Which you thought laughable, because you weren’t the one who got news about Darwin in the FIRST place... The problem was you couldn’t stand being in the house either, because every second that you could hear tick by from the wall clock was another second where you didn’t know his fate. And it was killing you. Did you hold out hope?? Was that foolish? Did you assume the worst?? Was that just as dumb…?

 You sat frustrated with your head in your hands, trying to think of anything else... but how could you?! Your mind was racing with a million different scenarios. You just wanted it all to STOP!

 There was a sudden bustle outside, people yelling, people screaming, running... the sound of vehicles rolling down the road. You lifted your head and your heart began racing. You tried to calm it. No. No no no! You couldn’t do this just yet. Were you prepared to find out?! What would you do if it wasn’t the news you wanted..? You tentatively walked to the door and out onto your front porch. They were certainly military trucks. Men scrambling to get down before they had even stopped and running to their lovers arms.

It wasn’t long before shrieks of delight were mixing with wails of anguish though. You dug your nails into the wooden structure. You didn’t dare go down there. But your eyes were darting to every man and every vehicle it was not helping your heart... Time after time your heart broke a little more. Friends of yours raced passed yelling at you to get down off your porch and find out, but you couldn’t. If you moved, your knees were going to give out. The last truck rolled into town and you couldn’t bare it. Tears started to run, and you had to turn away for a second. Tell me you didn’t try to be the hero Emmett... don’t tell me you lost your life... like that...  Of course he would have though. Emmett Dutton would go out in no other way than as a gentleman. The captain he was.

 But then you had to know. How, why, when and where. Anything you could. Did they know for sure? Did you?! You took the steps down from your porch and pushed your way through the crowds of people - you knew friends of yours seeing friends of his. So... if you could find one, maybe you would find the answers to all your questions. Too many people forced you to the edge of the throng. Why were you so bitter that so many people were being reunited? You were disappointed in yourself for that. But it wasn’t fair; how could that have possibly been fair? Your head started to spin and you had to lean back against a building to stop yourself from being sick. This was SO much worse than not knowing. You realised... SO much worse.

 So wrapped up in hating yourself and cursing the world were you that you barely registered that one last truck was rolling into town, miles behind the rest and the very last to leave Darwin, with too much to do on the way it was unsurprising that it would be so far behind. There weren’t too many aboard at present; but that didn’t make them any less significant. Your friends had realised that you weren’t amongst the celebrations and consolations, and were now trying to figure out the best way to approach you, stood against that building alone. Had he really not made it out? The truck all but rolled to a stop. But you didn’t care; you barely even registered it, and those last few hopeful waiting to greet those aboard. Rushing forward as the last few disembarked, quickly joined by others just as glad that more made it out.

You took a deep breath and pushed yourself away from the wall. Okay, it was time to snap out of it and be thankful for SOMETHING; even if you could only stomach it for a few short minutes... You walked slowly forward, looking between each new happy couple or family... then you froze.

He was the very last to leave the truck. And he was the only one alone. Running a hand through his hair and looking like he’d seen far better days, to you there’d never been a moment he’d been more beautiful.  He sighed deeply moving amongst those soldiers that had been beside him. Now they were all safe where they belonged. Yes. That was the man he was.... Slowly he looked up, and then upon spotting you, also froze. “Y/N?!” You couldn’t hear it, but you knew he’d called your name “Emmett!!! EMMETT!!” That was enough to have you screaming his name as you took off towards him. “Woah woah—! Hold on, look at me as you’re wearing-!” You didn’t think you’d ever held him tighter, and you were certainly back in tears, “...white...” He sighed gently, so much for warnings... He looked at his hands over your shoulder. Well, the damage was probably already done. He wound his arms around you and sighed deeply “It’s okay... Darling... I’m here... I’m safe...” “I thought…! I thought…! Darwin-!” He was lucky to get that much out of you, “Shh… Shhhh..! It’s okay… It’s okay. The majority of us made it out…” “B…But…Emmett… I…” Tears were still running down your cheeks. He gathered your face in his hands, brushing his thumbs across to stifle your tears. Wincing as he left dirt and sweat all over your pretty face. “Y/N… Stop.. I know… I know what you must have thoughts… But… We had so much to do. We had to get out to Adelaide and… Darling… I’m so sorry it took so long…” “You’re late…” Every other truck was in before his. He knew that too. Hell, as if he hadn’t put you through enough? You reciprocated; placing your hands delicately on his cheeks. And he flinched. “Oh my god-! Emmett..! I’m---!” You let him go, but then turned his face gently, with your fingertips against his jaw line. There looked to be a fair amount of bruising under all that dirt… You took a step back from him; wondering if that translated to under his clothing too. Meaning it was amicable of him not to complain at how hard you’d embraced him. “Darling… Oh my gosh… Where… Where WERE you…!?!” “…You mean where did I end up!?” There was at least a small smile then, “Under half the army communications building.” “Are you alright!?” It was a silly question, you know, but a necessary one. “I certainly fared better than a lot of them…” That was a brave-faced chivalrous statement if ever there was one; you should expect nothing less than that from Captain Emmett Dutton. You took his hands in yours; “Emmett… I think… you should…” You began walking backwards, gradually pulling him with you. “…Y/N… We should… stay and…” You shook your head. He was a Captain. Sure. And maybe he should be rounding up the troops and saying something rousing. Confidence… or... Morale boosting. But he would have likely done similar in Adelaide. Or on the way? Wouldn’t he? You had little doubt he was almost the very last person to leave Darwin “Shhh…Shhhh…” You hushed him soothingly, as you continued to pull him away from the crowd. “Y/N… We- I- Should…” “Rest.” You finished his sentence, noticing that he was really offering little resistance as he kept his hands in yours “You need rest.” He realised you were taking him home. And you felt him grip you hand tighter. You sped up your walk. He matched you, but was still letting you pull him.  And when you reached your front porch he had never been more glad to see anything in his life. You let him walk side by side with you up the steps and amidst the cheering and celebrations of those still outside, you slipped into the quiet of indoors.

All at once he almost collapsed. Half of that was relief. The other- “WOAH! Emmett… Emmett…!” It took a job to steady him and you were sure leaning your full body weight into his was as like to hurt him more. You sat him in a chair; “Baby…” You crouched, taking his hands back in yours “…You really need to learn how to take orders, not just give them!” you laughed. He shook his head at you, brushing your hair back off your face “Sometimes I think you think I’m much higher than just a captain.” You smiled, shaking your head also; “…Just a captain? You’re NOT just a captain…” You straightened, rounding him. “Baby…You’re my captain…” You brushed your fingertips over his arms and up across his shoulders. He let out a cross between a groan and a whimper as your fingers touched his skin; up his neck and into his hair… He leant back into your fingertips and closed his eyes. You smiled gently and leant forward to kiss his forehead. He winced again; but it was his sharp intake of breath that made you stop. “Emmett…” He opened his eyes to the worry in yours. You removed your hands from him and placed them on the back of the chair “Darling… you’re… you’re hurting… And… Oh gosh… When…” You thought on it “…When was the last time you slept!?” He furrowed his eyebrows, “Oh… Darwin I suppose… There’s been so much to do. And I…” You took a step back, and then another, decisively. “Get up.” “Y/N…!?” You turned back to him; “Baby… Get up… Head upstairs… I’m gonna draw you a bath and… You just… Give me a minute!” “…Y/N you don’t need to do-” “Nonsense!” You called as you ran through your house, “It’s not about what I need… It’s about what YOU need…!” He watched you, tipping the chair back as you emerged through the second open doorway, across the hall from the room you’d sat him in, gathering things as you went. You took the stairs two at a time. As he sat there and smiled it made his face hurt. In fact, as he remained seated a lot of aches were starting to set in. So when he stood to follow you, pain shot from his head to his feet and made him dizzy. He just about made it to the steps by the time you were back down them. “…Emmett…” Your voice was soft as you brushed his hair gently back into place; “…Oh…Emmett…Baby…” You took his hand back in yours and turned to the steps; “Can… Can you take the stairs?!” He laughed “I think I might be able to manage… A few stairs.” You walked past him, and then forward again, pulling your arm around his waist you let him wind his own arm around your shoulders and helped him up one step at a time.

Once again he allowed you to pull him into a back room. “Go on…” You coaxed him gently as you turned the taps on to let the bath run “Get undressed. I’ve got this…” It hadn’t occurred to you what you had said until he didn’t move. But he was flushed and blinking and- “OH-! I…” Then you were doing the same thing “I just meant…!” You turned away; “I’m sorry…! I…!” He chuckled gently and you heard the buckles on his uniform chink as he undid them; “You know it isn’t proper for a lady to think that way…” He made you bite your lip to stifle your laugh. That was a dumb thing for him to say, or get flustered about. You had loved on him more than a few times… More than once he gasped as various items of clothing hit the floor “Do you need help?” He protested against you doing anything else for him “No I…” He grumbled, but you heard him gasp again; “Em…” You turned, to watch him trying to pull himself out of his shirt. Whilst he was concentrating on that and not you, you swept your gaze down him. There was something kinda hot about it all really. His messed-up, war-torn uniform. His shirt buttons all undone but it not untucked yet, his belt unbuckled and… You shook your head and crossed to him; “Baby, let me help you…” You kept your eyes on his face as you pulled his shirt down his shoulders. You had to wince yourself at the purple marks flecked down from his collar bone to his chest. Darling boy… You really HAVE been to war… You pulled the hem of his shirt free and it became just another discarded item. He was close enough to kiss you now. And you wanted that. More than anything. But you were afraid you wouldn’t be able to control yourself if you got kissing him. That it would only serve to hurt him more as a result. So when he leant forward so did you – meaning his lips only brushed your forehead.

You respectfully turned away from him again and cleared your thoughts, walking back to the nearly full bathtub. You turned the taps off and sprinkled a generous helping of salts into the top. Leaving him to finish getting undressed. You bit your lip again and flushed as you heard the final items of clothing hit the floor. You gathered towels. You had already gathered clothes… fresh, clean clothes. And everything else you could think he would possibly need. You nodded to yourself as you checked again. You had everything. You pulled your hair back into a clip as you heard him enter the water. He let out another gentle groan as he sunk into it. “Oh… God…” Only then did you turn back, watching him adjust to the temperature before taking a breath and submerging himself in it. You smiled, lining up bottles by the side of the bath you waited patiently for him to resurface. Which he did; running his hands over his face “Oh. Okay… Wow… That’s…” he rested his back against the tub with a small smile “Better.” You smiled again, giggling as you knelt up, running your hands back across his smooth shoulders and back into his hair, scraping it back off his face. He hummed in satisfaction again as he let you continue to do this, fluttering his eyes closed to the delicate motions of your fingertips working through his hair. Until you added soap; and he shivered at the cold sensation for just a moment. He vocalised his contentment again as you worked it into his scalp. “Oh…! Oh-! Wh…Why have we never….!?!” You hushed him “Save it! Let me take care of you… That’s what I’m doing, Emmett, let me…” He gave a sigh that let you know he was happy with that, but the very idea that he wouldn’t let you!?...Honestly! You filled a cup with water and tipped it gently to rid his gorgeous thick black hair of suds. When you ran your hands through it once more it felt smooth and silky in your fingertips. Forcing you to let out your own hum of content. He almost resisted the temptation to laugh at you, but you picked up on it. “Am I amusing?” “…I don’t know if that’s the word I would choose…” He lifted his own hands to sift gently through his hair; “…You’re doing a mighty good job.” You were sure that wasn’t sarcasm. He allowed you to take his hand between yours, and you savoured how warm he felt due to the water. You pulled his hand to your cheek and kept it there for a moment, he responded by lacing his fingers with yours. Except his index finger, that he brushed tenderly across your skin. “…I missed you so much…” “I know…” His voice was quiet “…I read every letter you sent… Probably 500 times. Well. 499 times and the time I opened it and cried.” “Cried?! No! Emmett! Don’t joke…” He tipped his head back to look at you, sincerely “I wasn’t joking.” He tilted his head “…What are you going to do if they station me in Europe?” “Don’t!!” You shook your head vigorously “Don’t talk that way!” He took his hand back gently, reaching up with his other to take your face back in his hands; blue eyes locked in yours “You need to think about that… Y/N… They could…” You placed your hands over his “No.” “B-” “NO. Do not do this to me. I only just got you back.” He gave a gentle shrug “…Okay… But… Please… I don’t want you to get too used to this…” You slowly leant forward to place your forehead to his and your voice became a whisper; “Whatever happens, I’m going to be waiting here for you…” “It’s not like I want to go…” He mused “…Heck… I don’t even know if it’s all worth it.” You furrowed your eyebrows and looked back to his eyes, now staring at the ceiling. “…Winning the war isn’t worth it?” “Winning is great. If we win. It’s the lives lost. Think about what happened in Darwin. It’s happening everywhere… It’s senseless…” You placed your arms around him lowering your head into his shoulders “…Stop… I don’t want to talk about it…” “I realise that…” He kissed your hair “…And when you put it the way you do… Neither do I.”

Taking his hands back in yours one at a time, you kissed his skin lovingly as you continued to wash him. Sometimes he watched you, with those big grateful blue eyes that you adored so much, and sometimes he would close them and allow you to whisper gentle prayers into his skin. When you reached his fingertips he couldn’t resist stroking them against your cheek; “You’ve got dirt on you… too!” You looked back to his cheeky little smile; “My apologies!” You rubbed your cheek with the water he had just placed there; “Better!?” “Eh.” He gave a gentle shrug with a laugh. “Well if not maybe I could just get in?” “OH! N-N-No! You… No!” He flushed again, stammering at the look on your face as you moved your hands to the buttons on your dress. He had you laughing “I’m just teasing you…!” You leant forward to kiss his forehead again; and he sank lower into the water, to give off the impression that it was the heat that was turning him bright red. He wasn’t fooling you though. But you did have to say that he was gorgeous and warm. Good. Hopefully that would work wonders on the aches in his muscles… You did the same for his other arm and them rounded him again.

He moved himself forward in the water without you even asking. Curving his spine just enough to expose as much of his back to you as possible. You traced your fingers (lips curving into another smile) across the freckles running his shoulder blades. They were present on his face too, but not always entirely visible. It was cute - endearing – and you loved them. You continued running your hands down the dips either side of his spine. All those army drills and exercises he kept having to do were clearly working wonders. Not that Emmett Dutton was EVER built anything less than exceptional. And you hadn’t known him before he was doing them, either. But every time he stepped up a rank – or HAD to step up a rank – he would be called to further bootcamps that had you waiting once more... but... his return? Nothing better! He was rather bashful about undressing in front of you still – like a true gentleman – as he had just proven. But, oh my god. Did it always have you yearning he did it more often. He was perfect for you. So strong, but, yet he was so, sensitive..? Was that not a word for describing personalities? Well, hopefully not just a word for personality. He wasn’t built like half of the men you’d seen him command.  But he was built for respect. And everyone did. Respect him. You liked that, it made you proud. And proud to be with him.

You were certainly more careful here; moving your hands in tender circular motions where you could now see clearer bruising. Reminding yourself he’d been stuck under pieces of a building… There was no doubt of that. You peppered his shoulders with even more gentle kisses as the droplets of water chased his spine. He hummed at that too. He was full of gratitude for every bit of love you would give him. He’d been away long enough. And you knew he would never seek affection from anyone else. So, you guessed, you’d both been lonely. And he deserved it – you couldn’t imagine what he’d seen in Darwin. But you knew it couldn’t have been pretty… Winding your arms around him again you pulled him back to the edge of the bath; propping your head back onto his shoulder; “I’m sorry.” “Now you’re sorry…?” He rested his head against yours “…Why?” “I should have come to see you.” “…I for one am certainly glad you did not. I could never forgive myself.” “But more often than I did.” “You were due out again. I’m glad you didn’t make the trip any earlier.” He folded his arms across the sides of the tub and turned to you; “But. I can make up for that instead.” “Oh? How so?” He bit his lips together gently before he smiled again, his eyes lighting up; “I can take you to Faraway Downs!” You propped yourself up on the side of the bath for a second, chin in your palm “…OH! Sarah and Drover?! Wait – now THERE is a place I don’t understand why you’ve never taken me.” “See. Exactly!? Was that a yes?” You gave a mysterious smile; “Persuade me…” “I don’t think I need to with what you just said.” “Emmett…!” “It’s the safest place in the North. The water is about to come up. It’s beautiful. You’ll really like it. I know you will. You like Sarah anyway, right? It’s also the kind of place you need to stay for a few days. Which gets both of us away from this.” You shook your head with a grin, and your sigh sounded at least a little sarcastic “Very persuasive Captain. I may have to take you up on this.” He raised an eyebrow; “May? May!? Come on Y/N we both know what you really want to say…” He had you laughing, and your laugh changed to an excited giggle under the weight of his dare ya stare; “Okay! Okay! Please! Let’s go! I can’t wait!”

You sat on the edge of the bath now. He looked a lot better. Maybe not physically now you could see the bruises all over his body, but he was a lot less tense. And he was smiling. And you were proud of yourself for that. “So… Tell me all about it.” He leant his elbows on the sides and tipped his head “About what?” “Darwin. Tell me about it.” “There’s truthfully not much to tell you about now, is there?” You smacked his arm playfully because you knew he was teasing you now; “No! But! Tell me what you’ve been doing there since I last stayed-!? Has it changed any? Would I like it?” He smiled “Oh! Uh huh. I think so… What with entering the war it changed a great deal. But… it’s a pity, you would have seen it all in full working order. A real sense of comradery. I think you would have enjoyed it.” “Was everyone nice?” “Not as nice as you.” He got you giggling again; “Aw. Come now, Captain! No one?” “No one.” He gave you a smile you couldn’t help but mirror “Is that surprising? Surely you know no one will compare to you?” “Do I? Do I…??” You hoped you weren’t blushing at his flirting as you pretended to think hard on it. But he wasn’t a fan of that; “Oh! Come off it!” He splashed you with water, making you shriek, but still giggle as you splashed him back. He next splash was a little too forceful. “OH! Oh-! Y/N! I’m SO sorry!” But he laughed through his apology. “It’s a good thing this dress was already messed up, huh?” You grinned. “Don’t worry, Mr.Dutton, I’ll get you back!” you gave a wink. He groaned, leaning back and running his hands through his hair; “Of that I have no doubt!” Having said that, the water seemed to be cooling off… “You sure you’re not read to leave?” He settled back in the water “Hmmm… Not quite.” “Can I get you anything? Tea?” “Tea? Tea!?” Then he smiled “Sweetheart, would you?” You gave a nod “I will. This once!” leaving him with another teasing wink “Don’t go anywhere captain!” He laughed and called after you “As if there is anywhere I would rather be?”

You made his tea as carefully as if you had been making it for the King himself. He was very specific. You were used to watching the way he would measure his milk and sugar exactly; almost to the drop and grain. At first it made you laugh. But now you thought it was just a very cute habit he had. You took it back to him with your best smile. “Thank you…” He took a sip, satisfied in the sigh he let out “Oh yes. That’s… just right.” He eyed your dress again “I do feel terrible though!” “Don’t worry. I said I’d get you back, and I will.” You sat and talked about subject that were pretty nonsensical as he sipped his tea, time passing catch up conversations that always skirted the deeper subjects that were really at hand. Still, his tales of the rescues going on in Darwin, especially of the boys from the Mission, had you smiling. No wonder it had taken him so long to get back to you... But neither of you wanted that kind of deep conversation right now. He was more than happy to keep away from it all for a while. Eventually he announced he was ready to leave and handed the empty cup back to you gratefully. You returned with towels. And this time he stood without making you turn around. But you respectfully kept your eyes on his face as you wrapped him in one carefully. You let him tie it around his waist as you retrieved another, placing it around his shoulders you gave him another kiss to the forehead and gathered a third for his hair… He laughed, touching his head lightly to yours as you dried his hair which only made you laugh, and finally – finally you accepted a kiss. It was as strange as it was exquisite, to have his lips back on yours. There was something so familiar, but so foreign, about it now. He reached back and let your hair tumble free of the clip so he could run his hands through it, and you pulled him closer to you. Water was dripping all over you and the bathroom floor but you hardly cared. Your heart swelled and you had to break the kiss for laughing, and crying. You were crying again but they were happy tears and he knew it, so he certainly wasn’t about to ask what was wrong. He let you rub gently at his arms to dry them off, before grabbing another towel and wrapping you up, stepping down out of the bath he pulled you closer to him. “Woah-! Captain what are you doing!?” “In case you didn’t notice, or simply forgot, that I got your dress wet too?” You were sure that if you had forgotten at all it was as likely this moments fault. The warmth of his body was quickly heating yours and there was nothing you wanted to do more now than cuddle into him. “I didn’t forget. I just don’t think I towel is going to cover it. Do you?” He gave a shrug. “I don’t know…” He laid it across your shoulders; “It’s probably a start.” You knew what he was trying to do, keep this smile on your face. Keep you in the moment. Keep you right here with him, and not where he knew your mind would start wandering if it got the chance. You guessed it worked as you leant up to kiss him again.

“Ah-!” You suddenly remembered something and pulled away from him again, crossing to the other side of the bathroom, “I probably shouldn’t let you stand around in wet towels now, should I? You’ll catch a cold! Or something! And you look like you need to do enough healing as it is!” You returned with clothes. He recognised instantly the soft off-white button up shirt you liked to see him in. “Hm! Not blue then?” You nudged him; “NO. The blue is a little too good. Now you’re relaxed the second thing you need is bed rest…” “Oh. Yes M’am.” You shook your head at the roll of his eyes, but you were still smiling as you folded your arms. “I’ll let you get changed…” you frowned “Are you going to be okay with the shirt?” “I’ll be fine…” You looked to the bruises again, now an even deeper shade of purple, unconvinced. But you knew that he would want to do things for himself too. “Alright, baby, let me know if not…” “I certainly will…” He watched you busy yourself with tidying up as he changed. Running his hands back through his hair to neaten it up in the mirror he kept his eyes following you. Smiling at the tune you were absent mindedly humming to yourself as you worked. He recognised it from Darwin; about the only dance you had let him have. He crossed to you, quickly, all at once caught up in an urge he couldn’t fight. He pulled you to him, making you gasp unawares. His arms wound around you and his embrace was tight. He was still so warm and you found yourself melting into him, you had to try to sneak your hands from between the two of you to return the favour and hold him too. “I love you.” It didn’t need a prompt. Or a reason. It was simply the truth.

**

You were still smiling to yourself standing on your small balcony even hours later. You were sure that was the effect of having him back. Even just being in his presence. He probably spent more time away from you than he did with you. Especially these days. You crossed your arms and rested your head on them, continuing to sun yourself. You had sent him to bed after making sure he’d eaten something at least a little substantial, and he was still lost in dreams now. Which you were glad of. He likely needed it. The sun warmed you through as much as he had and your dress hadn’t taken too long to dry. In the street below people were still celebrating the soldiers return – every so often yelling to each other. It was about the only sound the breeze carried with it. And you had to laugh at some of the things being shouted.

You’d left the doors to the balcony opened, with the light translucent curtains catching in the wind every so often. Emmett Dutton stirred from his dreams to see you standing out there. He chuckled to himself, folding his arms. There was something about you he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He never had. And it was something he was glad of; whatever that thing was kept him guessing. Kept him wondering what would happen when he left or returned to you. Made him wonder what the next letter would say; how you would react to his phone call... Anything. Really. You were the greatest mystery. It was probably the only one he wasn’t sure he wanted to figure out. He stretched tentatively, stopping just short of the pain he could feel building up. He definitely felt a lot better than he had when the truck had stopped this morning.

Well. Of course he did. Now he had you back. You turned at the sound of his yawn and walked back through into the bedroom. He was looking at you with pure adoration. And you threatened to start blushing and hide your face. Sometimes when he looked at you like that you couldn’t help it. You weren’t sure anyone ever had looked at you like that before him. “…You’re awake?” He nodded “And I’m feeling a lot better. Thank you.” “No need to thank me. You deserve it.” “But I do…” He reached for you, and you were happy to oblige, letting him take your hand; “…Of course I do…” He pulled you down so you sat on the bed and he ran his hands back into your hair “…So, thank you. Although it is barely enough.” “Baby…” It was the sincere way you said it, that look on your face, beyond grateful. Heartfelt. He pulled you forwards and into another kiss. Deep, almost desperate; to keep you here, to hold you here… He ran his hands down to the buttons on your dress; Emmett… Hold on…! You broke the kiss and your expression was obviously quizzical “…But you’re…? Hurt? I don’t want to…” He shook his head and kissed you again, although you’d placed your hands on his you didn’t resist him undoing the first button, and then the second. You realised he needed this – and you needed this too. “I’ll be fine. Fine… We’ll just… be sensible about this… Slow… gentle… We’ll be fine…” “You will STOP if you-” “Yes. I promise you…” It was your turn to kiss him, removing your hands from his you went for his shirt buttons too – no hesitation.