The folders fell from her hands, crashing to the floor; papers swooshing all around her feet as she closed the three feet between her and the door to her office. Her hands were steady as she turned the door knob and pushed it open.

Harry.

And her heart started beating again in her chest.

"You were right..." His voice was rough, tired—but still full of the same heavy charm she had remembered. "You have way more toys in this office than the one at St. Joe's." With his smug, crooked smile, he held up a tiny plastic hedgehog and placed it on the edge of her desk.

There were no words from her; none. There was nothing but a sharp intake of breath as her hands flew to her mouth. Her head started to shake; her hair moving back and forth over her shoulders. She couldn't believe it.

"Madeline..." The word was heavy with emotion as his smile faded.

"Are you...are you real?" She felt weak and exhausted and unsure. "I see you and I hear you but..."

It took him two steps; two long strides in that unmistakable camouflage uniform, to cross the room to her. Two steps for him to connect with her. Two steps for his arm to circle her waist and press her body to his like he was trying to meld them together. Two steps for his lips to find hers; with such ease and familiarity it was like he had never left—like they were still in his room with her standing on the foot of his bed and him beckoning her to come and kiss him properly.

"I'm real," he whispered; pulling back just enough so that he could meet her eyes, his fingers retracing the planes of her face, his hand reclaiming the curves of her body. "I'm real..."

She remembered thinking that his lips were too soft—too soft for somebody who had just spent 116 days in the hot, dry desert. She remembered thinking that his arms were so strong—amazingly strong and steady as they held her to him.

And then she stopped thinking altogether.

Sighing into him; sinking further and further into the warm, soul lifting space he had pulled her into. His mouth was hot against hers; pulling her lips to his, drawing gasps from deep inside of her. Her body awakening under his hands, under his assurances, began to react. Her fingers twisted around his shirt; pulling him closer and closer—though there was no way he could get closer to her in that moment, in that room—with all of those clothes. Walking her one step backwards, his fingers fanned out; his hands meeting the closed door behind her seconds before he pressed her back against it.

Maddie moaned into his mouth, her hands circling his neck; her fingers navigating into the muss of hair that she missed so much. Tearing his mouth from hers, he blazed a trail from her chin, along her jaw, back to her neck—his nose recalling her smell, his mouth remembering her taste.

"You're real..." She gasped; the heat pushed from her lungs in a strangled sort of gasp—her emotions conflicting in the most wonderful of ways. She felt hot tears come from her eyes and she couldn't help but laugh. He was home. He was safe and home and perfect. Yet the tears came anyway. Harry was quick to tend to them with a swipe of his thumb followed by his lips. His arms moved around her waist then, completely encircling her in his strong, protective embrace. He pulled her away from the door and up into his arms—lifting her feet completely off the ground. Her legs wrapped around him instinctually—as though it was their natural state.

"I'm real," his eyes were dark, intense as they met hers; his hand running along the tangle of limbs around him.

"I missed you," her thumbs rubbed at his temples, her hands fanning out on the sides of his head as she looked down at him.

"You have no idea," he shook his head; his lips curling up as they sought hers again. His mouth was hot, his lips were persistent. It had been too long since he had kissed her, too long since he had felt the way her legs moved around him; too long since he had heard the rush of air that pushed from her lips as he pressed against her. It had been much too long. When he had finally landed that morning, when he had finally touched down on British soil, his first thought, his only thought, was of her. His father was waiting, Will and Kate were waiting, but nothing—nothing—was more important than this moment; when his heart reconvened with hers.

"We can't do this," Maddie chuckled into his mouth; defying her body's desires.

"We can," he nodded briskly.

"Harry..." She breathed; his hands pushing past her white coat, up under her shirt; branding her skin with his fingers.

"I'm a soldier, home from war," his cocky grin was irresistible. "Do it for your country."

"My country?" She laughed.

"Do it for my country," he laughed along with her; his eyes dancing with hers as he eased up just a bit—still holding her in his arms.

"You do know that Jim is just on the other side of this door," her head fell back, resting against it.

"I do." Harry's hand pushed her hair away from her neck so that his lips could find home there; trying their best to convince her.

"He'll hear me."

"He's discreet." His facial scruff rubbed against her cheek as he nuzzled closer.

"There are other people out there who are not."

"You can be quiet," his finger ran across her lips.

"I don't know if I can," she answered honestly, her teeth biting into her bottom lip and...if she was trying to calm him down, trying to ease his want for her...she was failing miserably. Harry groaned; his head shaking back and forth in the crook of her neck. Her hands bunched at his shirt, struggling with her own wants. Looking down at the greens and tans, she frowned. "You're still in your uniform. You're still in...why are you still in camouflage?" Harry laughed as he pulled his face from her neck.

"Because I came straight here. We don't travel with civilian clothes and I came straight here," his eyes shining with unshed tears, his smile stretched across his face—slightly red from the sun.

"You did?" Fresh tears rose to her eyes.

"Absolutely." There was never a doubt in his mind as to who he needed to see first.

"But what about your father?"

"He knows I'm home safe. I'm going to stop by Clarence so he can see me with his eyes. Then I'm going home to shower and change and probably back for some kind of dinner," he smiled at her concern; his arms hugging her close. "Do you want to come with me?"

"I would love to come with you," she bent her head down to kiss his forehead, his nose, his cheeks, his lips; softly, reverently. "You're home."

"I am."

"Early even."

"Yes indeed," he nodded.

"Why is that exactly?"

"Hmmm..." Harry chuckled. "Do I sense a complaint in there?"

"Absolutely not," she shook her head; kissing his lips again. "You know...if we're going to your father's, you're going to have to let me down from here."

"Maybe I don't want to go to my father's," he grinned defiantly. "Maybe I want to stay right here; make love to you on your couch..."

"Hmmm...." She smiled happily. "Not here. Not now. But tonight...I'll make love to you anywhere you like."

"Anywhere?" His eyebrow spiked.

"Anywhere." She held her hand out. Adjusting her weight in his arms, he took her hand in his; shaking it to seal the deal.

"Maddie..." He sighed as he kissed the top of her hand. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," she sighed in return, running her thumb over his lips. And then, with a feeling of regret, Harry felt her legs untangle from around him and he sat her gingerly back on the floor. "Just let me call my boss and get my things and...oh! My files!" Maddie remembered the moment she realized it was Jim standing outside of her door. Turning in her heels, she pulled her door open; her eyes scanning the floor where everything had fallen.

"Here you are ma'am," Jim held out the pile he had collected from the floor.

"Thank you," she breathed, taking them from him. "Thank you." And then, with a wide smile and tender eyes, Maddie broke all kinds of protocol and threw her arms around Jim; hugging him tight and kissing his cheek. Startled, his hands moved to steady her, his eyes looking helplessly to Harry who shrugged and laughed.

"She's excited," he explained.

"She's very excited," Maddie stepped from Jim's arms. "I just need to lock these up and let my boss know..."

"Of course," Harry grinned; he'd wait forever for her. Maddie hurried around; locking cabinets, grabbing her bag, phoning her boss. In less than two minutes, she was walking out of the hospital; holding tight to Harry's hand.

For the rest of her life she would be surprised by the lack of photos taken that day. Of course the press was kept off the property and they were naturally not expecting Harry to be home for a few more days—so they didn't see him at the hospital. But other people did; Maddie's colleagues, patients and their families. As they made their way to the awaiting car in the parking garage, they passed at least twenty-five people. But not one of them pulled out a camera, not one of them reached for their phone. They smiled and nodded and one elderly man even offered Harry a sincere "Welcome home, son." But they all let him pass in peace.

Their ride to Clarence House was short but Maddie held onto him the entire time; her fingers tracing over the veins in his hand, tickling up his arm. Harry sighed back into the seat; watching London fly by him. The cold, wet air was a welcome change from what he had grown accustomed to. As the car pulled through the tall gates, he turned to look at her; catching her watching him. With a tired smile, he blinked. He could understand her initial reaction at seeing him because in this moment, looking at her, he almost couldn't believe she was real. Pulling her fingers to his lips, he kissed them and tightened his hold on her.

The car pulled to a stop and their doors were opened; forcing them apart and out of the car. Harry stood at the bottom of the small set of stairs, his hand extend back to her; waiting for her to join him before he continued in. With rosy cheeks and bright eyes, she took his hand in both of hers and, with a smile that refused to fade, she followed him inside.

His family was waiting, erupting into a ball of excitement when they entered the room. While Charles moved directly to his son; wrapping him in a pride-filled embrace, Kate's mile-wide smile was aimed directly at Maddie. Harry was reluctant to drop her hand, but did so in order to receive the hugs, the love. Maddie stood to the side, her hands clasped in front of her, as his family welcomed him home and congratulated her on making it through the few months. This was a short stop; just long enough to say hello, to be seen. Charles and Camilla hugged them and loved on them and quickly released them so Harry could stop off at home, relax and then they would return for dinner and drinks later that evening.

"So your boyfriend's back," Kate spoke under her breath as she moved to Maddie's side as she and William walked Maddie and Harry towards the door.

"He is," Maddie nodded; beaming. "Him and his sharp tongue." Her eyes met Kate's and they shared equally amused smirks before the men caught up with them.

"That's a nice necklace," William smiled, nodding to her neck.

"Oh thank you," Maddie smiled, immediately thinking of the Ubuntu pendant. "Harry gave it to me." William looked to Harry with narrowed eyes.

"You gave her a macaroni necklace?" His voice was flat.

"Oh no!" Maddie laughed, her eyes looking down. "I forgot I had that on. One of the kids made it for me during a session this morning."

"You have such a strange job," Kate commented lightly; her fingers reaching out to the macaroni around Maddie's neck.

"I really do," Maddie smiled with a nod.

"You're coming back for dinner?" William asked; his arm finding its way around Kate's shoulder.

"We'll be back," Harry snatched Maddie's hand in his. "I just want to shower and change and then we'll be right back."

"Do hurry," Kate watched as the two of them stepped outside towards the car. "They have champagne chilled and just waiting for the two of us."

"Oh no," William shook his head. "The man has just returned from battle. I'm not sure he's up for that."

"What is he talking about?" Harry looked to Maddie.

"Nothing," Maddie shook her head. "Kate and I spent a night together while you were gone. That's all I'm prepared to say about that." She dropped his hand and rounded the car with a smug smile.

"Oh really?" Harry's interest was hooked; his eyes trained on Maddie as she slipped into her seat.

"See you soon!" William called out with a wave as Harry nodded good-bye and slipped into the car next to her.

"Do you think there's any way I might be able to convince you to stay with me tonight?" He moved closer to her; his voice lowering in a way which had proven useful for him in the past.

"You've already succeeded," Maddie nodded; tipping her lips to kiss his. "Listen...I have a favor to ask and I know you're tired and want to shower and not at all up for granting me favors, but it's incredibly important and I'll owe you—big time."

"Oh-kay," Harry shrugged; curious at the serious look on her face. "Everything okay?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Absolutely."

"Okay then. What's the favor?"

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"This was a really great idea," Harry admitted as they stood outside the door; having just knocked.

"I told you it was important."

"You were right," he squeezed her hand in his; the night air making it quite cold. "I think this one is so good, you don't even have to owe me."

"Maybe I want to owe you," her voice dropped and his eyes shifted back to her.

"Maybe talking to me like that isn't the best idea when we're standing outside..." His words were cut off by the sound of the locks being moved. Maddie squealed slightly; bouncing on her feet as the door swung open.

"What are you..." Ella was confused for a split second before her eyes went wide; her hands flying to her throat. "Oh my God!" As she flung herself into Harry's arms, Jim stepped around them in order to do his walk through. "Oh my God!"

"What in God's name is going on out there?" Bishop's voice called from the back of Ella's place as he stepped from her room. He had a direct view of the front door and Maddie could see the instant he knew what was happening.

"I found something in my office today that I thought you should see," Maddie felt tears in her eyes as she smiled down the hall at Bishop. His entire face eased, his eyes lit up and she was quite certain he thought, for just a moment, about breaking into a run to the door.

Instead, he maintained his cool and sauntered casually from his room as Jim gave the okay nod and Maddie and Harry stepped inside. "Welcome home man," Bishop smiled wide as he unashamedly opened up his arms to greet him.

"It's good to be back," Harry's smile was genuine as he hugged his best friend. Ella kissed Maddie's cheeks, her excitement only multiplied seeing the smile on Maddie's face; the life back in her eyes.

"Madeline," Bishop turned to her then; his hand still planted firmly on Harry's shoulder. His eyes met hers with sincerity. "Thank you." He stepped from Harry then, pulling Maddie tight into his arms.

"No," she blinked back the tears in her eyes. "Thank you." And she meant it. Without him, without Ella, without all of them—she wasn't sure she would have made it through the 116 days that Harry was away. They had kept her sane, kept her laughing; kept her alive. And, as she looked over Bishop's shoulder at Harry's smile, at his sparkling eyes—she wasn't sure she would ever be able to thank them.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"I cannot believe you're home," Maddie shook her head in disbelief; watching from Harry's bed as he moved, toeing off his boots, pulling off his socks. They had finally pried Bishop away from them long enough to make their escape. Now, all Harry wanted to do was shower and change and spend the little time they had before they were expected back at his father's, together.

"I can't believe it either," he shook his head. "When they told me we were going early, I thought I was dreaming."

"Why did you leave early?" Her face scrunched up as she looked to him; not having got an answer when she asked earlier. Harry paused, his mind and body ceasing movement. Then with a shake of his head and a shrug, he dismissed it.

"I'll tell you all about that later," he grinned then, moving to her, his hands tipping her head up so that he could kiss her. He had been away from her for 116 days; days in which he had to force his mind not to think of her, to think only of the tasks and missions at hand. But now he was home; he was done thinking of war. He wanted to think of her.

"Mmmm..." Maddie moaned; her hands moving to his chest, resting on his buttons. "Can I help you with this?"

"You can," he nodded; his eyes twinkling as she began to undo buttons. Her hands were tentative, cautious, as they moved inside his shirt; pushing it back and off his shoulders; listening to it fall to the floor. She moved then to his pants; undoing the buttons and zipper there; pushing them away from him to meet the same fate as his shirt. It was strange for her, this moment where she was undressing him in a way that was far from sexual. He looked amazing; standing tall and in great shape, but that wasn't what she was searching for as her eyes passed over him. She looked him over; from head to toe—checking for any harm, anything out of place. Harry stood still, allowing her to do so; knowing she needed to ease her concerns.

"You're okay?" Her eyes fluttered up to look at him; her fingers stretching out to fall on his chest.

"I am," he nodded with a smile; his hand closing over hers.

"I mean, you're really okay?"

"I'm really okay," his smile stretched; his hand pulling at hers, moving her closer as he took a step in her direction. This time when his lips met hers, there was less urgency there; less insistence. This time when his arms wrapped around her it was less about the strong, firm proof of his existence. This time was about slow, steady assurance. He was home, he was fine and he was hers. In this moment, her body pressing hotly against his, he didn't belong to the army. In this moment, with her mouth opening under his—inviting his tongue to explore, he didn't belong to the family. In this moment, when he moved forward with a groan; his arms adjusting to push her back on to his bed, he only belonged to her. Just her. And, as she pulled him to her, taking his entire weight onto her, she was ready to be selfish. She was ready to be greedy.

Harry knew that his family was waiting. He knew his father was anxious to have them back; anxious to hear about his time away. He knew that there was a celebratory dinner waiting; bottles of the finest champagne. He knew all of that.

He also knew that there was no way anything was going to pull him away from her now. Now that she was surrendering to his roaming hands; her body arching under his touch. Now that she was taking his long, hot kisses into her mouth like they were air; like she needed them to stay alive. Now that she was allowing him to rid her of her clothing in a less graceful, less mindful way than she had rid him of his.

Nothing could pull him from this spot, from this moment; from her.

Making love to Harry had always been amazing; sacred—was the word she chose. But there had never been a time before this, or after really, that would ever compare to how