"Not really sure how to feel about it, something in the way you move, makes me feel like I can't live without you.  It takes me all they way, I want you to stay" ~Stay - Rihanna

New York, Greenwich Village, 23 August 1966 2.32am

Charli, Sophie, Eddie, and Lily sat on the bed in Charli's room sharing drinks and talking, looking through old photos Charli had laid on the bed. Mina and Toni had gone to bed.

"God," Eddie sighed "All this time, you were hiding from your bestest friend in the world...the fact you dated Paul McCartney!"

"I didn't hide it from you entirely," Charli said taking another drink "I showed you my photos"

She had pulled her memories of Paul down from the closet shelf to show her closest friends that night. Eddie picked up the photo of Paul she'd taken many years before.

"I mean, yeah...if I'd thought about it..." he rambled "Still! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Yeah, girly," Lily said nudging her "You've hidden that from us for how long?"

"Would any of you believed me if I told you 'oh, sure...I grew up in the same neighborhood as Paul McCartney, I hung out with him and John's band, oh..and we were secretly dating behind my parents back'" She laughed.

"Knowing you..." Sophie giggled"Probably"

"I can't believe you had the guts to invite him over tonight," Eddie said "I hope he turns up, he's fun to look at"

"Agreed!" Lily said raising a glass.

"Yeah..well, we'll see if he actually shows" Charli shrugged.

"I'm sure he will," Sophie said "He seemed pretty smitten with you"

Charli shrugged "He remembers who I was before...everything else."

"Charli," Eddie said putting a hand on her shoulder "You really need to forgive yourself over your demons, you've been through a lot."

Charli shrugged and yawned.

"It's getting late," she said as she stretched "I hate to cut this girly time short...but I need some sleep, it's been an overwhelming day"

Soon, it was just Charli and Sophie. Charli got herself comfortable in bed and Sophie snuggled up to her.

"It's threatening to storm.." she said as a bit of thunder rolled outside their window.

"It's okay Soph," Charli said.

"Hey Charli," Sophie said after a while "What if he doesn't show up?"

"What?" Charli said, she'd started dozing off when Sophie's question woke her.

"I mean, tonight," Sophie said "What if Paul doesn't show up? Will you be ok?"

Charli thought "I have to be," she finally responded, "'sides, I've got you don't I?"

Sophie laughed "Seriously though, you can talk to me if you need to"

"Thanks, Soph," Charli said as Sophie yawned.

Soon Sophie was asleep, Charli laid awake as the rain began. Her mind was flooded with memories of Paul, she could only hope she would see him again as she focused on the rain outside.

New York, Manhatten, 23 August 1966 2.43am

Meanwhile, Paul laid awake in his hotel bed.

His mind churned over the events of that night, after giving up on ever finding her, she appeared right in front of him.

He hadn't said anything to Brian about after the concert the following night, he hadn't said much to anyone upon returning to the hotel room. All he could think about was the reality of that night, he had found Charli again, he planned to keep his promise to her, somehow, even if things were more complicated now.

He sprung out of bed and went to into the hallway

"Bri!" he called "I need to talk to you about the concert!"

**

"Paul," Brian said after Paul explained everything to him "I just don't see how this is possible, we're set to fly to Los Angeles right after the concert"

"But it's our day off," Paul said "I'm fine missing time in LA, I can turn up later in the day or Mal and I can fly out to Seattle if that's no good"

"Mal, you agreed to this?" Brian asked the tall and bulky Mal Evans. Mal simply shrugged.

"If Paul really wants to do this, I can make sure he stays out of trouble," Mal said.

"Yeah...c'mon Bri" George piped in "Half of our number one hits are because of this girl...Yesterday sure wasn't about Jane"

Paul shot him a look, but he was right. The commotion of getting Brian's attention had inadvertently woken up the rest of the band.

Brian thought a long moment and sighed heavily.

"I'll ring up in the morning to schedule a flight for you and Mal to LA the afternoon of the 24th," Brian finally said. He didn't like it, but he realised the boys had been through more trouble than expected in their recent tour, he wanted to keep them happy and touring the next year, who was he to decide how they'd spend their day off?

"Thanks, Bri!" Paul said excitedly "I owe ya's!"

He began making his way back to his room.

"She better fucking be worth it mate," John said not looking up from his cigarette.

"John, I don't want ta' hear it," Paul groaned.

"Yeah? And I don't want another situation like we had in Minnesota last year....if you come to LA heartbroken, I'm not going to help ya's pick up the pieces" John said coolly.

Paul didn't answer, he went back to his hotel room. He stared out the window at the busy city, it was no wonder they called New York the city that never slept, he looked out over the lights throughout the large city, wondering if one of the lights might be hers. He smiled knowing he would see her again, soon.

New York, Greenwich Village 23 August 1966 5 pm

Charli sat in her Lyra, staring out the apartment windows and smoking a cigarette. She was lost in thought over everything that had happened in the last 24 hours. She had almost forgotten it was her birthday, despite constant reminders from her flatmates. Lily cooked a full English breakfast for her (at least as English as he could in New York), Eddie and Sophie took her shopping in Greenwich. It had been a perfect day and the party that evening was guaranteed to be even better, all she could wonder was if he would actually show up.

"Aw, our wee Charli," Mina said as she entered the room "rehearsing? Or lost in thought?"

Her flatmates knew, much as she loved rehearsing, sometimes she just enjoyed sitting and thinking in the Lyra.

"The second one," Charli smiled.

"About him?" Mina asked.

"Of course not!" Charli said "...Am I that bloody obvious?"

"Just a smidge," Mina laughed "Honey, I'm sure if you mean what you did to him before, he'll be here. And if not, you're going to be okay, you have a lot of people who love you."

Charli smiled "I know," she said swinging down from the Lyra "Ta for the reminder"

She hugged Mina.

"Now, go get dressed!" Mina ordered, "Your party is in 2 hours!"

"I don't need 2 hours to get ready, unlike you!" Charli laughed before grabbing a towel from her room and heading into the shower.

**

It was just past 7 pm, Lily and Eddie had finished making the cake to be eaten that night and were icing it as Toni hooked up speakers. Mina and Sophie set out snacks, Helen had come early and helped Toni with the sound system.

Charli meanwhile had lost a pencil and was trying to fish it out from under the couch.

"Charli, I swear" Eddie called "You're the only chick I know who gets gussied up for her party and is immediately on the floor trying to dig out something from the couch"

"I'm not gussied up!" she laughed "And it's my favourite pencil!"

"Isn't that the top you got this afternoon?" Sophie asked, "You're going to get it all dirty!"

"AH HA!" Charli said triumphantly "I got you ya' wee bugger!"

"You are the epitome of Greenwich bohemia right now Charli" Toni called.

That afternoon during their shopping excursion, Charli had fallen in love with a blue velvet, burnout kimono, the velvet was many different hues of greens, oranges, reds and white with small beading on some of the patterns, it was long and stopped just above her ankle. Eddie purchased it for her as a birthday present. She wore the kimono and a pair of flared jeans and a black singlet.

"I think a couple beads fell off..." she said inspecting it.

"Great! More bohemian" Mina laughed.

Just then Toni and Helen got the speakers working as Donovan's Sunshine Superman blared loudly causing most in the apartment to jump.

New York, Shae Stadium, 23 August 7.07pm

Meanwhile, Paul sat in the locker room at Shae Stadium, miles away, happily and nervously lost in thought.

"So, who is this girl?" Ringo asked sitting next to him, lightly tapping out a rhythm on his knee and shaking Paul from his thoughts.

"What? Oh..Hey Rings," he said finally "She's just...well, she's Charli. We grew up together...she was me first love...its a long story, but I never thought I'd see her again"

"Do ya' still love this Charli bird?" Ringo asked. Paul thought barely more than a second before answering.

"Yes."

"Gear," Ringo grinned.

"Yer not pissed off I'm stayin' behind?" Paul said as he tuned his bass "Seems I'm on everyone's list tonight"

"Nah," Ringo waved a hand in dismissal, "I think John is just worried, George is just sick of this tour and Brian is worried about the publicity. You are going to have a lot to sort out when we get home if everything goes well with this bird"

Paul stopped strumming his bass a moment.

"Yeah...I know," he thought out loud"I don't want ta' think of it now"

"Macca!" John called "Practice! Now!"

Paul rolled his eyes.

"Here we go," he said as he and Ringo left the room to rehearse.

The entire concert was a blur, it wasn't the same energy as the previous year at Shae. They loved playing, but George seemed tired, John was frustrated at more than just Paul staying behind in New York and Paul was rushing the songs a bit.

"Slow it down a bit!" John shouted between Rock & Roll Music and She's a Woman " It's enough we can't bloody hear ourselves!"

"Relax Johnny," Paul said. He knew he'd been rushing, he knew it was frustrating the rest, his mind had been elsewhere.

Soon, Paul relaxed a little, John seemed in slightly better spirits and George even perked up as a few fans broke through the barriers during Day Tripper but were soon chased and carried away by the police, the ridiculousness hit the 4 fabs at once and calmed all of their nerves and tensions for the remainder of the concert.

"Ok, John, George, Ringo," Brian said urgently "There's a police van waiting to take you to the airport"

"Where's Neill?" George asked.

"He's getting Paul and Mal to the car waiting for them," Brian said looking off into the distance "I do hope he returns in time"

Once the driver had been told where to go, Paul put on a grey fedora, thick-rimmed glasses, and a fake mustache.

"Mal," he said "We need to make one quick stop"

Greenwich Village, 23 August 9.42pm

Charli's party had been going for a couple hours, it was nearing 10 pm. There were people everywhere, fellow artists from the village, performers from shows she'd been in, her closest friends, and fellow aerialists. One person was missing and much as she knew there was a very real possibility, he wouldn't be there, disappointment was setting in despite her laughter and outward happiness.

"Charli!" Eddie said suddenly "How can your glass be dry, it's your fuckin' birthday!"

"I don't know!" Charli laughed "Want ta' help me out, la'?"

Eddie took her glass and made his way to the kitchen.

"Hey Soph," he said, Sophie was pouring herself another drink.

"Hey Eduardo," she teased "Feel like I haven't seen you all night!"

"Busy taking care of the birthday girl," Eddie smiled as he poured a drink for Charli.

Sophie cocked her head curiously. Eddie leaned closer to speak with her discreetly.

"Sophie," he said in a hushed voice "I don't think Paul is going to turn up and I'm worried about Charli"

Sophie looked shocked, Eddie was always upbeat and optimistic, he was always the one to keep everyone in the flat positive, she'd never seen him worry.

"I'm sure he will.." she said weakly.

"Soph...it's nearly 10 pm," he said "Whatever happens, let's just make sure she's ok"

Sophie nodded.

"Oh fuck!" they heard Charli exclaim as Paint It Black came on "I love this song!"

"Shall we?" Eddie said as he and Sophie made their way back to the excitement.

"EDDIE!" Charli said grabbing her drink out of his hand "Dance!"

"Lady of few words tonight aren't ya'?" Eddie laughed.

"Fuck sakes! Don't argue...it's me birthday!" Charli laughed. Eddie dropped the seriousness of his conversation with Sophie to dance with Charli. He couldn't help himself, he loved dancing and Charli seemed genuinely happy, he could only hope she would still be ok by the end of the evening.

Just as the song was nearing its end, they heard a knock on the door over the commotion.

"Shit, whoever that is sure knows how to be fashionably late," Lily said.

"I'll get it!" Charli said she was winded after dancing with Eddie but still managed to leap over a couple bean bag chairs as she made her way to the door.

As she opened the door, two mustached men in fedoras stood in the doorway. One held a large bouquet of flowers, her heart sank seeing it wasn't anyone she knew or had hoped would turn up.

"Sorry mates," she said, "I think you've got the wrong flat"

"Happy birthday, Kitten," one of the men said removing his disguise.

"PAUL!" She said excitedly as she threw her arms around him and kissed him deeply. Paul reciprocated her kiss happily and pulled her close to his body as he handed the flowers back to Mal, who rolled his eyes and laughed slightly. Mal had spent the last hour in a car with Paul hearing everything about the girl known as Charli.

"Jesus Charli!" Eddie called "Come up for some air!"

Sophie smacked his shoulder "Shut up" she laughed "Maybe we'll get a free show!"

Charli, overhearing them but not wanting to break away, gave a double-fingered gesture they all knew too well amongst each other as Lily squeezed past to Mal.

"Come in Mal," he said taking the bouquet from him "You can join the party, you don't have to stand in the hall"

"Ta.." Mal smiled, then realised he didn't know the young man who addressed him by name "I'm sorry but have we met?"

Lily laughed "We did!" he said "I looked much different, you might remember me as Pussy Control"

Mal's eyes went wide as Lily laughed, he'd gotten used to that response.

"I'm sorry," Mal said looking away embarrassedly "I just...you were very convincing"

"Thank you dear" he grinned widely "What are ya' having to drink tonight?"

Eventually, Paul and Charli came down from their greeting.

"I was worried you weren't going to come," she said softly.

Paul smiled warmly and pressed his forehead to hers.

"I'm sorry I'm so late luv," he said "the concert was over just after 8.30, but we had to pack up and it took an hour to get here. I've missed enough birthdays, I'm not missing anymore."

She smiled before kissing him again. There was suddenly a hand on each of their shoulders.

"I'm sorry to break up this saccharine sweet moment," Eddie said "But, Lily and I slaved all afternoon over your cake Charli and I think the guests are getting restless"

Paul looked at Eddie and smiled "Thanks, mate" he nodded. Charli laughed as Eddie nervously scratched the back of his head and turned away.

"He's got a mad crush on ya's" Charli whispered loud enough for Eddie to hear.

"Shut up Charli," Eddie laughed heading to the kitchen.

"What do ya' say we join the party luv," Paul said lacing his fingers in hers. Charli finally was able to see him fully, he wore a dark blue shirt with white at the collar and cuffs and dotted with small white dots and black trousers, she had almost forgotten how striking he was. Paul smirked noticing her eyes traveling over him, Charli turned away and laughed at herself ogling him.

"Well! Now that the birthday girl is back on the planet Earth" Lily grinned widely as Paul and Charli entered the kitchen. "We can actually devour the masterpiece I slaved over all afternoon"

Eddie set a few candles amongst the icing that read Feliz cumpleaños, Charli!

"Make a wish, Charli" Eddie suggested after lighting the candles. The partygoers all, loudly sang "Happy Birthday" as Charli smiled back at Paul momentarily and blew out her candles.

"What did ya' wish for luv?" he whispered putting his arms around her waist from behind.

"I can't tell ya's that!" she laughed turning to face him "It might not come true!"

Paul laughed softly and kissed her nose.

"Okay," Mina said passing them both a slice of cake "You're both adorable, but some of us would like to keep our cake down"

Paul had been sociable with all guests, signing a few autographs and hearing dissections of the band's music from some of the local artists.

"..I wasn't really a fan of The Beatles," a girl dressed in a mini skirt, paisley blouse and mary janes said, sitting on the arm of the couch and smoking a cigarette "Then Revolver came out and I was in shock, I've never heard anything like it"

"Thanks, luv," Paul said as Charli settled on the couch next to him handing him a drink "We're quite chuffed by it"

"How did you get the sounds on Tomorrow Never Knows?" she asked.

"Tape loops," Paul answered absentmindedly as he wrapped an arm around Charli who nuzzled his neck.

"That album, to me, is when you became a real band" She added blowing a puff of smoke.

"Ta," Paul said as Charli kissed his neck distracting him more "Sorry, but I think someone wants attention" he added hoping the girl would take the hint, she huffed slightly and left the arm of the couch she had been sitting on.

"You," Paul answered to Charli's not so subtle demands and pulled her closer to him "Are too distracting"

He kissed her warmly as he set his drink on a small side table.

"Can't help it," she responded between kisses "I haven't seen you in 6 years! I don't want to share you"

"I'm all yours," he said low sending shivers down her body.

"Can you stay the night?" Charli asked tracing small circles on his chest.

"If you'll have me," Paul whispered kissing just behind her ear, Charli visibly swooned feeling his breath on her skin. He pulled away but still held her close as they both calmed down from the heat of the moment, realising the apartment was still full of party goers.

"I like this," Paul said touching the fabric of the kimono Charli wore between his fingers "It suits ya', luv"

"Ta, I was worried I would look terrible in it" she laughed slightly.

"You look beautiful," he said kissing her forehead softly "I don't think I'll ever forget you like this"

"Okay lovebirds," Helen laughed as she approached the couch "Charli, you wanted me to show you how to improve your floorwork for Green Onions"

"Now?!?" Charli asked shocked.

"Yes, Now!" Helen laughed "You have adoring fans waiting!"

"Um, sure..." she took off her kimono and handed it to Paul "Mind holding onto this for me luv?"

Paul smiled "Of course"

She was soon whisked away by Helen.

Paul sat a moment lost in thought before Eddie sat beside him, soon joined by Lily.

"Hey man, have you got a minute?" Eddie smiled.

"Of course," Paul answered as he lit himself a cigarette and offered one to Eddie and Lily.

Soon Sophie sat on the floor, joined by Mina and Toni. Paul smirked knowing fully what was happening.

"So, we like you," Eddie began "But we just want to have a chat"

Paul nodded.

"Charli means a lot to all of us," Lily added. "And...you mean a lot to her"

"Well, she means a lot to me," Paul said exhaling a puff of smoke.

Eddie smiled. "She's come such a long way, I honestly didn't think she was going to make it 2 years ago"

Paul glanced at a photo on the wall of Charli and Eddie, Charli was thinner in the photo, she was gaunt and looked unwell, her eyes were sunken and her skin was a sickly colour. she smiled weakly at the camera. His smile turned to a frown upon seeing the photo, Eddie noticed.

"That was taken a few days after she...last used..." Eddie said as the memory caught in his throat "Just before we met Lily, Toni, and Mina and they let us move in"

"We took her in, put some meat on her bones" Lily joked "And she has been thriving"

"But she's still pretty sad over everything," Sophie said recalling some of Charli's panic attacks at small things "We talk a lot as bedmates, she told me everything...about her parents an.." Sophie stopped as tears came to her eyes, Sophie had a very loving and accepting family and had a hard time fathoming the abuse Charli came from.

"Basically Paul," Mina said "We want to make sure she's going to be okay"

"We want to know your intentions with our dear Charli" Eddie said in a slightly mocking voice. Paul smirked, but answered honestly.

"In the end, it's her choice," he began "My intention, once I sort a few things back in London, is to bring her home, to give her a happy life. I will never forget what I saw before her parents moved her away from me and I've only ever wanted to give her a better life"

"Just please," Toni said suddenly "If you're going to take her from us, please don't hurt her"

"Toni," Paul said looking her in the eyes "I promise, I will never hurt her"

He glanced up to see Charli practicing her floorwork as others watched, at that moment, the magpie and psychedelic patterns that took up her shoulder and most of her upper arm stood out, he heard her laugh at something that was said and the rest of her came into focus.

"She really is gorgeous," he sighed. "She always has been to me"

"I will say this," Eddie said as he finally lit the cigarette Paul had given him "I'm fuckin' jealous of her!"

The group laughed.

"Yeah, the lucky little brat has the attention from you I would kill for" Lily added as they all laughed even louder.

"What's goin' on over here?" Charli demanded as she approached the couch.

"Nothing at all Charlotte," Eddie grinned.

"Don't ever call me that" Charli laughed as Paul handed her kimono to her.

The party was winding down, Eddie, Mal, and Lily stood in the kitchen discussing the adventures Mal had been on while touring with The Beatles.

Sophie chatted with the girl who had tried talking to Paul about Revolver, Toni and Mina were cuddling on the couch.

Meanwhile, Paul and Charli danced together to Sam Cooke's Nothing can change this love

"If I go a million miles away

I'll write a letter each and every day.."

Paul sang softly as he held Charli close to him.

"Promise?" Charli smirked. Paul laughed softly before kissing her.

"Should I assume I'm sleeping elsewhere tonight?" Sophie interrupted.

"Safe assumption" Charli agreed "Paul and I have a lot to catch up on"

"I bet you do" Eddie called "Soph, you can stay with me"

"Mal, you can stay in my room if you're comfortable," Lily said kindly, while he was oddly attracted to Mal he knew that ship wouldn't sail, but wanted to make sure he had a place to sleep that night.

"I had to cram onto a bed with the lads in the early days," he laughed, "I think I can manage"

As the discussion of where everyone would sleep finished, Eddie looked up noticing Paul and Charli were gone "Well, that didn't take much time" he laughed.

Once they were inside her room and the door was shut, they wasted no time reacquainting themselves with each other. Charli's kisses were deeper and more demanding than he remembered, and he returned the same desire as he kissed her. He slid her kimono off her shoulders as she ran her hands through his hair, she dropped her hands momentarily to let the kimono slide to the ground. He ran his hands down her small frame, over her curves before breaking away for a moment.

"God, I missed those curves" he breathed heavily as his hands wandered under her singlet, resting on her hips.

"They missed your touch" she whispered in his ear before kissing a trail down his neck "So did I"

She could feel him growing hard and pressed against him closer making him moan as she unbuttoned his shirt.

She kissed a trail from his neck, down his chest, over his stomach and paused at his waist, just above the waistband of his trousers.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for this" he growled. She smiled and kissed her way back up until she was staring up into his soft eyes again.

"6 years" she smirked as she unbuckled his belt "believe me, I know"

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her again, exploring every inch of her mouth. She moaned softly into the kiss.

"I hate to break the mood," he said taking a brief pause "Do you have any protection?"

"I'm on the pill" Charli smiled as she lifted her singlet over her head and threw it to the ground. Paul removed his shirt before kissing her again, he kissed her neck as he tried to remove her bra, she moaned feeling his lips against her skin again.

"Fuckin' bra" he laughed. Charli giggled slightly.

"I would've thought by now you'd have figured them out" she teased as she reached back and unclasped the hooks. Soon the bra joined the growing pile of clothes as Charli lightly grabbed Paul's wrists and led him onto the bed. He positioned himself on top of her, she looked up at him and smiled before caressing his cheek. He then kissed the space just between her breasts, she moaned and ran a hand through his hair.

"I need you, Paul," she groaned. Paul smiled against her skin before kissing down her stomach as he unbuttoned her jeans and began sliding them off her hips, he kissed her hip bone sliding her jeans further down, he smiled again as he kissed just inside her thigh. Charli moaned and arched her hips, hoping he would kiss ever so slightly further up, she realised in the 6 years they'd been apart he learned how to tease and he was good at it. He laughed softly.

"Not tonight kitten," he said, removing her jeans fully "Tonight, I need to be inside you. I need to make love to you"

"You're being such a tease!" Charli groaned "You'll drive me mad if you're not careful!"

He moved so they were face to face, his lips brushing hers as he spoke

"Maybe I want to drive ya' mad" he whispered before kissing her, he slid her panties off as they kissed. Just as he pulled away from the kiss, she bit his lower lip playfully.

"Hey!" Paul laughed at the slight pain.

"Payback.." she smirked. Paul smiled at her, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I just have one question for you Miss McLeod," he said.

"I might have an answer," she said arching closer to him. Paul laughed slightly.

"In due time luv," he said warmly "It's a serious question.."

She cocked her head.

"Charlotte, do you still love me?" he asked staring into her eyes, Charli melted as she stared back.

"You should know the answer by now," she said as she caressed his face, Paul closed his eyes and smiled at her touch.

"I never stopped loving you," she responded. Paul opened his eyes again, his lips curled into a smile.

"That's all I needed to know" he whispered before kissing her softly.

He sat on the edge of the bed removing his trousers and boxers before pulling the covers over himself and Charli.

He stared at her a moment, her unruly dark, copper hair spread on the pillow, the blue eyes he'd fallen in love with so many years before stared back at him from the fox-like face he knew so well.

"Yer so fucking beautiful," he said as he kissed her.

She broke away from the kiss and whispered "Paul, make love to me" before kissing just below his ear as she ran her fingers through his hair, Charli sensed he was worried and wanted to assure him this was exactly what she wanted.

With her words, he smiled and pulled her legs around his hips before thrusting inside of her.

Charli gasped feeling him fully.
"Are you alright luv?" he whispered. Charli nodded.

"I just..." she breathed "forgot how you felt!"

He smiled "I can remind you"

Her body melted with his as he moved inside her again.

"I love you so much, Charli," he said breathing into her neck. Every movement was slow and deliberate, all of her senses were filled with him. The smell of his tobacco and cologne, the slight taste of scotch every time he kissed her deeply, his words hot on her skin, his hair tangled in her fingers and the feel of him. She felt overwhelmed, but only in the best of ways.

"I love you too, Paul" She moaned "I need you"

"I'm never letting you go again," he said before he kissed her again, parting her lips with his tongue. She knew, there was no denying her love like she had, she hoped this wouldn't be a one night stand, that this was real.

**

"That," Paul said laying back and lighting a cigarette "Was beyond words....beyond anything I ever imagined"

Charli lit herself a cigarette "I'm just afraid this has all been a very lovely, very steamy dream" she laughed.

"I'm as real as you are," Paul said as she snuggled next to him. They were silent awhile before Charli's thoughts took over and she spoke.

"So, what now?" she asked.

"I reckon at some point, we should get some sleep" Paul replied "Even though I don't want to"

She smiled up at him.

"Me neither," Charli agreed "But what's going to happen after this? You'll be going away again..."

"Its okay luv," he interrupted her rambling thoughts and kissed the top of her head "I do have to leave sooner than either of us would like. But I'm not leaving you, I'll write you while we're finishing this tour. I'll call you as soon as I'm back in England, and I'll call and write as much as I can until everything is sorted and I can bring you home"

"What about your girlfriend?" Charli said softly, she'd started feeling a little guilty she became the tour girl.

Paul sighed "That's the part I'm dreading if I'm honest."

"Do you love her?" Charli asked nervously.

"Well, yes..." Paul said. He felt Charli shiver in his arms, he lifted her chin softly. "Hey, don't worry. I thought I'd moved on....while I fell in love, it's not like the love I feel for you, kitten. Nothing near."

"You say that now," Charli smirked "But once you're back to life in London, it might not be so easy...I just need to know either way, for me own peace of mind."

"Do you trust me?" Paul asked looking into her eyes, she could always get lost in his sleepy eyes. She nodded.

"I'm so in love with you" Paul continued "I can't let this go, I realise I have to sort things when I get home, but I want you with me"

"I'm just worried, you're in love with who I was," Charli said exhaling her smoke. "And not who I've become...I'm a little fucked up now"

"You've told me what you've been through luv," Paul reminded her "I know you're not the same as you were when we were teenagers, I'm not either. I just want ta' give ya's a good life"

"And what if you stopped writing me?" Charli said she was letting her anxiety take over and couldn't help it anymore, he would be on a flight, leaving her later that day.

"I'd call you" Paul laughed softly, "Charlotte," he began seriously "I kept writing you for years, I stopped only last year after I didn't see you at our Minnesota concert after I'd sent you tickets and a ring...of course I had no idea you were living in New York"

Charli suddenly got out of bed, she reached into her bedside table, pulling out a small shoe box. Paul watched as she dug through the various photos and papers inside. Finally, she found what she was looking for.

"What about this?" she asked handing him a letter dated in 1960.

Paul's eyes ticked over the words.

"I never wrote this," he responded finally "I swear, I never wrote this...is this why you stopped writing?"

"I thought you wanted nothing to do with me," Charl said as tears came to her eyes.

"Hey," Paul soothed "No tears. I promise you Charli, I never wrote that letter. I know it looks like me writing, but I swear to you, I never wrote that."

Charli's mind raced, she knew she had to find out what happened all those years ago, but she didn't want to sour what had been a perfect night. She breathed in deeply to calm her mind before looking up at Paul. She put her arms around him and snuggled into his neck.

"I don't want tonight to ever end" she sighed. Paul smiled and kissed the top of her head again.

"Me neither," Paul said running a hand down her side "But, really, this is just the beginning luv"

They talked more, Paul admitted the recent tour had been beyond stressful and he wasn't sure if the band would tour again. After he asked, Charli was honest about her previous addiction to heroin, it was a way to feel no pain...to feel dead, but not actually be dead.

"I swear, the first time I heard the opening line She said, 'I know what its like to be dead' I thought you lot were writing about me" She laughed. Paul's eyes were closed, he smiled.

"So you did listen to our records!" he laughed softly, "I thought you said you were trying to avoid everything to do with us"

"I was!" She said laying on his chest "It was bloody impossible! Toni bought the Revolver LP, I was in the Lyra when I first heard those lyrics, I nearly fell out of the bloody thing"

Paul laughed quietly, he was exhausted but didn't want to sleep and was enjoying hearing her talk.

"Still a bit shocking when I saw you on stage," Paul yawned still wanting to keep the conversation going.

"Yeah? Which number did you like best" she asked drawing small circles on his chest.

"The one with fewer clothes" he answered pulling her close.

"Typical," she rolled her eyes "I work hard on my circus acts and the lads just want ta' see me in fewer clothes"

"I always want ta' see ya's in fewer clothes" Paul growled "But, I was impressed with your circus act. Circus has done good things for ya' luv" he said running a hand over her body.

He yawned again "There's a local group in London who does similar, one of the performers frequents the Indica where I like to go to find new books and art, you'll love the Indica. I could put in a good word for ya's before you come to London"

"I never said I was coming!" Charli half laughed and half yawned.

"Don't make me beg" Paul replied. "I'm too tired to beg right now!"

"Let's get some sleep luv," she said snuggling closer to him. His arms pulled her in close.

"Hold on," Paul said reaching back "Something under me pillow"

He reached under the pillow and pulled out the familiar raccoon and smiled.

"You kept him?" he asked.

"Of course I kept him!" Charli said snatching Rocky out of Paul's hands "He was there for me when no one else was"

"I'm glad," Paul said as he pulled her against his body and fell asleep.

Soon Charli fell asleep as well, she had the calmest sleep she'd had in years, Paul didn't let go of her through the night.

**

"Morning luv," Paul said as he kissed Charli awake, she sighed and smiled as she woke up.

"Morning yerself," she said stretching, Paul laughed slightly at her messy hair.

She faced him, noticing the small hint of stubble "It's not fair," she sighed.

"What's not fair?" he asked.

"You looking like that!" she laughed. "And me not being able to do anything about it because all me flatmates are just outside the door"

They could hear the sounds of Lily cooking breakfast, Mal helping, Eddie laughing and Toni playing guitar.

"We should get up," Paul yawned "Mind if I use your shower?"

"Be my guest" Charli grinned, "Towels are in the top drawer, my soap and shampoo should be marked"

Charli soon joined her flatmates in the kitchen and Paul snuck into the bathroom for a shower with the overnight bag he had packed.

"Morning sleepy head" Toni called as Charli sat down. Charli had thrown on a pair of sleep shorts and a T-shirt to join everyone.

"She exists!" Eddie said.

"Sod off," Charli laughed "What do ya' mean 'she exists' "

"Well, last night we all look to see you and Paul dancing all cute and cuddly" Eddie explained "Turn our backs and the 2 of you disappeared"

"Must've been kidnapped by aliens" Sophie yawned as she entered the kitchen.

"What time did you get to sleep?" Lily asked.

"Not too late..." Charli lied "5 am?"

Everyone laughed. "It's true! It was early this morning" she said taking a plate of eggs Lily passed to her.

"And just where is your strapping young lad?" Eddie asked.

"In the shower" Charli shrugged. Eddie's eyes went wide, Lily dropped a fork.

"What?" Charli said, "He said he needed a shower!"

"The lad does like his showers" Mal agreed as he took a sip of tea.

"You're telling me, one of the most gorgeous men I've ever seen...Is in our shower?" Eddie said.

"You know, that door is always a bit faulty" Lily added. The two rushed toward the door eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse. The door opened and both Eddie and Lily stopped dead in their tracks as Paul stepped out. 

"Morning lads" He greeted happily. Mal simply laughed and shook his head, he was going to miss the antics of the Greenwich apartment they had made their home for the night.

Charli turned to face Paul, her eyes went wide as he stood before her in a bathrobe, his hair still wet from the shower.

"You alright luv?" he laughed.

"Fine, can we talk a moment?" she asked. "Alone?"

He cocked his head as she nodded to the bedroom.

"Everything alright?" he asked once she closed the door, he had a smirk on his face.

"No!" Charli laughed "First you wake me up, all bed-headed, raspy-voiced and stubbly. Then you turn up in me kitchen in a bathrobe and still wet from the shower and I'm expected to contain meself??"

Paul laughed taking her in his arms "Did you want ta' find out if I'm dressed under the robe?" he grinned.

"Bloody hell!" Charli whined "Ya' can't do this to me! They'll hear us"

"C'mon, we've had to be quiet before" he winked.

"Oh that's it," she laughed pushing him onto the bed as they kissed.

"Hey Charli!" a voice called from the kitchen "What about your breakfast?"

"Sod off with the breakfast!" she shouted, there was more laughter outside the room.

"I'm going to catch so much Hell for this!" She said as she took off her t-shirt and sleep shorts.

"I'll make it worth your while," Paul said raspily as he pulled her down on top of him kissing her deeply and tangling his hands in his hair.

She gave up, she didn't care what Hell she would catch from her flatmates, every second was going to be worth it.

**

It was 3 pm the afternoon of the 24th. Charli had been dreading the afternoon, she rode in a car with Paul who held her hand the whole way, Mal and Eddie, who came for support.

"Right, our flight leaves at 4.10," Mal said "We're running a little late, but should be enough time for Goodbyes"

Charli had been fighting tears the whole drive to the airport, Eddie had been making jokes and talking with Paul about Bob Dylan to lighten the mood. As they got ready to exit the car, Paul pushed his hair back into the grey fedora, set a pair of wide-rimmed glasses on his face and fixed a fake mustache under his nose, they didn't expect any fans at the airport but could never be too careful as Mal fixed a fake mustache to his face as well.

The group was led to a private area of the terminal, a few of New York's more posh businessmen sat in the lounge, a few judging Eddie for how he was dressed and Charli for the same reasons and negatively commenting on her tattoos, she didn't care.

"Promise you'll write me?" She said looking up into Paul's eyes.

"Cross me heart," he said holding her close "and I'll call you as soon as I'm back in London. Will you write me?"

She smiled weakly but nodded. She wiped at her eyes.

"I hate this," Paul said "I don't want ta' see ya's cry luv, I don't want to say goodbye. You know I'd stay if I could, yeah?"

She nodded.

He held her close, her head resting on his chest as he stroked her hair and softly sang.

I give her all my love
That's all I do
And if you saw my love
You'd love her too

I love her

She gives me everything

And tenderly
The kiss my lover brings

She brings to me
And I love her

A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I
Have you near me

Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her

"You finished it," she said remembering when he sang it to her during her some of their darkest times in Liverpool.

"Ages ago," He smiled. "I always think of you when I sing it"

"I'm sorry," she apologised "I couldn't listen to your songs for a long time"

"I understand luv," he said wiping a tear from her eye.

"Paul," Mal approached calmly "Our flight is boarding"

Paul could feel Charli's heart pounding at those words, he looked into her eyes and couldn't help tearing up as he saw the tears in hers.

"It's going to be ok," he soothed "this isn't goodbye. You will see me again, I promise"

Charli nodded quietly.

"I love you Charli," he said warmly.

"I love you too" she squeaked out. He smiled before kissing her and hugging her close one more time.

As Paul and Mal walked down the terminal, Mal thanked Eddie and Charli for the hospitality. Paul turned back and waved sadly as he saw Charli waving as Eddie held her shoulders waving as well.

They got to their seats and Paul stared out the window sadly.

"Brian isn't going to like the upcoming publicity issues when we get back to London" Mal sighed.

"That's for me to deal with," Paul said sadly.

"I know Paulie," Mal said "I'm not going to judge whatever you decide"

"Thanks, Mal," Paul smiled weakly.

Meanwhile, Eddie still held onto Charli.

"Do you want to watch the plane take off?" he asked "If it's too much, let me know and we'll catch a taxi now"

Charli shook her head "No, we can watch"

"Cheer up Charli," Eddie said pulling her in tight as she rested her head on his shoulder "It's going to be alright, I know it"

Soon they watched as Paul's flight to LA rose further and further into the sky, Charli sighed "Can we get something to eat?"

"Sure," Eddie said "I've got the perfect little Mexican restaurant in mind. It's not too far"

**

Later that night, she sat on one of the kitchen stools of her flat talking with Sophie as she worked on a new contortion act.

"I figured you forgot about these," Lily said placing a vase with the flowers Paul had brought the night before nearby "I found the perfect little vase at the shop on the corner, it was too adorable not to buy"

"Thanks luv," Charli smiled weakly.

"And there's a note," he said passing a small note to her "Must've written it while you were getting ready this afternoon"

She unfolded the paper and read to herself;

Dearest Charli,

This isn't the end. I promise you.

I love you more than you know and I can't wait to bring you home and share many more nights and mornings like we just had with you.

If you ever need anything, I'll be there luv.

Until you're in my arms again.

Yours always,

JPM

He had left every possible way she could contact him when he arrived in London, tears came to her eyes as Lily put a hand on her shoulder in support. She already missed him more than she thought possible.

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A/N: Okay, I realise this was a long chapter but they're finally reunited, I knew this one was going to take a bit more!  I almost cut a couple conversations, but sort of felt they were important.  I may re-edit, we'll see.  

However, I ventured a bit with the sex scene...I've always been a bit timid on those ;)  but am working on that lol.

Also, I know Charli goes a little back and forth with emotions, but that's sort of how her anxiety manifests as I see it.  Also, the only time Paul ever calls her Charlotte is during serious conversations.  Eddie does it to tease her.

I know my updates are a little more sporadic than they used to be which is why I'm thankful when people do read, life has a way of getting in the way!  I appreciate your reads, votes and comments more than you guys know!  I'll try to make more time to read others works in return:)

https://youtu.be/wS4InT7Ycdk