A/N: I do not own the characters or anything. They belong to Shonda Rhimes and Private Practice.

This is my first attempt at writing not because I have a compelling need to write but because of my active imagination, seeing as there is no new episode until January.

Chapter 1

Cooper's POV

"Baby steps, Cooper". That's what Sheldon told me, among other things. "With all that has happened to Charlotte, both of you need to take baby steps". "It would also help if you tell her how you really feel".

So here I am, standing outside our loft and rehearsing what I was going to say. I open the door and Charlotte is sitting on the sofa with her knees to her chest. Tears streaming down her cheeks but no sound coming from her mouth. Her body shaking from the crying

I sit beside her, shoulder to shoulder. Near enough but not touching her. I long to pull her into my arms to comfort her but I know she won't let me touch her. "Sorry I'm late. I was talking to Sheldon and didn't realize the time. I know I should've called but I left my phone on Sheldon's table in my hurry to get home".

She sniffled and said "You're a grown man, Coop. You don't need to explain your whereabouts". I answered "But I do. We live together now and at the very least, I need to tell you where I am so you don't have to worry". More sniffling. "Not worried ", she drawled. I nod But I Know Her.

We sat in silence for a few minutes while I went through all I need to say in my mind.

Perhaps sensing something, Charlotte stiffened and asked "Cooper, are you leaving me?". I looked at her and very softly said "Oh, Charlotte, I'm not leaving you. I love you. I want to spend my whole damn life with you" I hear her sigh of relief but braced myself for her reaction to what I'm about to say.

"What happened to you, I can't begin to imagine...… I don't know what to do, how to help you." "But this is the thing, I'm here for you, please don't shut me out." "I miss the normal things, talking to you about the good and the bad of the day. I wish I could hold you when you're having a bad day but I know you're not ready". "I would settle for being able to wipe your tears or even just holding your hand".

In one long breath, I blurted out everything I needed to say before I get interrupted. The old Charlotte would have.

After a few minutes, she sighs , leans her head on my shoulder and puts her hand in mine. I clasp her hand and squeeze it softly. She relaxes against me and doesn't recoil when our shoulders touched.

Baby steps. This is still not the Charlotte I fell in love with but for now, this is enough.