He waited this whole time for me? And of course he of all people would bring me a box of chicken nuggets. This man, the man who captured my heart, the man who remembered every small detail was waiting for me to come running back into his arms. I wanted to, so damn badly, but I couldn't.

"Can I have one?"

Did he just?

Dean faced me with puppy eyes, a pouted lower lip and one hand out towards the large box in my hand, but that wasn't enough to make me give up one of my precious nuggets.

"You just crossed the line" I said with a smile, but I was completely serious. Never mess with a girl's chicken nuggets. Dean stared at the floor with a frown but suddenly gazed up at me as if a light bulb had gone off in his head.

"Let's go to McDonald's and then you can tell me all about your date". This man scarily knew my thoughts before I had even spoken them aloud. Dean hopped off the bench and held out a hand out towards me whilst holding the rose he got me for me in the other.

"Wow, I thought you said nothing was going on between you and him". My body shuddered hearing Jack's angry voice sound from behind the bench. Jack came into view looking at the both of us with hatred and simply shook his head.

His fists were clenched tightly gripping his coat jacket and car keys. His glare was now focused on me as he edged closer towards me.

"I should've known there was something going on you whore".

Clenching my fists tightly, I went to give him a taste of his own medicine. But before I could, Dean grabbed my waist and pulled me behind so that he was now face to face with Jack.

"Call her that again and I'll beat you into the next century". Dean's voice was unlike anything I had ever heard. This was a man standing up and protecting the woman he cared for.

"Go ahead. I'm a well respected man in the community and you're just a nobody who will end up in prison". I could feel the anger radiating off Dean as his body trembled at Jack's words.

Discreetly grabbing Dean's hand, I stroked my thumb against the back of his hand hoping to calm down the beast that was about to be let out.

Dean's body relaxed momentarily, but not even seconds after, he pulled his hand out of mine and clenched his hand together.

"A nobody? I am Dean Gray and you've messed with the wrong man's girl". Before I could stop him, Dean threw his arm forward punching Jack square in the nose. I grimaced hearing a single crack that sounded even louder in the silence of the lonely car park. Jack cried out in pain and clutched his bleeding nose.

Dean wrapped his arm protectively around my waist and pulled me into his side.

"You broke my nose!" He said ignoring Dean's heart melting words.

"You're a Doctor, deal with it".

I couldn't help but laugh at Dean's remark. It was a quote from the film Hot Fuzz that Dean and I loved. I didn't think that quote could ever be used in a real life situation, but here he was. He always brought out humour in not so humorous situations.

Jack was still writhing in pain desperately trying to stop the flow of blood pouring out of his nose. Dean looked back at me, his eyes glinting with pride as he checked me over with his eyes assessing my body language.

Smiling at him in gratitude, I stepped out from behind Dean and walked towards the jerk who was kneeling on the ground. I wasn't going to show Dean that I was still that helpless girl that needed saving.

"Don't ever contact me again prick". Just as I was about to walk off I spun back round to face Jack and swung my leg directly at his stomach. His groans were loud and painful to one's ear, but he fully deserved it. The sexist, stuck up jerk lay defeated on the floor.

"That was hot" Dean whispered into my ear as he wrapped his arm around me, but I dodged the incoming physical contact and strutted past him towards his car.

"Don't think you can win me over that easily".

*****************

"That'll come to £47.65".

Dean handed over a £50 note and passed me the very large and heavy bag of McDonald's that we were soon to consume.

The lady handed over the change and we were soon pulling out of the drive through and onto the road.

"Dean, you've brought nearly £50 worth of McDonald's. Don't you think that's a bit excessive?".

I wasn't going to tell him how much I wanted to kiss him for this kind gesture, instead I slumped down in the car and bit my lip harshly.

"Nope. Plus I have to make sure the McDonald's monster beside me gets enough food". I sighed deeply and shook my head as he nudged my upper arm.

"Dean, I want to say thank you for sticking up for me back there".

Dean's relaxed face suddenly turned into a frown and gripped the wheels tightly.

"Honestly the only thing that stopped me killing him was you. However, if he laid a hand on you I would've shot him in the head. Can't believe he had the audacity to call you a whore when he wanted to hook up with another woman yesterday"

"Ye"-

"Wait a minute. How did you know that? I never told you".

Dean's face suddenly paled as he stopped the car to a halt outside my home. He either had planted a speaker on me to hear the conversation or it was a set up.

"You set him up didn't you?".

Dean turned to me in the car with a sheepish yet terrified expression. He nodded slowly looking down to the ground probably in fear that he had lost me for good.

I was furious, furious that he intentionally sabotaged the date for his own selfish gain.

"Dean! You cannot go round sabotaging dates I go on because you want to be with me. That's so selfish". I was swarmed with emotions. Hurt being the main one, but I couldn't deny the mixed feelings I had.

"I'm sorry Rosie". His voice sounded broken as if he thought all hope of us getting back together was over.

"But I'm kinda glad you did it".

Dean's head flew up to meet my own eyes that were filled with amusement. Confusion, relief and worry clouded his face unsure of what to make of my reaction to his stupid actions.

"Even before that girl came in he was a definite no". Dean tilted his head with his eyebrows furrowed together.

"He questioned why I wasn't ordering myself a salad. Said most women order salads on a first date to make good impressions".

"He did not!".

"He certainly did". Dean's mouth dropped and shook his head in disbelief.

"He's lucky I only found this out now or he would've received another punch. What a bastard. Women can eat whatever the hell they want. I hope you ordered the most unhealthy item on the menu after hearing that". Dean switched off the engine and undid his seat belt before grabbing the McDonald's bag from out of my hand.

I couldn't help but laugh at his comment and proceeded to get myself out of the car.

"Oh I certainly did".

Dean glanced over at me from the other side of the car. He stared at me the same way he did on our first date. My heart fluttered at his intense gaze as he made his way around the car. This man who was the cause of my self built walls was slowly knocking them down.

"But Rosie, he works at the same hospital as you. Isn't that going to be awkward?".

"Nope. He'll most likely stay quiet. He likes everyone to know he's a strong alpha male. I'm sure he'll keep quiet the fact that he got rejected and got his ass kicked by a woman. Anyway, I'm thinking of leaving".

"Leaving? Why are you leaving? Please don't go". Dean looked over at me, his eyes soft and pleading for me to stay.

"No, just the job. It's not right for me. It was a great experience, but I think I want to work in a job in which I can help others struggling with addictions, mental health issues and trauma. I've been in a position of helplessness and I know what it's like to be on the edge. I want to help others who are in the same situations I was once in. Everyone needs to be listened to".

Dean's face relaxed and his lips quirked up into the most beautiful smile. Reaching over he rested his hand on my own and stroked his thumb against my skin.

"I couldn't see anyone more suited than you. You put up with my issues and slowly helped me to open up about my emotions. You listened to me even when I was rambling about nonsense. Whatever it is you want to do, I'll support you no matter what".

"Thank you Dean".

"You don't have to thank me. But anyway let's eat before this gets cold".

I nodded sheepishly and rushed ahead of him to open up my flat, also to hide my bright red cheeks that were heating up increasingly by the second.

*****************

"I underestimated how much you could eat". Dean lent back against the wall staring at me in shock and disbelief.

"I haven't had McDonald's since"-

When I was last with you.

Dean nodded before eating up the rest of his double cheeseburger whilst throwing the rubbish in the black bin bag.

"So how have you been?". Dean and I had been joking all night whilst enjoying the delicious taste of McDonald's, but now I felt on edge. It was a serious conversation and I was nervous that he would bring up the past. I simply wanted to forget, but I couldn't.

"Good". I sounded rather dismissive, but I just wanted to enjoy this night with him without having to talk about what happened 2 years ago.

"I'm glad you got your life sorted". He mumbled something to himself afterwards, but it was too quiet to hear and a part of me didn't want to hear what he had said.

"It's not been easy, but I made it, I'm happy now". I smiled reassuringly at him, but he clearly wasn't believing my fake smile.

"I don't think you are. Rosie, I can still see the pain in your eyes every time you look at me. I know you're still heartbroken over the things I said. I can tell you've not slept properly since I left you. You've lost a lot of weight, you hide your broken heart with fake smiles. Rosie, I feel as though now is an appropriate time to face the past. But don't say anything yet. I want to take you somewhere first and then once we are there, I will talk. Just give me this, please".