AN: ...two months too late? Hopefully not. School about slayed me, but here's a long chapter! It's kind of a filler until the end. Cutesy Henry and Catherine stuff in the middle, rest assured. If you're still with us, we hope you enjoy the read!

"Were you always pretending?"

Henry asked quietly, unsure of whether he wanted to hear the answer as he placed a kiss atop her head. Her confession had surprised him, it wasn't something the King had ever expected to hear her admit though he had sometimes had his suspicions that her cold eyes and hard words were merely an act. Other times however… But apparently his wife was a better actress than he gave her credit for. Or so he hoped.

"Most times, but even when I did hate you it didn't last for long."

It was true. Catherine was incapable of holding back her forgiveness from him. Her Medici relations might count such a thing as a weakness, but in this at least, her heart could rule her. Letting the words roll from her tongue and passed her lips that she'd kept closed for so long against him, there was a sense of liberation in the confession. With a relieved sigh and an easy smile, Henry wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. Burying his face in the crook of her neck and pressing his lips against her skin, he cursed his wounded side from preventing him from doing more. They had never been like this before. Honest. Open. It was the start of something new between them, something more than they'd ever had - a real chance at happiness together.

"I suppose I'm just not an easy man to hate," Henry mumbled playfully.

The Queen hummed at his observation and replied in kind. "No, you aren't - but you mustn't tell the King lest he get jealous that I care for you more than he."

This new easiness that they had lulled Catherine into a contentment she'd not had in years. She felt it in her bones, in her soul that she was happy and even as her mind cautioned her heart to be wary, as always, it seemed as though she was once more taken in by him. Reaching down with her free hand to bring the sheet up and around them, she moved ever that much closer to her husband and prayed that she wasn't causing his injury any discomfort. It wouldn't do for Henry to catch a chill when he'd only just returned from war with a wound that had yet to heal or for her to worsen his pain with a misplaced touch. Blushing as a host of thoughts ran through her mind at that, Catherine turned in the circle of his arms to face away from him rather than risk her husband teasing her for the flush that no doubt painted her cheeks.

"It will be our little secret, lumière de ma vie, lest His Majesty find out and call for my head." Henry played along with an amused chuckle, pleased to see Catherine letting her more relaxed and carefree side come out of hiding for a while. Catching sight of her blush, Henry smirked to himself as she turned around, pulling her closer against his chest as he ran his tongue along the shell of her ear, determined to make it worse. "The moment I am healed, mon amour, I'm going to kiss every inch of you from your head down to your toes." The King hummed against her skin, placing kisses along her jawline as he spoke again. "And after, I'll make you scream loud enough that the entire castle will hear that beautiful Italian tongue of yours."

Shivering against him – from the cold of course – Catherine did her best to slow her breathing and calm her heart. His words were causing all manner of sinful thoughts to make themselves known in her mind and she cursed the blush that burned her skin. Why did he always have to tease her in such a way? Then again, knowing her husband as she did, teasing her was just the beginning. Biting her tongue to distract herself, she unconsciously fiddled with her ring. Ever since he'd given it to her as a wedding present, the rubies hadn't left her hand for more than moments at a time. They were a constant reminder of him, but as he was beginning to seduce her they'd become a reassuring comfort instead. Taking a breath and steeling her nerves, she did her best to tease him right back.

"Between you and I, tesoro, there's only one person I'd like to grace with my Italian tongue."

"Such a teasing little minx you are, it's a wonder you've not driven the King mad already," Henry chuckled, moving against her slightly so she could feel the effect her words were having. The King wasn't usually one to be so easily excited, but he'd been away from home a long while and dreaming of their reunion every night had left him rather sensitive to her tricks. Never one to be out done though, Henry let his hand travel from her waist down her body until he could feel the hem of her nightgown. Slipping his hand underneath it, His Majesty slowly trailed his fingers along her thigh. "But don't worry, a few days is all it will take and then we'll put that precious tongue to a great many uses."

Minx. He'd never used that word to describe her before, and it sent a thrill through her just as she felt him. Oh, it had been too long. She really shouldn't encourage him, not with his injury just beginning to heal, but it was difficult to resist when he was so attentive towards her. Catching his hand against her thigh, she stopped him, biting back a groan at the stilled contact. Catherine propped herself up on an elbow and twisted to look down at her husband over her shoulder. He was gorgeous, had gotten even more handsome with age, and she couldn't stop herself from giving him a once over before dragging her eyes up from his mouth to meet his gaze.

"Until then, this precious tongue would advise that the both of us get up and out of this bed before I end up making you a father again in nine months."

Groaning his distaste at the idea of separating, Henry reluctantly withdrew his hand from her leg, wrapping his arm around her middle once more as he sighed. "As you wish, mon amour, but you should know once I'm myself again we won't be leaving this bed for days. Maybe weeks." The King informed playfully, though he was entirely serious. Once his side was healed he didn't plan on letting either of them see the sun for a long while. "And I have no qualms about another little royal running around the castle." He added in a husky tone, his mouth barely an inch away from her neck.

Fighting against the want to just stay, Catherine disentangled herself from his arms and turned over to face him as she inched backwards and away from him. They had to be careful with his injury and Henry wasn't making things easier on either of them - not that she was very good at saying no, but that was beside the point. After so many years together, her husband knew exactly what to do to get her to agree to any carnal liaisons and speaking so against her was definitely on the list. Finally free of the bed, she stepped down from the mattress' platform and wrapped a spare blanket around herself. The cool morning - or was it afternoon? - air on her skin reawakened her clarity and she hid her smile by turning away. They hadn't spoken, not really, about what all this would mean for their future, but she looked forward to that discussion when the time came. For now, she would have to be the responsible one even if the idea of another child sat well in her mind.

"Even so, your current heirs will be cross with me if I don't have you out to see them very soon."

The King gave an exaggerated sigh meant to let her know how put out he was

with her absence beside him, though his motivation to get out of bed was renewed at mention of the children. Moving to the door, Catherine spoke quickly and quietly to one of the servants outside. Not quite sure what hour it was, she didn't want to risk walking back to her own apartments in just her nightgown with a blanket for a robe. There was enough said about her, she didn't need more whispers filling her halls – although the jealous looks on some of his past lovers' faces could possibly be worth it.

"I'm having some gowns brought in for me to change, do you mind?"

"Not at all, mon amour," Henry replied, grabbing hold of the headboard for support

as he pulled himself up before slowly making his way towards his own armoire as he suddenly remembering the picnic he'd promised their children the night before. He was enjoying the idea of getting ready for the day with her becoming a habit and possibly all her clothes being moved into these rooms.

"If we dress quickly we can give the children the picnic we promised before the rains come." His Majesty noted, excited to spend as much time with his babies as he possibly could now that he'd returned. After all, the war was hardly over yet and there was no way to tell how long he'd have before he was needed back at the front.

Catherine hummed into the cup of water she'd poured herself as she waited for the servants to come with her clothes while watching her husband move to his armoire. When had been the last time that they'd gotten ready for the day in the same room? Never to her recollection, and yet it seemed almost natural. Perhaps it was silly to think things would continue as well as the past day had gone, but it seemed Henry's sincerity was proving true even in the light of day and that seemed as good a sign as any coming from her husband.

Having no desire to suffer through wearing any of his heavier clothing as he had the day before, Henry threw on a pair of leather trousers and a loose shirt he'd worn in public before without receiving complaint from his Queen. Shooing off servants' offers to assist him, he leaned down to put on his favourite pair of boots, wincing at the discomfort to his injury. Once he'd looked in the mirror and declared himself ready for the day, the King took up his place back on the bed as he waited for his wife, not surprised that readying her was a considerably longer process. Passing the time by planning what they might do with the children and what he might say when they eventually had their much needed talk, Henry was patient for once in his life and made no effort to hurry her.

Slipping behind the changing screen as the servants arrived with a quick rap on his door, she decided not to mind the looks they were giving each other as they helped her dress. In all honesty, she was as confused as the looks they had on their faces and if she couldn't sort herself out, she might as well let them all slide this morning. Catherine stood as still as possible as her ladies finished lacing her up, looking over the jewels brought to her this morning. Henry seemed to like her in rubies, but this dress was made to be worn with pearls… Deciding on wearing some of each, she stepped out from behind the screen resplendent and glittering before seating herself at his desk for her ladies to finish with her hair.

"You needn't stay for me, Henry, the children are waiting. I'll be a bit longer yet."

Shooting up as he spotted her coming out from behind the curtain, Henry's smile was bright as he took her in. Dripping in jewels and looking every bit the Queen she was, his Queen. The King was convinced once more that there had never been a woman quite as beautiful as his wife.

"They won't mind the wait if we come together." He replied, still unwilling to leave her side. "Maybe you could wear your hair down today like you used to." Henry suggested lightly, trying not to give away any intention he might have to play with it. If she refused there was no time like the present to learn how to get it out of those complicated styles she chose.

The hands in her hair stilled for a moment, waiting for instruction from their mistress. Catherine didn't dress to please him very often. She had enough money to buy whatever she desired and wear whatever she liked. Her silks and brocades were envied in Court and nothing could match a Queen's jewels, but as he'd just returned from the front, she supposed she could forgo her more elaborate hairstyles to humor him. She spoke quietly to her ladies, telling them she wanted some up and some down if only to keep her long hair out of her eyes as it seemed the rest of the day would be filled with spending time with the children. They complied with subtle glances thrown over their Queen's head. Red hair wasn't often seen at Court and as Her Majesty was the only resident with the shade, she received looks for it. It had been a long time since they'd been instructed to style her hair in such a way and as they all fumbled on what to do, Catherine waited as she held the crown she'd chosen to use today. The gems shone brightly, reflecting the sunlight that streamed through Henry's windows and she wondered what he was thinking about. She knew he likes and dislikes, could read his mood at the slightest glance and yet at times, she felt as though she knew nothing about him. Lost in her thoughts, the Queen nearly startled as one of her ladies reached to take the crown from her to place it atop her head. Standing as she was now prepared for the day while doing her best to dispel bittersweet musings, Catherine turned with a slight smile to her husband. Seeing him lying on his bed, she gave him a good natured roll of her eyes and arch of her brow.

"And here I thought you'd wanted to see your children, Henry. Lying abed again? Shame on you."

"I'm an old man now, my love, I must take my rest when I can get it." Henry smirked, bouncing up off the bed seeing she was finally ready and reaching out to take her hands in his. "You look ravishing my Queen, were I not injured the children wouldn't see us for hours yet." The King added with an appreciative hum as he looked her over, pleased she'd left her hair at least partially down. With no care to what her ladies might see, he leaned over and claimed her lips with his yet again, a hand gliding down the side of her unfortunately clothed form. "Off to the nursery then." Henry whispered as he pulled away, giving her another chaste kiss before walking toward the door with her hand in his.

Walking through the palace with their fingers intertwined, His Majesty, for once, only had eyes for his wife as they passed by the women of Court. He barely gave them a passing glance before his head was turned down and to his Queen. The King's attention only shifted when he spotted his precious Claude running towards him from the other end of the hall. Letting go of Catherine for the first time since they'd left his chambers, Henry ran to meet his girl, catching her and lifting his precious daughter into his arms.

"My princess, how I have missed you!" The King cooed, peppering kisses about his daughter's young face.

Seeing Henry dote on their girl brought a smile to the Queen. Claude had been away from Court visiting a friend when the news had arrived that Henry would be returning. A rider had been dispatched as quickly as possible to have the princess return home and as it was now, Henry's favorite - not that he would admit as much - was giggling and squealing in the arms of her father. Walking over and chastising Henry for putting Claude's hair into such disarray, Catherine fussed over her third child, giving her a kiss of her own while fixing her curls as best she could. Claude was a darling, wild and sincere, and the Medici Queen loved her ever so much. She was growing into quite the beauty even at such a young age and Catherine had a sneaking suspicion she and Henry would have to beat away suitors when the time came. Henry would be incredibly protective of her and whomever it was they decided she marry would be in for a rude awakening if he didn't understand that he'd be under scrutiny for the rest of his life both from herself and her husband. Gently reminding her husband that the other children were waiting for them, Catherine continued walking towards the nursery. The music of her children carried down the hallway and she smiled back at her King at the sound. Motherhood was Catherine's favorite role. Such an occupation - hard won as it was - was completely worth it in her mind. Her children were the light of her life and now that Henry had come home, they would all have the day together once more.

Nearly bowled over as little Henry greeted her with a running embrace, she didn't mind a bit as the children rushed past her to greet their father and sister who'd come home. Instructing that a picnic be brought out to the boats, Catherine went about putting cloaks and capes on her little ones as Elisabeth and Francis arrived. Taking up tiny hands, the small troupe made their way down to the lake where they would have their midday picnic. Henry had carried Claude to the nursery as he listened to her prattle on about everything she'd been doing since he left with an adoring smile. He'd greeted his children with enthusiasm and had picked up Margot with his other arm, carrying both his girls off to their picnic location as the boys ran along beside them. With a kiss to her temple, the King had asked Elisabeth about what she'd gotten up to in his absence, listening to her talk about her studies and the suitors she'd met with a rapt interest as they all sat down by the lake. He kept Claude and Margot in his lap as the others sat around them, having missed his princesses too much to part with them yet. Henry turned to his Queen with an affectionate smile and loving eyes as the servants brought out the picnic supplies. Days like this were the blessings dreams were made of. Surrounded by all his beautiful children and his gorgeous wife, the distance between them finally closed, hopefully for good. The King could honestly say he was as happy as he'd ever been. Leaning over, he took his wife's chin between his thumb and index finger as he kissed her affectionately, chuckling at the children's various expressions of either disgust or amusement.

"Ooooh, Maman, Papa's kissing you again." Little Henry cooed at her elbow as she leant back and away from her husband's kiss.

Surprised and flustered by the sudden kiss, Catherine didn't have time to form a reply before Francis stepped in to save her. "That's what papas do with their wives, little brother."

"But Lady Diane isn't his wife, is she?"

AN: Kids. What can we say? If you've waited this long and are still with us here, thank you so much, it means the world to us. Questions and feedback always welcome!

PopRockShawty: He was kind in a lot of ways, a lot of them being that he was just a kind person in general, but what's coming to mind right now is that he didn't SHOVE his affairs into Catherine's face and historically towards the end of their time together, he specifically scheduled time in for her so they could be together in the evenings chillin out with wine and cards and stuff.

FaerieBreath: *looks at the date stamp on your review* AHHA IT'S BEEN A LITTLE MORE THAN TWO MONTHS my bad, hope you liked it anyway!

CallmeCordelia1: ...and then there's this. The middle bit killed me to edit, but eh heh. Let us know what you think!

BravewithacapitolB: Thank you so much! We, Madeleine and myself, love the support and feedback!

Guest Reviewer Isura Akimi: Hello and welcome to our little corner of fanfiction, sweetheart! Unfortunately, I and my cohorts don't do self inserts type stories, BUT if you'd like something about Catherine coming to France or something of the like, please let me know! So sorry for the inconvenience /: At the moment, I think that Which? is your best bet for something young Catherine related for what you're looking for? It's the prequel to For the Love of a Prince (FTL is currently on hold until Which? is finished) and basically outlines how Reign Catherine came to be Henry's wife over her cousin, Hortensa.