Auron's heart skipped a few beats, then started up again, racing in his chest. Saphira's words rang in his head, but he couldn't believe he had actually heard them. His own voice was barely able to function. Wh..what?

Her sapphire blue eyes never blinked. I am choosing you as my mate Auron, she said evenly, although her sides still quivered. No longer am I going to deny how I feel about you; I love you. She watched him intently, waiting for his response, but he was frozen in place. Saphira felt the confusion and panic emanate from him. And now you have to decide if you accept me or not.

Auron was completely slammed in shock. He knew that his feelings for Saphira were strong, stronger than they had ever been, but to take this step? He had no clue how to respond. That is not to say he didn't know how he should react; his instincts were quite clear on that.

When a female bites the male's tail, it signifies that she has chosen him as her mate. It was then up to the male to decide to accept or not. If he accepts, then he would lean forward and nuzzle her neck. However, if the male rejected the female's advances, he would have to attack her to dissuade her. There was no other options, and this was the cause of Auron's dilemma.

He knew he cared for Saphira deeply, and knew that they were no longer anything close to friends. But he was hesitant to take such a serious step. When dragons choose a mate, they do so for life. That kind of commitment is not something you take lightly, and this was all to clear in the silver dragon's mind. Not only that, but becoming mates with Saphira meant they would eventually want to have children and a family of their own, and with the current state of things in Alagaesia, it would not be easy to do. Was he ready for that? If he accepted, he and Saphira would be together forever. Not that he minded, but it was all so sudden.

On the other hand, if he rejected her, we would have to attack her...and that wasn't something that he wanted either. He knew she was just following what her heart and instincts were telling her, and couldn't blame her for that – certainly not attack her. But that was the only way he could refuse her offer. Another dark thought joined that, and Auron realized that if he did reject Saphira's advances, it may damage things between them permanently...and if he did ever think he could take that step, it may too late.

Auron was torn. He loved Saphira, that was clear. But this was all too much, too fast. Thoughts and "what if's" whirled through his mind so fast it made him dizzy. He was all to aware of Saphira's unwavering gaze, and that she was awaiting his response. She had made her feelings perfectly clear, and now it was his turn. If only he knew what his response was. Finally, he decided on one course of action. Since his conscious mind was paralyzed, he would rely on the one thing that had never failed him before: his instincts. He closed his eyes and let his instincts take over, giving himself up to whatever they chose, and let his heart decide.

Saphira was a nervous wreck. It had just felt like the right thing to do when she bit Auron's tail. She loved him, and she knew he was the one she wanted to be with for the rest of her life. Never had anything been so clear to her as what she felt at that moment. But seeing his stunned reaction and massive hesitation and uncertainty. She began to have doubts of her own.

Did she act to quickly? True, they had known each other for only mere months, but at the same time had grown closer than she had ever thought possible. The separation of the past week had hurt her more more than anything, and the flood of emotions she felt when she finally saw him again drove her to accept what her heart had been trying to tell her since the first day in Teirm. But what if they weren't ready; what if he didn't feel for her as deeply as she felt for him? Worry clouded her mind as she realized that if he wasn't ready, and her surprise actions panicked him, he may reject her out of blind fear and confusion...and Saphira didn't know if she could take that. She loved him, and didn't want to try and force him to decide his feelings for her. But the step she took now couldn't be taken back. This was it; everything they had been through, and their future – together or not – rested on the next few moments.

Saphira saw Auron close his eyes and her heart leapt into her throat. Was he making a choice? Would he accept? Or worse...reject her? Her eyes never left his still form, but flinched when his head darted forward suddenly. She shut her eyes and braced for the worst, expecting to feel his teeth on her throat.

Instead, her eyes flew back open as she felt the comforting rub of his snout on her neck, and he hummed softly. Relief surged through her as she let go of his tail and began nuzzling him back. He accepted her! I could never hurt you Saphira, you know that, he whispered. I...I love you too.

Oh, Auron... The two dragons sat there, nuzzling each other gently. Waves of love and passion passed between them as they both admitted what they had been holding back all this time. After a few moments, they broke apart, and simply stared back at the other.

Auron anticipated his instincts to take over then and begin leading him through the next steps with Saphira, but they merely purred in the back of his mind, content. He felt no additional urges, and became confused. So...he asked slowly, what happens now?

Of all the things he expected to come from the dragoness, embarrassment wasn't one of them. Well, she said sheepishly, looking at her paws, ...nothing, actually.

I don't understand.

Well, she began, this wasn't actually a proper courtship. Auron's continued look of confusion led her to explain further. As your instincts will tell you, the dragon mating season is at the start of spring and autumn every year. This is the times of year the female enters her heat cycle and chooses a male to be her mate. After the courtship ritual, which is what we just did, they perform the nuptial flight which bonds them together as mates for life. And then...well, you can imagine what comes next, she said smugly.

Auron cocked his head at her. But we aren't doing that...? Wait, the realization hit him, it's the middle of spring. We missed it? he asked her.

Yes, she replied, still embarrassed slightly. Only a courtship and nuptial flight during our seasons will make us official mates. So, technically speaking, we aren't mates yet. I can't even call you my mate yet, for it would be against what our instincts tell us, and it wouldn't be the truth. He could feel a little hurt come from her as she said that last part.

Now he was definitely confused. Then, if it wasn't for real, was was all that about? he asked with a small laugh. You nearly caused me to have a heart attack!

She snorted, and a slight defensive tone entered her voice. It was real, Auron. Just not official. Saphira thought for a moment, then brightened. Think of it as – what is it humans call it...ah! - a proposal. A promise, that when the proper time comes, you will be my mate.

By why do it now?

A pang of sadness floated from her, and he regretted pushing the issue. I needed you to know how I felt about you, she said softly. And I wanted to know if you felt the same.

You could of just asked, he joked lightly.

Maybe, she raised her head to look at him with shining eyes. But I didn't want to take the chance I might loose you again... Seeing her like this, Auron walked right up to her and wrapped his neck around hers in a sort of hug, and her head rubbed against his shoulder. He sent her calming thoughts, and entangled her mind with his love for her.

You won't loose me, Saphira. I promise. Small tears watered her eyes as she realized he said it in the ancient language, literally meaning every word. They nuzzled each other for a few moments more, until another thought entered Auron's mind. He paused, then pulled back slightly, a note of shyness ringed his next words. So, if we're not official yet, does that mean we're not going to...um...you know...

Saphira snorted, and he could hear her laugh slightly. You mean mate with each other? He gave a small nod of his head, his silver cheeks tinged crimson. No, not yet, she assured him, chuckling. Like the ability to actually call you my mate, that will have to wait until autumn, when we do this for real.

Inside, Auron imploded with relief. His mind was just starting to wrap around the fact that he and Saphira had just proposed to each other. He was in no way ready to start thinking about THAT act with Saphira just yet.

Now that they knew how the other felt, they had opened their minds to each other fully and formed a permanent link between them. As such, she felt part of this relief and Saphira let out a small, seductive growl. She leaned in and began nibbling softly on the underside of his neck. But, she purred, just because we cannot mate yet, doesn't mean we can't be intimate and show our affection in other ways. She continued to massage the skin with her teeth, and Auron found himself purring back. It felt really good, and he began licking her cheek and neck in return. Their actions became more and more sensual and they felt the heat rising to their faces.

Suddenly, Saphira reared up and pushed Auron onto his back. He landed with a soft thump and she climbed onto his chest, still purring. The sapphire dragoness mashed her chest against his and snuggled her snout up to the underside of his chin, her tongue flicking against his silver scaled jaw. Auron wrapped his forelegs around her and pulled her close, their tails intertwining, and he twisted his neck down to lick her snout in return. Lost in each other, they continued like this for a while, then just lay there in each others embrace, staring at one another.

I love you, he whispered.

And I love you, she said back, elated they could finally say it to each other.

Then, Auron lifted his head up and brought his mouth to gently meet hers. It took Saphira a moment to realize he was kissing her. Even though dragons did not kiss per-say, she pushed back against his lips anyway, their jaws opening slightly and their tongues flicking against each other. The two dragons kept their maws locked together for several moments, the intense heat in her face leading Saphira to realize she was actually thoroughly enjoying this. Pure bliss and passion radiating from them, they eventually broke apart, panting from the intensity of the kiss. Saphira laid her head back down on his chest and sighed, content. Auron stroked her back gently, and a cough-like noise escaped him.

I guess we're going to have to tell Eragon about this, Auron mused. Saphira pushed herself up and looked at him squarely, a laughing growl escaping her.

Of course we're going to tell Eragon! She nudged his nose with hers. This may be our relationship, but he is still my Rider, and your best friend! We can't not tell him. And it's not like we will be able to keep this secret for long.

Best friend? Auron laughed back. After he hears about this, that may change.

He will understand, Auron.

I hope so, he sighed. Now to just find a way to tell him...

"What the – what are you two doing?" The voice from the floor of the dragonhold caused both dragons to jerk up in surprise; they had been so lost in each other that they had never heard anyone approach.

Eragon stood at the mouth of the cave they lay in, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open. Both dragons flushed with embarrassment as they clambered of each other and met the youths gaze with difficulty. An awkward moment passed between the three.

Uh, Eragon? Auron began. Saphira and I have something we need to tell you... He hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long to break the ice.

Saphira sucked in a breath and blurted, Auron and I are going to be mates. If it was possible, Eragon's mouth and eyes went even wider at this. Then slowly, but getting quicker every second, the boy' face broke into a wide smile, his eyes beaming at them.

"I knew it," he breathed. "Ever since I held Auron's shirt in front of your nose to help you sleep Saphira, I knew things had gotten serious between you two!" He ran over to them and threw his arms around both their necks, surprising them. "Congratulations!"

Well, Saphira said slowly, technically we are not mates yet, little one. They the explained the situation to him, and how it would not become official until autumn. Eragon shook his head and smiled again.

"It doesn't matter if it's official yet or not; I'm still really happy for you two."

Auron was actually shocked his friend's response. You are? he asked in wonder. You're not mad?

Eragon looked up at the silver dragon. "Mad? Why would I be mad? I told you before, Auron, what makes Saphira happy makes me happy." Eragon then told the two surprised dragons that he had begun to have suspicions about their growing relationship for some time now. He also told them about the revelation he had come to in the desert when he had thought about it; that he actuall supported it all. This led Auron to be more dumbstruck then confused.

But, you're her partner...

"Exactly, her partner, not her mate," Eragon crowed. "I love Saphira, yes, but I know it will never be that way between us. We are family, and we care about each other deeply, but we could never have that kind of relationship." Saphira leaned down and licked her Rider's cheek, and hummed in agreement.

The silver dragon still shuffled, uncomfortable. I know that, it's just...I thought you might be upset or something. You might think, I don't know, that we would spend less time with you, or leave you behind or -

Saphira snorted and looked at Auron with a bemused expression. Auron, I love you, but you are incredibly thick sometimes. Auron looked back at her with bewilderment. I would never leave my Eragon or spend less time with him for anything ...not even for a mate. She rubbed her nose against his silver cheek. You two are both a huge part of me, and I wouldn't leave either of you. Whatever the future holds, I intend for both of you to be at my side through it all, no matter what. She licked her Rider's cheek again, a tone of amusement creeping into her voice. Even if that does mean Eragon will be playing with, and helping raise the hatchlings that will be his nieces and nephews. Eragon laughed and rubbed her nose.

Auron paused, and looked at her. Hatchlings? his voice wavered a bit. So...you will want to have children...? At this, Saphira's smile faltered a bit and her eyes lost that sparkle for a moment, but then it was gone and she was humming again.

Again, that is something we will discuss in autumn, she assured him privately. An unexplained emotion seeped from her, but she hid it away from him quickly before he could question her on it. Auron still felt uneasy, but let the matter drop.

The three broke away from their group hug then, and let themselves settle down from all the excitement. Feeling like he needed to change the subject, Auron asked Eragon, So...what is the plan for tomorrow? I know Ajihad is eager to test your skills in magic and arms.

"True," the boy answered back, "but he also said to take the time to recover from our trip." Eragon thought for a moment, then went on. "I think I will take tomorrow to explore Tronjheim more and gather my strength back."

A sound idea, little one, Saphira agreed. Plus, it will give us all a chance to relax for once. A suggestive image of two dragons sleeping in made it's way from her mind to Auron's, and he hummed back at her.

Auron showed Eragon the cave he had chosen for them, and pointed out the bed carved into the back wall for the Rider's to sleep while their dragons would take the large, cushioned dais in the middle. Fatigue crept over the youth's features then, and he yawned expansively, stretching. "It's been quite a long few days," he said. "I think I might just turn in now." He placed their belongings and saddlebags next to his bed, the climbed into the soft sheets. "Good-night you two love birds," he joked.

Good-night, little one. Saphira whispered, giving him a final lick. He scratched under her chin, then laid back and let sleep take him, the smile still plastered on his face.

Auron padded over to the large cushion and made himself comfortable. He then motioned for Saphira to join him, and she crawled over, growling softly. She pushed his side with her head and rolled him onto his back again. Like before, she lay down on his chest and they wrapped each other in a warm embrace, her head under his chin. Saphira licked his neck and felt him gently caress her sides with his paws. They sent each other feelings of bliss and satisfaction, and let themselves get lost in the happiness that had become their love.

As Saphira felt herself sipping away to sleep, she heard Auron whisper to her. Saphira?

Mmm...yes?

He paused, and rubbed his chin against her brow. Even if it's too early, he murmured. You can still call me it if you want...

She gripped him tighter, unrestrained happiness flowed from her, and she felt him tighten his embrace on her as well, tears of joy falling from her eyes. For the first night a long time, Saphira slept in complete peace. Because she knew, that the first thing she would see when she woke up, was the one thing she had dreamed about waking up to since Teirm.

Him.

Her mate.

A/N: Awww...dragon love! (*Throws confetti into the air*) FINALLY! I know, right? Shorter chapter, but sweet just the same. I just didn't want to run it together with the upcoming events like Arya/Eragon fighting and the big battle in a few chapters. This way, it is all about the love...lol

So yes, Auron and Saphira are finally a couple. But they are not mates quite yet, either. To put in more human-ish terms: they are engaged, but not yet married. Make sense? Okay. I did it like this so I could draw out the romance more...and maybe add a little tough-times and drama before the big day too. (hint hint). Which means, sorry to all you who wanted it, they won't be "gettin it on" for a while yet. ( not until S.O.B.E chapter...if you really must know). However, as you can see from this fluffy chapter, there WILL still be plenty of intimacy and snuggling and so forth. So it's not all bad. :P

With that in mind; I am a person who loves to read dragon fluff, and as such, I may lay it on a little thick at times. If anyone thinks that I have gone overboard with it in future chapter, please don't be afraid to voice your opinion.

Be warned though, stupid useless flames will just be ignored, only actual constructive criticism will be taken under advisement .

Thanks and Stay tuned for more!