"Charlie?" she said where she was laying with her back against his chest on the couch, watching TV.

"Yes?" he answered softly and kissed the back of her head.

"I love you, you know that... But with the war... I'm not breaking up with you or putting you on hold..." The truth was painful, but she had to tell him. "But if you should die..."

"We're get through this together," he said firmly.

"I know, I know..." She was confused about her feelings, she had lost one of her few really serious boyfriends in the last war, she didn't want to repeat it. "Can we just call it casual for now?"

"Why?" he said, confused and almost angry at the way she was pushing him away.

"I said I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you and I mean that, but... I don't want Death Eaters to take that wish away from me." Tears were running again.

"Honestly, I don't get where you're going with this," he muttered.

"I'm not sure myself," she said with a shaking laughter. "All I can promise now is to love you forever."

"I won't die," he said, he wouldn't allow it. "And neither will you."

"You don't know that," she whispered and he held tighter around her torso as he heard the fear.

"Kevin, will you marry me?" he asked and stroke his thumb between her breasts.

"No," she said firmly and he stiffened. "Not now." She turned to face him.

"Because it's too dangerous?" He felt his body go numb.

"Yes, and because I love you." She closed the space between them in a tender kiss.

"Kay, have I ever told you how strange you are? Wonderful, but strange." He tried smiling and was surprised it worked.

"Not often enough," she replied. "So we're just sticking to the status quo, okay?"

"Okay." He laid his hand as the back of her neck and pulled her slowly closer. She accepted it gladly.

"I'm not saying I won't marry you some day, but now, it's crazy to do it now," she whispered.

"So Bill and Fleur are crazy?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Pretty much." She cuddled closer. "And I don't want an engagement ring that'll never step up to wedding band." Sighing, she laid her nose to his chin.

"I see." He didn't want to stress her, but a small part of him was filled with irrational rage until he reminded himself she was just scared. "Don't forget I love you."

"I won't." She pressed herself flat against him and he stroke the back of her neck slowly.