Well, I'm back, for all those that thought I was lost. I did intend to post this after Christmas but the pc had a virus and wiped everything. And I do mean everything. This chapter and all the other un-posted ones I had started on were lost. I had a hard time trying to remember what I put in them so I can only hope that I didn't miss anything out. You will be glad to know that I have learned my lesson the hard way and have now put everything onto floppy.

Anyway, boring stuff over, on with the story. Xx

Long Time Love

Chapter 7

Kate awoke just as the sun was rising and was momentarily surprised to find herself on the floor. That was until she remembered the events of the night before, or was it earlier that morning? A slight flush crept to her cheeks as she pushed herself up on one elbow and looked down at Remus who was still asleep beside her. There was definitely something to be said for sleeping with a werewolf. She had never felt so alive. A smile played on her lips as she felt her body tingle in response to her memories. She looked down at him again and winced at the marks on his face. The cuts had healed nicely but they had left scars that would never fade.

Kate leaned down and gently placed her lips against the one that started just above his left temple. He didn't stir. She followed it over the bridge of his nose and down his right cheek. Still nothing. There was a second scar that was etched into his left cheek and down across his lips and chin. She followed that one too, lingering on his slightly parted lips. The guy just was not going to wake up. She realised then that he probably wasn't used to such strenuous exercise the night after the 3rd phase and felt guilty that she had tried to wake him. She got to her feet and crossed the room to get her dressing gown. She picked up her wand from where Remus had thrown it and cast a spell to move him to the bed so he could rest in comfort.

Kate stood in the doorway for a moment and watched him snuggle down into the blankets before going downstairs to make some tea. Taking her mug into the living room she curled up in an armchair and placed the tip of her thumb between her teeth. She always did this when she was thinking and this morning she had a lot to think about.

She thought first about his injuries. How did he get them? Did he do them himself or did another animal attack him? He was lucky he hadn't been killed. She didn't like the thought that he received new scars each and every month. She wanted to protect him. The trouble was Remus was a proud man. The lycanthropy was his problem. He didn't want anyone else involved because he didn't want them to get hurt. The only reason he allowed the other marauders to join him on his moonlight strolls was because he knew that he wouldn't hurt them when they were in their animal form, but even they couldn't stop him when he was so intent on punishing himself.

Whatever made her think that? Did she really think he was punishing himself for something? Has he ever hurt anyone else? Or was it because he was so angry with himself for getting bitten in the first place? Kate didn't think that she would ever be able to work him out. There were so many possible reasons behind his actions that she didn't even know where to start.

Topic number 2 was earlier that morning. It was almost like every day of her like had been building up to that moment. No one had ever made her skin tingle or her heart race quite like Remus did. She knew it was a cliché but did anyone ever notice just how true clichés were? The only reason they are labelled as such is because they are over used. They aren't just corny sayings. There is truth behind them, as well as a certain amount of logic.

She couldn't wait for him to wake up so she could feel his arms around her once again. She longed to feel his breath on her neck and his hands on her skin. She wanted to hear him speak her name in that breathy way he had when he was close to losing control. She had waited too long and now she had had a taste she wanted more. It wasn't just the physical side she longed for, it was the emotional side too. It wasn't just sex, it was making love. Which led her quite nicely to topic number 3.

She loved him, there was no denying that. The question was how she was going to tell him. How did people tell the ones they cared about that they thought the world revolved around them? Especially someone who is as downright stubborn as Remus is. Anyway, how did she know that he felt the same way? Would he think she was crazy if she suddenly started talking about marriage? They had only been dating for 6 months. Sometimes it took people years to take that next step. (Yeah, but sometimes it only takes weeks or even days,) a little voice said. ('Point taken,') she thought.

Running her hands over her face she sighed and leaned her head against the back of the chair. "Merlin, tell me what to do?"

"About what?" A voice came from the bottom of the stairs.

Kate hadn't heard him come down and was a little embarrassed to be caught talking to herself. She took in his dishevelled appearance. His hair was stuck up at odd angles and his trousers from yesterday were slung low on his hips. Kate thought he had never looked so sexy. She got to her feet and walked over to him. Placing her hands on his chest she brushed her lips lightly against his.

"What are you doing up?" She asked.

"Gee thanks," he said with a small smile. "You certainly know how to make a man feel wanted."

"I'm sorry," she replied. "It's just that it's so early, I thought you needed to rest."

"I will," he said. "But I really needed to talk to you."

"What about?" she asked leading him to the sofa.

"Last night. This morning."

"I don't regret a second of it," she blurted out. "Except not letting you get the rest you need."

"That's not what I mean," he replied. " And for the record, I don't regret it either. It seems we have a situation."

"What do you mean?" Kate asked.

"It's our 4 legged friend. He talks to me in my dreams. It appears…" Remus suddenly couldn't find the words and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. She placed her hand on his arm to encourage him to go on.

"It appears he enjoyed this morning far more that either of us intended." When she didn't respond he went on. " The fact of the matter is Kate, he's claimed you." At that moment Remus wished he wore a ring so at least he would have something to fiddle with.

"Claimed me? You mean, as his mate?" Kate asked.

"I'm afraid so. Forgive me, I didn't know he would do this. Your only way out is to leave. To get as far away from me as you can."

"And what makes you think I want to?" She said in a small voice.

"Don't you?" he asked.

Kate shook her head. "No, I don't. I know werewolves mate for life. I'm not stupid. I do understand what all this means. I'm in love with you Remus. This wasn't the way I wanted to tell you but it's out now and I can't take it back, not that I want to. Not that it really makes much difference, what the wolf wants the wolf gets…"

Remus placed a finger against her lips.

"You talk too much you know that?" he said smiling. After a moment his face grew serious again. "I'm in love with you too. I have been for the past few months in all honesty, with or without the wolf's binding."

Slowly she wound her arms around his neck and held him to her tightly. She kissed the side of his neck and whispered. "Take me as your mate, for I am yours."

And he did.

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Hours later found them laid on their backs on the sofa, Kate nestled happily between Remus' legs. He was playing absentmindedly with her fingers.

"Marry me?" She said suddenly. "I mean we're bound anyway right?"

"You know that wont be possible." He answered.

"How do you know?"

"The ministry have their rules Kate."

"Yes, but how do you know things aren't going to change?" She asked.

Remus pushed her forward gently to allow himself to sit up. "Well its not like we are going to wake up one day to find that they have changed their mind, that there is an article in the Daily Prophet that says, 'we have made a terrible mistake. From this day forth all lycanthropes are now permitted to wed, without exception'." He replied, trying to make her understand.

"How do you know that isn't going to happen? We live our lives without knowing what the day will bring. We don't know the future but we can hope that things will turn out the way we want them to. The night I first met you, I didn't want to go out. I wasn't there with the intention of meeting anyone. I was just there because my friends really wanted me to go.

"The next thing I know I have you in my life. This incredibly gentle yet passionate man. A more powerful wizard than I have ever known. I had no idea that things were going to work out this way when I walked through those doors that night, yet here I am, completely in love and discussing marriage. I believe that we are meant to be together. I believe that we are going to be together, legally. I have to. Because if I don't then I have nothing else to believe in. I want to be with you. Even if the ministry never sees sense. I want to walk down the street with my head held high and say I am proud to be Remus Lupins fiancée. I know you want it too. Just say it. Say you will marry me. I know that saying the words wont guarantee it happening but it may bring you that one step closer to the life I know you really want."

Tears were now coursing their way down Kate's face and Remus held her as he sat and thought about what she had just said.

"You really want this don't you?" he asked after a few moments.

"Yes, I really do." She replied.

"Ok," he said. "I love you so much Kate, and you're right, I do want it too. I can't say that I believe in the ministry changing like you do, but knowing that you believe it is enough."

The second those words were out of his mouth Kate threw herself at him knocking them both off balance and covered his face with kisses. Remus started to laugh at her obvious delight.

"I just wish I had a ring to give you," he said once she had calmed down. "I would give you mine but I don't wear one."

"I don't need a ring," she replied. "All I need is you."

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To be continued…