Hermione knew she had to tell him. It would b a catastrophe if he found out on his own. At least if she confronted him now he would believe that she had no idea before tonight. Maybe. Damned if she did damned if she didn't. Taking a deep breath she looked up from the table at the man she loved and… blurted out the first thing she could think of, "I'm sorry!" Then promptly burst into tears.

When Remus sought out Hermione he was expecting possible apprehension about their new job or the party she was planning for Ginny or even nightmares. He was not expecting an apology (for what he had no idea) and a sobbing woman. He circled the kitchenette and sat on the stool beside her, placing his arms around her loosely. His heart sped up when she turned into his embrace and borrowed into his chest seeking comfort.

Saying that he was attracted to her was a gross understatement. He also knew that on some level she was attracted to him as well. Ever since the incident with her woman troubles, or as he had privately taken to calling it The Debacle, he had let the beast surface more often and in doing so noticed that her scent would change in certain situations. Like when they were sparing and ended up in a heap on the floor or when he caught her just before she fell while reaching for a book last week. His plan was to slowly begin to show her more attention and flirt to test he waters and eventually ask her to be his. If he had any idea the emotions that ran through regarding him – he never would have hesitated tightening his hold from protective to possessive.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to, it wasn't on purpose and I promise that I'll try to fix it." Hermione wailed into his chest, however all Remus understand was that she was upset and she thought he was mad at her. "Hermione, pet, I have no idea what you are on about but I'm sure everything will be just fine. Why don't you calm down and tell ol' Remus what's the matter?" neither noticed the endearment slip from his lips.

Hermione recovered her composure slightly and lifted her head to look up at him but made no move to slip from his arms. She simply looked up and said, "You're not old Remus." He chuckled softly replying, "Alright I'm not old just…slightly used? Now care to tell me what has you up at four in the morning and sobbing like Ron when the Chudley Cannons lost the cup?" That at least got a smile from her though she pulled away and reached for the book on the counter before her. Sliding it before him she said, "You need to read this but before you do please know that I'm sorry and I'll do whatever you want."

Remus reached for the book and began to read where she pointed with a growing sense of foreboding. He was completely baffled, flabbergasted, bewildered, astonished, befuddled and slightly wry. When he finished looked up to see her leaning against the countertop with her head in her hands pointedly no looking at him. "Hermione..." He made it a question and noticed when she jumped slightly.

"Remus I know you probably hate me right now and I don't blame you at all. Please just give me the chance to fix this and I promise I will, I'll do everything in my power and use every resource I can –"

"No." with his one word forceful response she stopped her tirade and looked up startled and upset.

"What?" no, not startled completely desperate.

"I said no. You are not going to "fix" this. I don't want you too." And indeed he didn't he knew he was being selfish but by all accounts he was happy. This could be his shot.

"But… If I don't you'll never be able to lead a normal life and didn't you read the part about enhanced awareness of the, the mate?" she finished blushing. Then thought of something else, "Oh," it was a defeated noise, "I'll just pack and go sty with Ginny until I can be reassigned. I'll just go do that now…" Rising from the stool she was startled to find herself one more seated but this time actually on the kitchenette counter- directly in front of Remus.

He couldn't believe it she thought he was kicking her out. He hadn't exactly thought it through when he grabbed her and hoisted her up onto the surface before him. He had a dilemma and no way out of it except to tell her his feelings and hope she accepted him.

"I'm not mad and the book says that it is irreversible. For that fact alone you shouldn't kill yourself over it. I must admit my reasons are not entirely unselfish. I have been trying to find a way to approach you for some time regarding a similar subject." He reached up and tipped her chin so that she was looking into his eyes. He needed her to see the truth of his words as he spoke them.

She now looked down into his open honest face and saw something there she dared no to hope for, steeling herself for disappointment she asked, "What subject?"

"All I am asking for is a chance and if you decide that you cannot then I will do everything in my power to dissolve-" his words were cut off by soft fingers descending on his lips to stem their flow.

"Yes." was her simple answer and she leaned down to kiss his lips softly as her hand caressed his jaw and slid into that soft hair at the nape of his neck. He was kissing her beforehe registered that she was giving him a chance. The moment it did his heart swelled. He vowed he would do anything for her. He was not going to blow his only shot.

Note: Next chapter is gonna have some loving if it squicks don't read...