He closes his eyes as I watch him. Hmmm. I've never had a man close his eyes when I kissed his cheek before. Maybe I shouldn't have kissed him. I hope I haven't made him uncomfortable. I probably should pull away from him now before I completely embarrass myself.

"Nonsense Hermione. We protected each other, we both risked our lives for each other and for our friends and the whole wizarding world. There is no need to thank me for what you yourself have done."

I hate the modesty he shows. Why can't he just let me thank him without trying to diminish it? I wish he could think more of himself. Then I notice it. I've left a lipstick print on his cheek. He is one of the bravest and strongest people I know, someone who I admire for his maturity and now he looks like a little boy whose mother has just kissed him I can't help but to laugh.

I notice his eyes open and he looks confused.

"What's so funny?" I can hear the hurt in his voice as he asks me this. He's been scarred so much throughout his life and sometimes I wish his scars were merely physical.

"Why are you so modest Remus?" I ask and I can feel myself pout at him. I make a pact with myself. I can't allow him to not see himself the way I see him and I am going to do everything in my power to heal him even if he doesn't want me to. He saved my life so many times, maybe now I can do something to save him even if it is just from himself.

"We're going to have to change that. I can't let my brave, courageous, handsome knight think so little of all his hard work. I also got my lipstick all over your face. Come, I'll take you in the kitchen so you can have some tea while I get that off you"

I lace my fingers with his. I love the feel of his hands on mine and I can't help but to take the liberty with him and I hope my pulling him toward the kitchen gives me an excuse to do so. He seems so compliant to my tugging that I am quite shocked when he suddenly stops.

"You think I'm handsome?" I can hear the shock and amusement in his voice and it breaks my heart. If only I could have the courage to tell him that he isn't just merely handsome but also completely lovable but I'm a coward when it comes to him, the rejection would be too painful and I can't imagine my life as having any happiness without his friendship.

Then he does something completely unexpected. He slowly brings his hand up to caress her cheek. Its the first time he has initiated touch with me and I can't help how much I want to kiss him. His lips look so soft and kissable. I'm so dazed and he is looking at me intensely and I feel I have to say something.

"Well, I had quite the crush on you back in third year." I can't believe I just admitted that to him! I wish I could just be swallowed into the floor. What the hell is wrong with me and why does my voice sound so breathless as I say it? I can feel my skin burn with my blush.

"Did you? And how about now?"

Is he smirking at me? What does that mean? Then I suddenly feel my back hit the wall and I realize that he has trapped me and I don't even know how we got here. What am I supposed to do with this playful, flirty Remus? I didn't even know he could be like this.

He gently cups my face in his hand as he looks deeply into my eyes and I feel so elated and overjoyed that I can't help but laugh. Then he looks down at our fingers intertwined and smiles a little and I feel my heart fill with caring.

Then his eyes are there on my face as though he is trying to drink me in. IT would be so easy to just kiss him but what did Ginny tell me about guys, the have to feel like they are the ones who are moving things along and are in control. I've revealed myself and took control far too much tonight and I need to let him have the opportunity to do so if he wants to.

Then I see a sadness enter his eyes and the magic of the moment is gone suddenly. He removes his hand from my face and steps back and I haven't felt so cold in my entire life. I wonder what made him sad all of a sudden. I wonder where all these mood changes are coming from him tonight?

I can't help but sigh, I don't care what Ginny says about the beauty of all this romance stuff, its just too complicated with too many stupid rules. If this is what it takes to get a guy I'd rather be alone because romance apparently doesn't allow me to do what I want and just be myself.

I feel so awkward now as I realize that Remus doesn't have any feelings for me at all. Apparently Remus was just doing all that stuff so that he wouldn't hurt my feelings. He must pity me and for good reason. He must be able to tell that I can't seem to attract anyone. I can't bring myself to look at him so I just look at my feet hopefully I can keep looking at them until the awkwardness is gone.

"Is that offer for tea still good, Hermione?" he asks hesitantly. Wow he must feel the awkwardness as well. I feel appalled that I have allowed a guest that I care about as much as Remus to feel that way in my house.

"Of course it is Remus."

When we enter the kitchen I let go of his hand and motion for him to take a seat.

I can feel his eyes on me as I walk over to the sink and wets a napkin with some dishwashing soap.

I then walk over as I take him in and I stand close to try and make things less awkward between us. I slowly begin to use the napkin to wipe at his cheek. Damn, I can't even get him to look at me yet. It seems he wishes to watch my fingers. I hope he isn't afraid of me touching him. I then go to trash and dispose of the used napkin and then I get another napkin and use it to dry his cheek.

"There, all clean" I say softly. I try to keep the sadness out of my voice.

He says "Thank you".

All I can bring myself to do is nod and then turn away to make tea. I hope I don't cry while he's here.

"Would you like a sandwich Remus? I'm starved". I ask. Hopefully I can get him to eat some since its the night before the full moon and he's going to need his strength for tomorrow.

"I thought you went out on a date earlier. Don't tell me your date didn't buy you dinner? Don't tell me your one of those girls that only eats salad on dates." I give her a little smirk.

I raise my head and see his smirk and it makes me smile. He is so cute and I appreciate how much effort he is making.

"Well yes. I was on a date earlier, but it ended before we were even given menus"

"Yes, a sandwich sounds wonderful. Would you like to talk about it?"