When Mr Mole Met Miss Mouse

-Chapter 6 - Closing Chapter-

The next morning, or … afternoon, rather, she awoke to complete silence. She suspected Badger had gone off to Toad Hall, probably with Moley if he was in better shape. She hadn't a brush or clean clothes with her, as she'd slept in the ones she'd worn since yesterday. Her hair was a complete mess however, so she quickly ran it back with her fingers and pulled it up into a ponytail, a rather messy one at that, for she had to tie her hair into a knot since she had no string or ribbon.

She came downstairs to find Moley, still asleep on the couch. His face was contorted with pain- she knew it was foolish for him not to have gone to a guest room- an option suggested to him upon his arrival. She felt sorry for him, and the memories of yesterday's events all came back to her, and she felt sick.

It couldn't be the worst thing in the world, to admit to Moley that she too felt the same way … whatever way he was talking about, exactly. She knew in her heart that Moley would never hurt her- he just didn't seem the type. He was a kind soul, and she knew she'd damn herself if she passed him up and some other lucky girl won his heart.

She approached him and knelt beside him. He didn't look at all peaceful; like he had when she was sleeping beside him … she hesitantly brought a hand to his face and ran her fingers through his soft brown hair. His frown dissipated and he snuggled his face gently into the pillow. She smiled- she found that she adored this cuteness she had never seen in him before.

"Mole," she whispered, and he mumbled incoherently in his sleep.

"I need to re-do your bandages," she explained, and he pulled himself up, almost in his sleep. He opened his eyes and blinked them several times before putting on his glasses.

By the time she put fresh bandages on, Moley was wide awake, but he wasn't speaking. She supposed he'd taken to his stubborn silence mode again. But she knew just how to get him out of it.

She kissed him quickly on the cheek, "There. All better." She said, trying to suppress a small smile. He looked at her with shock as a blush came over his face, but then he frowned, "You shouldn't fool around like that, unless it's serious …" his voice slowly faded and he looked down shyly, avoiding her eyes.

"What if it is serious?" she asked. Mole didn't answer. "I'm sorry for all I've done. I …" she wanted to finish her sentence, but she was suddenly afraid. What if he rejected her? It was possible. He was already in a foul mood … it could really hurt to take a chance. But she made it up to herself- Mole's been in enough pain and it would serve her right if she would end up heartbroken.

"I love you," Mole said, and she looked at him in the same shock he'd given her. He looked up into her eyes with a sudden feeling of courage, "I love you, Mousey, even if you don't feel the same way. I've loved you since the moment I met you …" the courage he had turned into a little embarrassment as he admitted it.

She couldn't help it- she let out a small laugh, covering her mouth to stop herself. He turned a deeper red, and she kissed him again- this time, on the corner of his mouth. She was sitting next to him on the couch now, and she drew her hands up to run them through his hair. He kissed gently back, and a shock ran up her spine.

She drew back, staring into his warm brown eyes, "I love you too, Moley." She said with a smile.

She went to kiss him again, and she heard the front door open. Mole looked frightened and Mousey couldn't help being afraid- she was scared that the others would think badly of their relationship. She didn't know why that mattered much … it just did. They needed an explanation first. To catch two of your best friends who normally were 'just friends' with one another, making out on your couch … it would seem … shocking.

It was just Badger, and he didn't catch on that anything had happened between the two, though they had both acted quite nervous. Badger had explained that he had to visit with an old friend north of the area, so Mousey suggested that she go and take what she could from her rundown home on the way to Toad Hall.

Mousey lead Mole there and they walked in silence. She held onto his half-gloved hand, gently pulling him along.

They came across a large hill and walked over it. Mousey froze as she saw that where her house once was, was now a large hotel, most likely owned by the weasels.

She pulled Moley away from the heartbreaking sight, and hugged his arm as they headed to Toad Hall. She reminded Mole that she needed to stop at his house to gather the few belongings she had left. Mole agreed to stop by, but he really wanted to tell her to live with him. He couldn't bear to see her leave, especially now that they had both admitted feelings for one another.

"Mousey?" he called quietly as she knelt to pick up her spare jacket and sweater.

"Yeah?" she asked calm and casually as she folded her sweater quickly and placed it atop her other clothes in her bag. She turned to Mole as he fumbled for words.

"I was just wondering …" he began, "if you'd … like to … stay with me …" his voice got quiet as he finished, looking at his fingers as he twiddled them nervously.

"I dunno Mole …" she said, hands behind her back as she looked at her feet, "I mean I do love you … but …"

"Are you ashamed that you love me?" he asked seriously.

"What?" she asked incredulously, "How could you ask that?"

"You don't want the others to know about … us …"

She sighed, "It's just … they wouldn't understand." She said finally, "When I loved Toad, it was apparent that it would end in a heartbeat, or at least that's what Ratty had said to … 'cheer me up' afterwards," she said, rolling her eyes. "They'll probably think that this is just another fling but it's not, Moley, and I certainly don't want it to be."

She stepped closer to him, hugging him around his neck, "You really do love me, don't you?" she asked.

"I do, Mouse," he said, hugging her back, resting his cheek against hers, "I just don't want to lose you. I want you to live here with me … I've never been surer of anything … except that I love you."

She grinned coyly, pulling back to put her forehead against his, "I can't get enough of you saying that," she admitted.

Mole smiled, and she went to steal a kiss, but he playfully pulled back, "I have to be sure you'll stay here with me." He said.

Tilting her head, she replied, "As long as you'll love me, there's no place I'd rather be … than with you …" and they both kissed long and soft.

And they both lived happily ever after.

(A/N)- Corny, I know, so keep it to yourself. It was fun to write despite the fact. Reviews are appreciated, as always. :-)