The Best of Me

Disclaimer: See Ch. 1

Mitchell woke up later in the evening to an aching feeling in her leg.

“Stupid cut,” she muttered, forcing herself to sit up. Looking around, she saw that Remus must have brought her to her room once she had drifted off. As she got out of bed and found that she could walk, she suddenly tasted a cinnamon flavor on her lips. Slightly perplexed, Mitchell placed her fingers on her lips. “Ah, well.” She made it to the hallway, half limping as she went but it was good progress she was making.

“Mitchell? What are you doing? You shouldn’t be walking on that leg.” Remus had appeared at her side, looking concerned.

“No need to make a fuss, Re, I can manage.” Her leg decided to send a bit of pain running up her body, making her wince.

“Right,” Remus said, taking hold of her hand. “Come one, you’re going back to your room and you are going to rest.” Mitchell mildly resisted, saying,

“No, really, I’m fine, Remus. See, look, I can walk.” To demonstrate, she walked down the length of the hall, happy that her cut didn’t send any more waves of pain. He looked at her skeptically, but walked over to join her.

“You’re sure you’re alright?” he asked, taking her hands. Mitchell shivered at the touch.

“Yes. Please don’t frown like that, Remus. I’d like to see a smile on that handsome face.” ‘What did I say!’ she thought frantically to herself. Remus, however, smiled kindly at her.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” he said. They stood in silence, still holding hands. “Do you think you’re well enough to go outside?”

“Yes, I think so.” They slowly released each other’s hands and Remus led Mitchell out into the small garden out back. The now waning moon shone brightly among the stars, casting a soft glow over the countryside. Mitchell glanced at Remus, her heart pounding fiercely. “It’s beautiful,” she said, attempting to start conversation.

“Not as beautiful as you.” She turned to see Remus gazing at her, instead of the scenery.

“Oh, no…Re, I’m not…”

“You are.” Remus was beginning to wonder if he was out of his mind. He moved closer to her, his face flushed. “You’re just as beautiful as the day I first met you.” Mitchell chuckled, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

“We were eleven years old. Well, you were. I was just ten.”

“Even so.” He took in a deep breath. “When we were apart, I felt the same way you did: empty, unable to go on. Even Moony felt that way. Every full moon, he longed for Luna to be there, to ease his pain. It hurt so much more during those times. But I knew that I still loved you, that you still loved me, and that’s what helped me get through those years.” Mitchell stood frozen to the spot as Remus stood before her, taking her hands. He could easily hear her heart speed up, thanks to his lycanthropy. “When you came back, I was so happy. I cherished you more than ever. All the time we spent together, in the Order and now, I fell in love with you all over again. You’re my soul mate, I’ve known it almost all my life. And I don’t want to lose you again…” They were inches apart, gazing into each other’s eyes. “Mitchell…” Remus breathed. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?” Mitchell gave a soft gasp, her hands tightening in Remus’. She felt the tears start to form, but managed to speak before she totally lost it.

“Oh, Remus! Yes! Yes, I will!” Remus smiled in relief and joy before pulling her into a deep kiss.

The next time I’m in town, we will kiss, girl

We will kiss, girl

Mitchell was drowning in bliss as Remus held her in his arms, kissing her tenderly.

“This must be a dream,” she murmured once the kiss ended.

“No. No, it’s not,” Remus assured her as well as himself, holding her close.

“Oh, good.” She began drawing lazy circles across his chest. “Then, was this morning a dream?”

“What do you mean?”

“I think I remember you saying you loved me, then you kissed me.” Mitchell grinned slyly up at him as he flushed slightly.

“I thought you were asleep!” he exclaimed.

“So did I…until I tasted cinnamon later…”

“You sneaky wench,” Remus muttered, pulling Mitchell into another kiss. An owl flew by and landed on a nearby fence, clutching a letter in its beak. At first, the two didn’t notice it and continued to snog. The owl, apparently annoyed at their snog fest, hooted loudly. Startled, Mitchell broke away and looked at the owl, which looked back at her irritably.

“Oh! Remus, we have a visitor.” Remus sighed with a touch of annoyance, but released Mitchell and went over to take the letter from the owl. Mitchell patted the owl’s head as her new fiancée read the letter; a smile formed on his lips as he read. “What is it?” she asked.

“Here.” He handed her the letter.

Dear Remus (and guest),

You’ll be happy to know that I have received word that Ms. Johnson’s house is rebuilt. She may move back in when she is ready or she may tell me of any plans she has in store for it. I hope that her stay with you has been most enjoyable. Thank you for your help, Remus.

Albus Dumbledore

Mitchell grinned as Remus wrapped his arms around her waist once she had finished reading the letter.

“You know,” he murmured in her ear. “I think Dumbledore planned this.”

“I believe you’re right, Re. Did you notice that he sent the letter minutes after you proposed?”

“Yes, I did. He probably did this for our own good. He’s known us since we were kids.”

“True. We’ll have to thank him, won’t we?”

“Mm-hmm.” Remus nuzzled her neck momentarily before looking up and into her eyes. “I love you, Luna,” he said, leaning in.

“I love you, too, Moony,” Mitchell whispered just as he pressed an amorous kiss to her lips. Things were looking up for both of them, indeed.

When you were gone and so alone

The worst is over and you can have the best of me

We got older but we’re still young

We never grew out of this feeling that we won’t

Feeling that we can’t

We’re not ready to give up

We got older but we’re still young

We never grew out of this feeling that we won’t give up

FIN