Author's Note: Sorry about the shortness of this last chapter. See if you can spot a certain fangirl-style reference… :P

Tonks was still far too dazed to feel angry or embarrassed that her cousin had walked in on her long-awaited make-out session with Remus. She stared at his profile in the echoing silence after Hestia shut the door, wondering why she hadn't just leapt on him before. He was incredible. Granted, she wasn't especially experienced, as she'd only ever had three boyfriends and one of those was in a non-sexual relationship in her sixth year, but… wow. There was certainly something to be said for the experience and refined technique of older men. She pulled herself into an upright position and tucked her hair behind her ear, wondering how she could transform this awkward silence into a lust-filled stumble to his bedroom where they would hopefully spend the night… not sleeping. It was then that she realised how tense he looked. She felt a sudden sense of dread.

"Uh… Remus? Are you… OK?"

His eyes darted to her, widened and then returned to the wall. "I… are you?"

"Of course."

Remus bit his lip and Tonks watched in fascination as he ran a shaking hand through his hair.

"I'm not really sure how to… Tonks, look-"

"If you're going to say that was a mistake-"

"Well… Maybe it was, I mean-"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Tonks clambered up from the sofa to tower above him, eyes flashing. "This attitude of yours, this constant hesitation… it's getting on my nerves! It's the bloody werewolf thing, isn't it? Isn't it?"

He shifted uncomfortably but raised his chin and met her eyes. "Partly. It's a huge consideration, Tonks. It's not something you should just brush off. What I am-"

"Is a werewolf, yes." She interrupted. "But that's not who you are, Remus. And that's what I'm interested in. I've been through auror training and I know all the facts, all the risks, I've written whole essays on werewolves, so don't act like I don't grasp the concept, like I'm misinformed and naïve or something. I know you have feelings for me and I sure as hell have feelings for you, so to me that's worth giving a go. If the werewolf thing is really that much of an issue… well, we'll find out, won't we? At least let's try… please."

She was shaking slightly as she finished her little speech, knowing that she was putting herself on the line but unable to help herself. Remus looked like he wanted to smile, warmth radiating from his eyes as he gazed at her. He shook his head, however, and frowned.

"Even if I were able to disregard 'the werewolf thing'… I'm so much older than you, and you know I'm not rich…"

Tonks almost stamped her foot with impatience. "Do you know how well-paid I am for a young woman living on her own? I've got tonnes in savings and Dad's a whiz at getting the best out of finances. I do not give a flying french kneazle about whether or not you're rich. I have no need for a rich man. And the age thing?" A mischievious smirk overtook her features. "Judging by that little sneak preview just now, that's an advantage more than anything. I'd consider it a bonus."

Remus rolled his eyes and stood up, looking conflicted.

"I'm just not convinced that you've really thought this through."

She shook her head, stepping closer to him and fingering the sleeve of his jumper. "It's pretty much all I think about. You think I haven't tried to talk myself out of it? I don't need this right now. Life is easier and simpler when I'm single. But Remus, there aren't any reasons that are good enough to stop me from wanting you. I think that denying this thing between us is just unhealthy for both of us."

She spoke earnestly, staring up into his face. He furrowed his brow as he stared back, his faded denim eyes shot through with bronze flecks that seemed to burn brighter as she focused on them. He spoke suddenly, making her jump.

"Alright, then."

"What?"

He smiled slightly. "I said, alright then. If you're sure, then I'll trust you. But I want you to promise me that you… you'll break it off if it's what's best for you. Promise?"

Tonks gaped at him, completely flabbergasted. "You… you're saying yes?"

"Yes. Do you promise, Tonks?"

"I… yes. If I'm honestly convinced that it's better for me, I'll end it. But I really doubt that'll happen."

He grinned at her, lacing his fingers through hers. "Thanks."

She giggled, loving that they were holding hands because that's what couples do and she and Remus were now, incredibly, an actual couple. Smiling victoriously up at him, Tonks raised her free hand and brushed some hair off his forehead, letting her knuckles rest on his temple and her affection – no, adoration – for him spill out into her eyes.

"This is so awesome, Remus," she sighed. He smirked.

"Yeah, man. Totally awesome."

"Don't tease me. Just because I'm cool and you're jealous…"

Remus leaned down towards her, his eyes dancing.

"Jealous, am I?"

She took his other hand, winding their fingers together and stretching up to touch her nose to his.

"Insanely," she murmured. Their lips touched and this time it was unhurried, soft and full of promise.

Epilogue:

The next morning dawned clear and bright, filtering determinedly in through the grimy semi-circular window above the front door of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. The patchy sunlight caught the messy blue-black hair of the witch tiptoeing down the stairs, making it glimmer where she paused on the bottom step, peering around the ornate bannister post with cautious eyes. Seeming satisfied that the hallway was clear, she ventured onto the floorboards and stepped towards the door…

Another door down the hall way swung open and a petite witch wearing nothing but her knickers and a man's rust-coloured jumper sauntered out, carrying two mugs of coffee. Her short bubblegum-pink hair stuck out in tufts and she was humming an upbeat tune to herself. She didn't appear to notice the older, black-haired witch frozen near the front door until she was a few feet away, whereupon she halted, spilling quite a bit of coffee onto the dusty floorboards. The black-haired witch's pink cheeks flushed pinker as a slow smile spread across the younger woman's face.

"Wotcher, Hestia," she said in a smug tone. Hestia pursed her lips.

"Oh, shush, Tonks. At least I'm wearing my own clothes."

Tonks snorted, going to lean her shoulder against the bannister but missing and spilling another lot of coffee before the righted herself.

"Well, if I was sneaking out I might be dressed differently, but I'm not… Siri kick you out of his kennel, then?"

Hestia's lips twitched and she shook her head.

"I live with my sister. She's very nosy and she gets up at eight, so I need to be home… soon."

"Fair enough."

Hestia smiled, inclined her head and then turned back to the front door, reaching for the handle.

"Hess?"

The black-haired witch turned and looked at Tonks.

"Yes?"

"I hope things work out between you two. He's been so down and he needs someone like you in his life."

Hestia smiled gently at the younger witch.

"Ditto, Tonks."

Tonks grinned and made her way up the stairs, humming to herself and spilling what remained of the coffee.