SOMEONE *holds* M-E *safe* and {WARM} (((OPEN)))

Sterling gasped as she gave him a kiss in return he smiled and gave her a third, a long and passionate one this time. His hand rose to her head and buried itself in her irresistible cascading hair as he did so. It couldn't have been more than 20 seconds since Chase had left, but he didn't even remember she was ever there now.

He pulled away again. "Aww, Cat I love you." he said sincerely. His free hand that wasn't in her hair landed itself on her waist without much thought from Sterling.

"How is that possible?" he said, as he kissed her on the cheek. The booth they were sitting at seemed oddly restrictive of which way they cold move... it was kind of annoying. He pushed her downward a little, sliding his hand on her waist to her back and pulling her inward. "Thanks for loving me, Cat." he said. Nothing he had ever possessed or ever would was nearly as valuable as Cat's affection for him. He almost couldn't stand to be away from her for more than a moment.

"How is it possible that you, of all people, could care for me?" he asked, clarifying his question. He let her warmth spread over him like being curled up in a blanket. He waves of heat throbbing through his body and filling it with endless pleasure.

He gave her another kiss on the neck, then moved his arm so his hand was on her shoulder and his elbow was touching the small of her back. She was now close enough to him he felt at ease... peaceful, as if this was where he belonged. "How could I be insincere?" he asked curiously. It didn't seem like anybody at Hogwarts didn't like Catalina. She was the most sought after person to talk to when troubled, to hold when crying, and to be with when bored.

"I would never hurt you, Cat... I would never leave you..." Sterling said, sincerity etched in each word. He was whispering it in her ear, because he had inadvertantly pulled her so close he head was just beside hers.

"I--I trust you with my life but... I'm always worried that" he started, then blushed and pulled away a little awkwardly. He had sworn to always be completely honest with her... and he wouldn't lie... But he could stop right there and not say anything else... hope she didn't catch on to how much he had mulled it over in his mind... her finding somebody far better looking, more skilled at Quidditch... more practiced at dueling... she felt she would leave him in a heartbeat. She was always too good for him all along... how long could he cheat fate?

Sterling grunted in response to her question... not feeling very worthy of her presence at the moment. How could he distrust her? She kissed him and he melted from the inside out. He couldn't stifle a moan of pleasure as she did so.

"I've just been hurt before... but so have you... we need to make a pact not to do it to eachother." he said slowly, taking one of his hand off of her back and lacing it in her fingers. "Please... I can't live without you..." he whispered slowly as he kissed her again.