Real Potato and Hare Soup

Disclaimer I own nothing it's all hers.

Neal watched Kel as they rode out to the border. Neal and Yuki hadn't worked out to well... they had a fight and it went out of hand now Yuki was married to a guy named Travers who came from the Yamani islands. Neal had been sad to lose that relationship but it gave him more time to think. Kel had been very quiet since Dom had died while on a mission, a mission where she had been and had not been able to save Dom. Neal missed Dom to, he was after all family, but Kel being silent for this long of a time just wasn't right. Neal watched as Merric went up to Kel and tried to talk to her.

"Kel we need you, Dom was a good soldier yes, but he wasn't the one that defeated Blanyce you were. Kel get in the game or go home," Merric finally snapped as he watched Kel steer away from him, "Kel I'm sorry okay." Neal shook his head at Merric telling him to not say anything. Merric held back till Neal caught up with him. "Neal, what's wrong with her?" Neal bit his lip and closed his eyes. "Merric I don't know." "You the great Neal, Kel's best friend, doesn't know?" "NO Merric I don't know. Do you think I've talked to her lately? Do you think I told her how... never mind." Merric looked at Neal before heading back up to the top of the line.

Before long a halt was called for the night and everyone helped put up tents. Neal watched as Kel tried to put up a tent by herself refusing any and all help that was offered to her. Neal met Merric's eyes and told him to get a couple guys and put up Kel's tent while he talked to her privately. Neal quietly came up behind Kel and put his hand on her shoulder. Kel slowly looked up at Neal and turned around to face him. The Kel in front of him made his heart break, she was half starved and her eyes were full of tears that would not be shed. A couple of men made as if to come near the two but with a motion of his hand they were discouraged. "Kel let's go talk." Kel just nodded her head slowly and followed Neal. Once they were in the woods and out of hearing distance she broke down.

Neal had never seen Kel break down and it tore his heart in two. "Kel?" "I'm... fine... Neal," she muttered. "No your not Kel, your sick and crying and won't talk to anyone. I know that you miss him a lot more than I do but that's no reason to be like this." Kel looked down at the ground not meeting his eyes not wanting to tell him the reason she was most upset. "Kel?"

"They'll call me a slut later won't they? They'll say I was worthless and went from man to man. I never Never never wanted this to happen Neal. I didn't want it to go so far. Now anyone who touches me it sends shivers down my spine knowing that its not Dom. Neal I know you like me maybe as a little sister or a friend or maybe more. I like you like that to but I don't know. They'll say things that'll hurt you and I can't stand that NEAL. I could never stand seeing you or Dom hurt. I'm leaving tomorrow and not coming back I'm going to disappear and never return."

Neal was shaken up. "Kel," he whispered softly using one of his fingers gently to life up her face to him. She was crying and shaking. He held her in his arms letting her cry into his shoulder as a tear or two trickled down his face. "Please Neal don't think me weak.. I just... I just miss him and I haven't had someone to cry to for a while now." "I never thought you weak. You have saved countless lives. You killed people who were out for your king and your friends. You are the protector of the small. And I'll never think your weak no matter how many tears you cry. I'm your friend forever and always I'll always be here for you... always. You're pregnant with his child aren't you?"

More tears started flowing from her face and Neal knew the truth. "Kel. I love you. I love you as a friend, a sister, a comrade, and something more. You're all the world and more to me. I love you." Kel looked up at him her tears slowing down. "You don't hate me you don't think I'm a whore? I don't know if I'm ready Neal.. Give it time." "I'll wait forever if I have to Kel and forever is a long time." Kel smiled as they dried their tears and started walking back to the camp. "Neal?" she asked slowly kissing Neal on the lips, "thanks." "Your welcome Kel. Time can only tell what the outcome will be. Time will only tell." "I love you Neal." "I love you to," Neal muttered before they were in sight. Neal marveled at the smile on her face it was as if she was a new person as if he had helped her out of a shell she was in. Neal gave Merric a huge smile before walking over to check on the food that the men were making. "Hold on you guys.. Let me show you how to make real potato and hare soup."

And from the black gods realm Dom was smiling at them. They would be hurt for a long time but now they would slowly get over the loss and someday he would see them again. "Thanks for everything Neal.. Watch over her and be sure she doesn't do anything stupid," Dom whispered in Neal's mind. "I will, don't worry cousin," Neal muttered down on the ground, "I will." "What are you talking about Neal?" Merric questioned. "I'll show you how good I can make soup that's all," Neal said smiling up at Kel who was sitting by the small fire smiling. "See you in the Black Gods realm Dom. See you there when the time comes. Thanks," Neal muttered as he dropped potatoes into the small pot almost burning himself. "Be careful Neal. We wouldn't want our healer needing a healer would we?" Kel said as she smiled at him. "Of course not Kel never."

Hey please review I think this is a one shot but I'm not sure depending on how many reviews I get.