A/N: Um, I've never actually written a Tortall fanfic, so I'm a little bit nervous. I got this idea while reading some GREAT K/D fics (LOVE the K/D goodness! I can't get enough!) and listening to the Maroon 5 song She Will Be Loved' on the radio. So, um, enjoy!! Please review, but be easy on me! This is a big step for me - what with the whole writing a fanfic about Tamora's characters considering for awhile I refused to read ANY because I didn't want them to ruin the goodness of the books....but now I can't get enough! hehe!! R/R!!!!

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing, hopefully the plot, but even that maybe not. If I did steal it....sorry!! I only wish I was as creative, original and brilliant as Tamora!!

K/D!!!!

The men stopped in front of New Hope's large wooden gate. Thankfully, no one had sounded any alarm, so he didn't feel so bad about waking anyone up. But yet, where were the watchmen and the guards?

He heard his men grumbling behind him. I'm sure they'll come soon enough, boys. He sighed. Kel was not going to be happy when she found out her people had failed to report any strangers. He smiled at the thought of her....

He had not seen her for over 4 months. It had been a year since Raoul and Buri's wedding, the last and first time that they had ever really talked without being interrupted by battles, kidnappings, or Meathead. He loved talking to her, and not until 2 months ago did he realize how much he really missed her company.

A cough intruded on his thoughts of Kel. Uh, Sir,

He cut in. Please, no sir! Just Dom! He hated when his new men called him sir' instead of Dom.

Uh, Dom, maybe we should knock....they don't seem to realize we're here.

Right, right. Of course. He jumped off his horse and pounded on the gate.

He heard the scattering of feet and a muffled, Who goes there? Another man's head popped up from the walkway at the top of the wall.

He sighed. Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle and his squad from the King's Own.

The watchman on top of the wall signaled for the squad to move forward through the now-open gate of New Hope.

They rode quietly in, only to be greeted by none other than Tobe. Master Dom!! he cried.

Tobe, really! It's Dom! Just Dom! He ruffled the boy's hair.

We weren't expecting you....should I get up Kel?

Dom smiled wryly. I see you've stopped calling her Lady' then, eh?

Tobe blushed. She made me stop. She hated being called it.

Dom grinned. No, don't bother waking her. He thought. Do you know of somewhere where my men and I can sleep?

Oh, yes! Tobe first led them to the stables to care for their mounts, and then brought them to a small empty barracks that was used for visitors and the like.

Tobe soon realized that there weren't enough rooms for all of Dom's men. He racked his brain for another place where Dom could sleep. Merric's barracks for his guards was full, and Neal's rooms were too, what with Yuki visiting. Well Sir, he stopped, Dom, sorry, Dom, you can sleep in my room.

Dom yawned. And where might that be?

Next to Kel's.

I don't know Tobe...besides. Where are you going to sleep?

I can sleep on the floor of Kel's room. She doesn't mind. I always did when we used to stop at inns.

Dom sighed. It was well after midnight and he had been riding for most of the night from Steadfast.... Sure, why not? They crept quietly into Tobe's room. Thanks again Tobe. He lied down on the bed, taking off his boots and shirt. I'll wash your sheets in the morning. Goodnight. Tobe walked to Kel's door. he turned around, um, could you wake me before Kel realizes I'm here...I don't want to startle her or anything. She might be angry with this surprise visit. Tobe nodded and went into Kel's room.

Dom sighed and laid back down. He had at least 5 hours of sleep before Kel woke up to practice her glaive pattern dance. But she might not since Tobe would be there.....why was he now always thinking of Kel? He yawned. He'd have to ponder tomorrow. He needed his sleep.

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Dom! Dom! Tobe was now shoving Dom's shoulder. Dom!! Kel's awake! His eyes sprang open. He dizzily sat up but before he could put on his shirt, Kel walked in.

He blushed.

She gawked at the sight of Dom - in New Hope, but smiled in spite of how confused she was. Dom? What on Earth are you doing here? When did you arrive? Why?

He waved his hand to silence her questions. He cocked an eyebrow. No hello?

She laughed. He stood up to grab his shirt but she quickly embraced him. She was ecstatic to see her good friend again....

Dom, startled, nervously hugged her back, all too well aware of the fact that he was shirtless and blushing. Tobe coughed. He thought they might have been hugging a little too long.

Kel quickly understood and released Dom just as quickly as she had embraced him.

Why don't we talk over breakfast, my lady? Dom offered.

She jokingly slapped his arm. Don't call me my lady'. If Tobe can stop, so can you! He smiled, pulled his shirt over his head, and the two walked off to the mess hall leaving Tobe by himself with his own confused thoughts.

Raoul got your letter, and decided to fulfill you r request. He gestured to himself. My squad and I are at your service until further notice.

She grinned. She hadn't concealed herself behind her mask nearly as often as she used to. It was too much trouble, so she only did it when necessary; like dealing with a very stubborn refugee or fighting in a battle. Dom noticed and shoved porridge into his mouth in order to hide his own grin.

Is that you, dear cousin? Neal slipped into the seat next to Kel.

Meathead! How good to see you! They shook each other's hands heartily across the table, but then got serious again.

So, dear cousin, what brings you to this neck of the woods?

Well, Meathead, Neal cringed, Raoul sent my squad and I to help out here at New Hope for how ever long Commander Kel here needs us.

Kel quickly slipped on her mask before she blushed. I'm no commander... And I never even come close to blushing...no matter how much someone praises me...is it because it's Dom? No! Surely not...

Ah, so young, so modest. Neal sighed and ate his porridge. She mentally sighed; no one noticed the battle going on in her head/

Is your Yuki here, Meathed?

As a matter-of-fact, she is! She arrived last week.

Kel snickered. And we haven't seen much of Sir Meathead here, for the past week.

Dom grinned at Neal's red cheeks. You're just jealous!, he retorted. He glared at Dom, forgetting that Kel had even said it.

Dom ran a hand through his hair. Neal, calm down.... Kel put her hand on his shoulder. I was only joking... Neal swatted off her hand.

You are jealous, aren't you Dom? He smirked. You're two years older than me, and you're just jealous that you haven't found your true love.

Kel's face twisted with anger. she shouted, standing up. How dare you speak to him like that? The entire mess hall looked in their general direction.

Dom looked at his hands. Kel, it's ok, really...Neal's right anyway. Kel sat back down and looked at her own bowl, embarrassed by her sudden outburst at Dom's expense.

Neal was finally aware of what he had said. Dom, look, I didn't mean it... But Dom waved his hand. It's in the past. It's fine. He stood up. I have to go wash Tobe's sheets anyway. Excuse me. He brought his bowl to the dish station, and went back to his room.

Kel punched Neal's arm. What was that for?, she demanded. That was a horrible thing to say to him!

Neal looked at his feet. I just got angry. Sorry.

Kel sighed. I guess it's alright. But you should probably apologize to him.

Neal nodded. Hey - since when did you become so defensive of my cousin anyway? Kel ignored him and left to bring her own bowl to the dish station just as Yuki walked in for her breakfast.

A/N: What do you think so far?? Soon enough Dom and Kel will happen. I thought I'd do it faster....but apparently not. Sorry to disappoint you!