Disclaimer: I own none of Tamora Pierces characters (despite my wishes) and there is no infringement or whatever meant by me writing this story. A/N: This is my first Tamora Pierce fanfiction so let me know what you think. I'll update as soon as possible (that's if people want me too). I really hope you like it.

The ride back to Steadfast from New Hope had never taken so long for Kel and Neal. Although they had each other to keep themselves company, they were both very eager to get back and meet all their friends. Neal obviously wanted to see the love of his life and his bride to be Yuki, and Kel was eager to see everybody. Or at least that's what she tried to keep telling herself, when she was actually especially eager to see Dom again.

Finally Steadfast came into view and Kel and Neal urged their horses into a faster gallop towards the fort. As they approached they saw that they had a welcoming committee awaiting them at the gate. On arriving they gave their horses to the hustlers and turned to great their fiend. First Kel went to Roaul and gave him a giant hug. Roaul of Goldenlake was the chief commander of the Kings Own and had been Kel's knight master. He was very much a father figure to Kel and they got on as if they were best friends. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Neal embracing Yuki in an emotion filled hug. Kel twisted to face them.

'See – I told you I wouldn't let anything happen to him,' she said to Yuki.

'And I never really doubted you,' was her reply, 'but that didn't stop me worrying about him. He seems to get into trouble all too easily.'

'Excuse me I don't get into trouble that easily,' Neal interrupted, 'and besides, Kel's usually the one that gets me into these troublesome situations to start with!'

'Since when!!' Kel exclaimed

'Oh I don't know, there's only been a hundred times – the bulling scheme you had going when we were pages, the run in with Blayce, the time ...'

'Ok – you win,' Kel told him, before he continued on with his list, 'But, I've always helped you out of them as well.'

'That's true,' Neal replied, 'But ...'

'STOP, STOP, STOP,' both Roaul and Yuki exclaimed, laughing at the same time.

'You would have thought after all the time they've known each other they would have worked out how to get along,' said Yuki.

'No instead they've worked out each others weak spots and so just know what to say now!' Roaul replied. 'I'm not sure it was wise for Neal to spend so much time with the Lioness as well,' he said – turning to face the King's Champion' 'I'm sure she didn't help much in calming Neal's temper.'

'No – the colour of her hair reflects her temper really!' laughed Neal, 'Red and scary!'

'OK – enough already, I am just here,' Alanna said, 'besides we can actually go into the fort rather than just stand and chat here at the gate!!'

Everyone entered the fort to be met by an even larger crowd of people, all wanting to speak to the infamous Protector of the Small and ask questions and get to know the Lady Knight.

Thank goodness I rode Hoshi Kel thought I can't imagine Peachblossom liking being surrounded by this many people. The thought and image of Peachblossom snapping at every person who dared to come close to him made Kel grin to herself.

'Care to tell us all the reason behind that smile on your face Lady Knight.' Kel turned to face Sergeant Domitian of the Kings Own – Kel's good friend who she had ridden with on many occasions.

'Dom,' she cried, before rushing to embrace him, 'It's wonderful to see you. How have you been?'

'Oh it's wonderful to see him is it,' Neal whispered in her ear before embracing his cousin himself.

'Now what is that supposed to mean,' Kel whispered back – slightly embarrassed but not showing in on her Yamani emotion free face.

'You tell me,' Neal replied.

'Now look...' Kel started.

'Great – I haven't seen either of you for ages and you're muttering away and not letting me join in on the conversation,' Dom said, 'What are you talking about?'

'We were just saying ...'

'Nothing,' Kel stopped Neal from continuing, 'It was nothing important – don't worry about it. How is the Kings Own?' Kel said – quickly changing the subject.

Neal looked at Kel with a smug, knowing look on his face and in his eyes and then excused himself to go a see Yuki, whilst Dom started to tell Kel all that had been happening in her absence.

Before long it was time to eat and Kel and Dom sat with all Kel's friends – hearing and telling stories of things that had happened in the long weeks that they had not seen each other. The evening flew away and before they realised it was dark and late and everyone was tired, and ready for bed.

Dom walked with Kel back to her room as they were both heading in the same direction. They were both so absorbed in talking to each other that Kel didn't see the rock in front of her and she tripped, and would have fallen flat on her face if Dom hadn't caught her. Kel felt flutterings in her stomach as strong hands helped her steady herself on her feet again.

'Thank you,' Kel said, as she looked up the face the sergeant. As she turned her hazel eyes caught his blue ones and the locked themselves together for a fraction of a second before they both turned away. However in that moment they had both seen something in each other that neither knew was there before. 'Not a problem,' Dom replied in response to the thanks he received earlier, 'We couldn't have our Lady Knight falling now could we.'

They both laughed and carried on walking towards Kel's dorm room, trying to forget about that brief moment they had shared, minutes before. When they reached Kel's room they turned to face each other. 'Thank You,' Kel said, unlocking the door without needing to look, 'Good night.'

'Good night Protector of the Small,' Dom said, laughing as he saw the grimace on Kel's face, 'I'm very glad you're back, for however long. We've ... I've missed you.' And with that he leant in to hug her and then hesitated before hiving her a quick peck on the cheek blushing a deep crimson, and quickly walked away.

A/N2: If you like it let me know – if you don't let me know too. I'm open to constructive criticism. Please review.