Disclaimer: Okay people, I don't own Kel or Neal, they belong to Tamora Pierce.

Kel laughed softly as Neal tickled her. He loved to torture her; it was his favorite pastime. Her thoughts turned to her feelings for him and she felt her stomach jolt. She wished he felt the same way about her. Her eyes met his and he smiled; she loved that smile. They were so close; she wanted to kiss him but was afraid. Her fear must have shown because he gripped her shoulder.

"What's wrong Kel?" He asked kindly.

"I can't do this Neal." She whispered, pulling away from him. "It's too hard."

"Can't do what? What's going on Kel?" He grabbed her hand and sudden warmth flooded her. "Tell me what's bothering you." She stared at the floor, shaking uncontrollably as she felt his fingers touch her chin. He lifted it gently and stared into her eyes. What he saw behind those hazel orbs surprised him. As deep feeling of love resided there, burning as bright as the stars. "Oh." She looked down again as tears filled her eyes.

"Promise me this won't change anything between us, that we'll still be friends."

"I can't do that Kel. Everything changes now." Her head came up faster this time and he wiped away her tears with his handkerchief. She was hurt by his words, not knowing what he truly meant.

"We can't be friends?" He nodded and moved closer, putting his lips to hers in what could only be called a kiss. She pulled away suddenly, touching her lips in surprise before it dawned on her. "Y, y, you, you…" A smile crossed his lips as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "You have feelings for me?"

"Yes." At this she moved in again, not caring if he kissed her until the end of her days.

A/N

Sorry it's so short, I'm trying to juggle school and work and all that. Next chapter will be longer. Please review,