"Do you remember how the other day we were talking about the um, those new brushes? For the horses, I mean."

Kel looked up at him, her cheeks turning a little pink. "Yes."

"Well," said Raoul," I got you one." He held it out to her, dwarfed in his large hand, and Kel took it.

The pink tinge on her face spread and darkened. "Thanks," she said shyly. "I'll use it right away."

Raoul smiled back, his face also reddening.

Buri rolled her eyes and shoved her husband forwards. "This is pathetic," she complained. "Just hurry up and kiss her before we all get old."

………..

Her husband and his former squire turned to stare at her. She shrugged. "It's obvious you both like each other. And quite honestly, it's nauseating to watch all of this present giving and blushes and sideways glances. Get it over and done with, you're supposed to be adults."

Raoul and Kel looked at each other in shock, and then blushed bright red.

Buri snorted. "Deny it all you want, but I've heard you both talking in your sleep about the other."

The colour drained from Raoul's face. "Gods, Buri, I'm so sorry. I never would've-"

"Calm down, you overgrown idiot." She grinned at them. "I was obviously there too, and we were all having a very nice time. So hurry up and kiss her."

………..

"Is it true?" Kel forced herself to look at him, the brush he'd given her still held in her hand.

Raoul gave her a rueful smile. "You weren't supposed to find out."

Buri elbowed him. "And yet you go and buy her a horse brush? Gods, you couldn't get more romantic if you tried."

Kel giggled despite herself. "I like it, it's practical."

"It would also be practical if you kissed each other right now."

"How would that be practical?" they asked in unison.

Buri rolled her eyes. "Just do it."

Raoul eyed Kel. "Can I?"

She nodded, a smile breaking out on her face, so he did.

……….

"Don't you mind?" Kel asked worriedly, her eyes fixed on Buri. That kiss had been wonderful, and she wanted more, but…Buri was her friend too. "He's your husband. I shouldn't come between you."

"I was hoping it'd be more a matter of 'with' rather than 'between'."

Kel looked from Buri to Raoul and back again, confused, before realisation dawned. "Oh."

Raoul grinned. "Buri isn't really the conventional type of wife."

Buri let out a sharp cackle. "Thank the gods."

Kel smiled. "So you mean the three of us? Together?"

Buri shrugged. "I'm up for it, but it was just a suggestion."

"No pressure," added Raoul. "Only if you want to."

Kel smiled. "I do."