Teeheehee… I just finished watching American Idol. I love that show! Ah it just cracks me up. I like doing this reviewer notes as I get them at the beginning of the chapters, it really works better than saving it until the tenth chapter or so… So here I go!
Dreamerdoll: Thanks for the reviews! I love it when people review after each chapter! (hint, hint!) And no, you weren't bothering me at all! Don't ya just love the cutesy stuff though? It's my favorite! Oh, and don't worry, I'll keep your little secret 'bout Neal… hehe… And you can talk to me all you want cuz I love getting long reviews and stuff.
White-wolf2: I'm glad somebody understands me! Hahaha… Yeah, Dom's pretty cool and stuff, but he better BACK OFF cuz he's ruining my lovely fluffy Kel/Neal world! I'm so glad the near-kiss thing worked out! I was really worried it would be kinda corny or whatever, so I'm thrilled you liked it!
Laurashrub: Yes! Now, that I answered your question, it's like a weight has been lifted off my chest. Very good. I was SO MAD at Christine taking advantage of the Phantom's affections to escape at the end, then when she came back and he goes, "Christine, I looooove yoou…" and she just gives the ring back… Oh, I cried. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it. And yeah, I just totally made the wedding up! If there's a wedding in Tortall, I couldn't remember for my life, so I was like, "aw, what the heck, I'll make my own wedding!" Thanks for the compliment!
Kayla: It is a truly awesome line. Hehehe…
Jamie Lynn: Y'know, you're very consistent w/ your reviews! Thanks!
Heartdamoose: Ooh, a fork! I'm liking this… I'll be sure to call you up when the assassination of the eeevil Yuki goes down. But who says Neal and Yuki even will get married?? Mwahahaha!!! I hope your cough gets better… and those passerby learn.
Lady Knight 1512: It's all right, I enjoyed listening to (reading?) you ramble! I need to start an 'I Hate Yuki Club'. You'd join? Haha… I'm totally incredibly psyched that this is one of the best KN fics you've read! I'm gonna have fun working up to that proper fluff, and when I get there, oh, there will be FLUFF! Yay! As for tips, I actually don't do rough drafts… For 'A Friend In Need', I completely made it up as I went along. I'd just sit down at my computer and type something up and post it. I usually didn't have the slightest idea of what would happen chapter-to-chapter. At least for this one, I have a plot that will probably last me for a while, but I don't know how much will go in each chapter, or many details. Lol, I have pretty bad writing habits. If I think of any real tips, I promise I'll let you know!
FanFictionFantom: NO! I would NEVER let Yuki have my darling! Kel, I have to, b/c I've finally gotten over my jealousy. So don't worry, there won't be a Neal/Yuki wedding on my watch! Oh, sorry if I spoiled it for anyone who thought they'd get married but you should know me a little better by now! Hehehe… Yes, I'm completely insane. Well, at least half of the time.
Disclaimer: None of the characters or settings belong to me. There, you happy?
The evening after the wedding, some soldiers brought out musical instruments and began to play while a few couples danced. Kel watched Raoul and Buri with a grin. Her former knight-master was a full head taller than his new wife. Someone in a dark blue tunic stepped in front of her, blocking her view of the dance floor. She looked up into twinkling sapphire eyes. Dom smiled and bowed to her.
"May I have this dance, Lady Keladry?"
Kel laughed lightly and almost curtsied, but bowed instead. She was still the realm's second lady knight, no matter how much the court lady she looked at the moment. "It would be my pleasure," she replied, letting the handsome sergeant lead her to the other dancing couples. He put a gentle hand around the small of her back while the other one tripped one of hers. Her other hand she rested his shoulder. "I think it's only fair of me to warn you," she said, "that I haven't the slightest idea how to dance."
Dom pretended to wince exaggeratedly as she lightly stepped on his foot by accident. "Really? I never would have guessed!"
She kicked him in the shin. "Oh shush!" she said, trying to mask her laugh with an aggravated scowl. Dom pretended to pout, causing Kel's angry mask to disintegrate. She sneaked a glance over at Yuki and Neal. They were gliding gracefully around the floor, gazing dreamily into each other's eyes. She sighed, thinking, I wish I were that composed and elegant. Yuki always knows what to say, what to do, she's graceful, and deadly. Dimly she became aware of Dom's worried voice. "I'm sorry," she said, shaking her head slightly, "what was that?"
He furrowed his brow, the very image of concern. "I asked, are you all right? You look troubled."
"Oh, no I'm fine, really," she reassured him. When the song ended, Neal approached them.
"Mind if I steal your partner?" he asked Dom.
Dom glanced at Kel, who smiled nervously and gave a small shrug to show it was okay. "Knock yourself out Meathead," he said with a grin.
Neal watched his cousin leave to find another dance partner. "That's Sir Meathead," he muttered. Kel gave an unladylike snort. As the makeshift band started back up, Neal held out his arms. "Shall we?"
Kel hesitantly put her hand in his and he wrapped a lanky arm around her waist. Neal was a wonderful dancer; he managed to lead her so she could avoid stepping on his feet. I wonder where he got so good… Probably the university, Kel thought. She began to relax as they swooped around with the music, a lively waltz. Then she looked up into Neal's face. He had a strange look on his face and was gazing into her eyes with such intensity that it both enchanted and scared Kel. She took a sharp breath and looked away quickly. Eventually she noticed that they slowly drifted away from the rest of the dancers. Curious, she let Neal steer her off of the dance floor and into the shadows behind the mess hall nearby. There he let go of her.
"What is it?" she asked, puzzled.
Neal scuffed a shoe in the dirt on the ground nervously. "Well, ah…"
"You're ruining your dress boots," she alerted him. He jerked as if he hadn't known he was rubbing his foot in the dirt and stopped.
"Actually Kel, we really need to talk," he said quietly.
She took a deep breath. This will be awkward, she thought unhappily. "I know." She paused. "What happened today?"
"The wedding?"
"No! Dom's right, you really are a Meathead. I was talking about… you know… when we were getting ready."
Neal slumped. "Yeeeah… That."
"I don't know if we were really about to kiss, or what happened, I only know that you're engaged to be married, Neal! To one of my best friends! This can't happen. You know that-"
She was cut short by Neal's lips on hers. All rational thought flew out of her head as her whole body grew weak from the kiss. Her knees became like jelly and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight against him. Only one thought screamed in her head, rebelling against what her heart and her body wanted. NO!
A voice rang out, bringing them back to the real world. "Kel, Neal?"
Aaah! A cliffie! Wow, I actually made 'em kiss… Yeeah, that's not what I had planned, but I couldn't resist the Romantic Fluff Bunnies of Doom any longer! They made me do it! Gah, crazy bunnies… Please review! I'm hopelessly addicted to reviews, and I'm starting to go through withdrawal!