So, I lost my second kitty in three months. We don't actually know they're gone, but we have fishers and coyotes and stuff next door, so you do the math.  And then we lost this totally awesome horse at my farm. She was really old though, and she didn't suffer, so that's ok.

Anyway, I now work on Tuesdays, so I might be a little late in getting my chapters up. At some point soon I may switch to Wednesdays… or Mondays. How about this, you guys tell me what day of the week you want me to update. And it can only be once a week! Lol And the only way you can tell me is if you review of course… hint hint

Disclaimer: I suppose so. And don't you love how I'm arguing with myself via disclaimer?

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The next few days passed without incident. The party turned north once more, in the direction of New Hope. They closer they got to the camp, the happier Kel became. When the looming walls finally came into view late one evening, Kel remained outwardly calm, though she was grinning broadly and had clenched her hands so much that the normally placid Hoshi began to prance.

As the gates swung shut behind her, she threw herself from the saddle with a loud whoop. As her people began to move towards her, she realized something. They looked less and less like refugees every day and more and more like prospering villagers. With a smile, she went to great them, bending down to hug every one of the children that threw themselves at her. As Fanche walked over, she stretched and grinned at the older woman.

"Glad to be home?" Fanche said, hands on hips.

"You have no idea. How have things been while I've been gone?"

"Quite, believe it or not. Not even Idrius Valestone has made trouble. He seems to have figured out where his place is."

Before Kel could respond, Raoul put a hand on her shoulder. "Would you excuse us for a moment Mistress Fanche?" At her nod, he led Kel away from the group.

"Kel, I have orders from Wyldon to return to Steadfast once you're all settled in here. We plan to leave in the morning."

Kel looked at the ground for a minute, getting her emotions under control, before she looked back up at him. "Of course. I figured you'd be going back soon. But you better come say goodbye before you leave, or you'll be in big trouble." With a grin, she headed towards the pack horses, grabbing some of her things and starting towards her rooms.

After a glance at her and seeing the look on her face, Dom grabbed the last of her bags and followed. As he entered her room, he saw her standing with her back to him, her bags on the floor. Gently putting down the packs he was carrying and kicking the door shut with his booted foot, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her gently on the cheek. "What's wrong?"

She turned to face him, burying her face in his chest, memorizing his scent. "You're leaving in the morning." She felt his arms tighten around her as she said this. They both knew that it might be weeks, even months, before they could see each other again. They stood that way for a few more minutes before she pulled back slightly to look into his face. Not knowing what to say, she simply looked into his eyes.

"I wish I could stay here with you", he whispered as pushed a strand of hair behind her ear before gently kissing her, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss.

Kel simply hung in his arms as her own wound around his neck, her fingers running through his thick hair. "I know."

After a few more minutes, loud voices brought them back to their senses.

"They're probably wondering where we are. May I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?", he said as he offered her his arm, bowing with a large grin on his face.

With a roll of her eyes, she took his arm and together they walked down to the mess hall.

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That evening was one of the best Kel could remember in a long time. The men of the Own and the refugees got along well and were joking with each other within moments. Kel, who was sitting with Dom, Raoul, Wolset, and the rest of Dom's squad, soon forgot about everything that had gone on for the last week.

After talking for hours, she finally got up and bade them goodnight. Seeing her leave, Dom realized how late it was and excused himself as well. As he walked away, he didn't see Raoul and Wolset give each other meaningful looks.

Quickly catching up with her, Dom tip-toed up behind Kel. She yelped as he grabbed her around the waist and giggled helplessly as he flung her over his shoulder and walked away with her towards her rooms.

"Dom! Put me down you big oaf! Dom!" She collapsed into a fit of giggles as he put her down, only to be cut off by his lips. She smiled into the kiss as he deepened it.

After a few minutes of kissing, his hands began to wander up beneath her tunic. As soon as he felt her soft skin, he immediately pulled away, looking rather flustered. "Kel… I'm sorry. I should probably go now."

As he turned to go, her hand reached out to stop him. "Please don't."

He turned to look at her in shock, his hand still clutched in hers. "Kel... I… We… now isn't really…", he ran his fingers through his hair as he trailed off lamely.

"I know, I just want you to stay with me tonight. Nothing like that!", she said with a laugh at the look on his face. "I just don't know when I'll be able to see you again."

He sighed, pushing his hair out of his face again. "Alright, I'll be back in a minute", he said. Slipping out of the room, he closed the door softly behind him before she began to change. No sooner had she finished than he returned. After a soft knock on the door, he walked in, holding the clothes he would wear for the night. Before he even had a chance to pull of his tunic, a loud knock sounded on the door. Quickly gathering up his things, he dashed into the privy as Kel opened the door.

"My lord… Do you need something?", Kel asked a very amused Raoul.

"I was simply wondering if you knew where Dom is. Seems to have disappeared", he hid the wolfish grin on his face behind one large hand.

Not skipping a beat, Kel shrugged. "I haven't seen him since dinner. If I see him, I'll let him know you were looking for him."

Raoul, having expected more of a reaction, nodded, the grin fading slightly from his face. "Thanks Kel."

Kel locked the door behind him as he left, covering her hand to stifle her giggles. "You can come out now."

Dom peaked around the privy door with a grin identical to the one Kel's on his face. "I'd say our dear commander might have an inkling as to what's going on." Kel flopped onto her bed only to be joined seconds later by Dom, who did a sort of belly flop on top of her.

"Get off of me you great big id!", she giggled as she rolled out from underneath him.

Flailing aimlessly, Dom managed to blow out her candle in the process. "Now look what you've made me do!" He threw up his arms dramatically and fell back on the bed.

"You're getting to be far too much like our dear Meathead," she said as she blew out the remaining candle.

"You wound me, dear Protector." He laughed at her glare before softly kissing her.

She smiled as she climbed underneath the blankets, shivering because of the slight draft that blew through the shutters. Long arms snaked around her as Dom pulled her closer. She rolled over to look up at him. "Thank you."

She felt, more than saw, his grin and leaned against him as he kissed her.

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So, hope you like it. By the way, the whole, 'you great big id' thing, is from my friend Jenny. She lives in England and says id all the time. (FYI: id is short for idiot.) She's a tad bit of an id herself. (She's also partial to 'window licker'.)Anywhoo….

Dark.Angel.of.Tortal-007: What the hell is shibby? Lol You have once again confused me. And I hope you think this chapter is cute too.

Inuyashalover8706: Well I can't exactly change a character without having said character go through some life changing experience. And besides, writing him like that is FUN! Lol

becky red: Yay English people! Do you say id and window licker as well? Lol I actually called her today, because it's her birthday. She actually said I sounded like an id with my American accent. Lol

Rukie: See, when I make spelling mistakes like that, it's because those are all words as well, so spell check doesn't catch them. And of course, there's that whole part where I'm an id.

Mrs.RonaldWeasley1991: Yay more romanciness! Lol And hopefully I'll be able to work some into the next chapter as well!