So basically, the great college search has begun. Lol Not what I would call the most fun time. So tell me what you think of the new update day! And to do that, you must REVIEW!

Disclaimer: Why do I even bother putting these again and again? Everyone knows I don't own this stuff.

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After having been told by an elated Yuki that a ball would be held that night for the returning soldiers, Kel groaned in frustration and made her way down to Lalasa's shop. After fighting her way through the massive crowd, she was nearly crushed when her former maid hugged her.

"Kel! It's so good to see you? I heard you were coming back today, so I already have a dress made for you. And I absolutely refuse to take payment for it. Think of it as a late birthday present. It's in the bag hanging behind the counter."

Kel thanked her and, picked up the bag and left, glad not to have to deal with yet another dress fitting. Once she was back in her room, she removed the dress from the bag and gasped. It was made of deep green silk trimmed in fine silver lace. The thick straps lay off the shoulders and small gray pearls were sewn all throughout the bodice. She stared at it for a few moments before finally realizing the time and putting on the dress.

Before she could do anything else, Yuki burst through the door, already fully dressed and made-up. Rolling her eyes at Kel's lack of preparedness, she took out her own cosmetics and began to do Kel's make-up and hair.

"Honestly Kel, you really need to get some of your own things. Maybe I'll get you some for Midwinter." Once she was finished with Kel, she made a hasty farewell.

"I should probably go check on Neal. Make sure he hasn't done anything stupid yet."

Kel chuckled and then walked in front of the mirror. She was amazed at how long her hair had gotten. Because it had grown past her shoulders, Yuki had put it up in an elaborate knot. Knowing if might take hours to get out, Kel made her way down to the ball room.

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When she entered, she was glad to see Neal and Yuki were already there. Making her way over to them, she smiled, nervously smoothing her skirts as she sat down.

"Yuki, must you do this to me every time we have one of these parties?"

"Yes. And if you try to resist, you'll only make it worse for yourself."

Kel snorted and looked around for anyone else she knew. Merric and Faleron were in the far corner. Next to them were Alanna and Raoul, neither looking pleased at being there, though their significant others were trying to distract them from their misery. As her gaze swept past them to the other wall, her breath caught in her throat.

Dom stood by the door, stunning in the midnight blue and silver of the King's Own. Quickly excusing herself to Neal and Yuki, she walked over to Dom, trying to not to make it seem as though she was so keen on seeing him.

"Why didn't anyone tell me Third Company was coming to Corus?", she asked herself as she walked Wolset follow him in.

Before she could fight her way across the room however, Dom walked out onto the balcony. Rolling her eyes over his obliviousness, she followed him outside. He stood in the corner, his back to her. Sneaking up behind him, she covered his eyes with her hands.

"Guess who?", Kel asked.

Dom jumped when she spoke, then whirled around and grinned, stopping himself from kissing her only inches away from her lips.

"Come with me", he breathed as he led her down the thin staircase into the gardens. Once out of sight of the room above, he pulled her close and kissed her, his tongue swiftly sliding into her mouth. When they finally came up for air, he smiled and pushed a stray hair from her face.

"I missed you." He kissed her softly before pulling her into a hug.

Kel smiled as she buried her face in his shoulder, breathing in Dom's unique smell, a mixture of leather, horses, soap and something she could never quite place.

"I missed you too." She took his hand and traced the lines on his palm.

"I was hoping you hadn't forgotten me. Raoul said you were in Port Caynn last I heard from him, and quite a few of the men in the Own have told me how many pretty ladies there are there." She looked up into Dom's bright blue eyes as he lifted her chin.

"How could you think I'd forget you? You're the most amazing woman I've ever met. Why would I want to give that up?" He kissed her forehead as she leaned against him.

"We should probably go back inside before anyone starts to get too suspicious", Dom said. He kissed her softly once more before leading her up the stair case and back into the ballroom.

Looking around as she entered, she saw Yuki raise her eyebrows at the pair before returning to her conversation with Shinko. Neal and Roald were too absorbed in their own conversation to notice anyone entering the room.

"My lady, my I please have this dance?", Dom asked with a gallant bow. Kel rolled her eyes and she took his hand and was led out onto the dance floor. If anyone noticed that the pair was dancing closer than friends normally did, no one made any mention of it. And even if they had, Kel and Dom were too busy with each other to notice.

When the song ended, Kel was brought back to reality by a tap on her shoulder. Spinning around, her eyebrows shot up as she was confronted by a large grinning man.

"Cleon! What are you doing here?" Kel had to hide a smile as she felt Dom tense behind her. The last time the two had met, Cleon had been her lover and Dom had been the flirtatious friend. Now it seemed they had switched roles.

"Hey Kel! It's so good to see you. I got called off the border a few weeks ago. Been here for a few days." He flashed her a grin, then looked up, apparently notice Dom for the first time.

"We've met haven't we?" His voice had suddenly gotten cold and harsh. As he spoke, Dom had taken hold of her hand.

"Cleon of Kennan, this is Domitan of Masbole. Dom, Cleon." She gave Dom's hand a quick squeeze before letting go.

"Sorry Cleon, but I'm getting really tired and was just about to head back to my rooms."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hold you up Kel. Maybe we can meet up tomorrow and catch up or something?" He kissed her hand in farewell before walking off.

"Isn't he supposed to be getting married?" Dom's voice was icy as he glared at Cleon's back.

"Dom, relax. Come on, I'm tired and I'm going to bed." He smiled and raised an eyebrow before following out of the room.

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Once in her rooms, he swamped her with another round of very warm kisses. As he began to pull at the lacing of her bodice, Kel stiffened. Dom pulled back quickly, looking into her eyes, seeing all her worries and insecurities there.

"Dom I…"

"Kel, relax. I'm not going to pressure you." He kissed her forehead before taking her hand and looking her in the eyes. "I love you."

With a smile he turned to leave, but Kel's hand stopped him. Any and all worries she'd had had disappeared when he'd said those three simple words.

"You… you love me?" She stood there for a minute, his hand in hers, staring up into his blue eyes. What she saw there made her realize what he'd said was true.

"Yes, I love you." His face fell slightly when she simply stared up at him, but he kissed her hand all the same.

"I… I love you too." She looked up at him, smiling slightly.

With a wide grin, he pulled her close and kissed her. Kel swooned as she felt his lips, his tongue, on her own. This time it was she who began to pull at the lacings of his shirt. He pulled back abruptly, taking her hands in his.

"Kel… I told you, I'm not going to pressure you. We don't have to if you don't…aren't…"

She put a finger over his lips to hush him.

"I know. I am."

This time as he kissed her, his deft fingers easily detangled the lacings of her dress.

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Not only did I bring Dom back, but you got THAT! Lol

Mrs.RonaldWeasley1991: I will mos def remember that, seeing as you're awesome. Lol

Inuyashalover8706: Look! There he is! Lol

Dark.Angel.of.Tortal-007: What, did you think I'd just leave poor old Dom to rot? Lol Nope, not me. –hugs Dom-

Rukie: Yay obsessions!!!

theknightofkonaha: If it makes you feel any better, I'm a geeky high schooler with no love life and romance and stuff. All I have is a stupid ex-boyfriend who has the brain of a tooth pick. Lol So I sustain myself via my best friend's relationship. Lol And all those other things I do, like riding, writing, school, college crap etc.

Everyone else: You guys make me happy! I now get so many reviews I'm actually not responding to them all! So for anyone I didn't directly respond to, sorry, but I DO love you. lol