Drops of Jupiter

A Songfic

Sequel to "Next Time"

Disclaimer: Ugh, not another one….J Anyway, as you all know, the characters belong to Tamora Pierce and the song belongs to Train.

Neal was in complete bliss. Ever since he had heard the news, he had been planning what he was going to say to her. Kel. She was coming back, after two years away. Neal still hadn't fallen in love with anyone else, and that only reassured him that he and Kel were meant to be.

Now that she's back in the atmosphere

With drops of Jupiter in her hair

She acts like summer and walks like rain

Reminds me that there's time to change

Since the return from her stay on the moon

She listens like spring and she talks like June

Neal paced in his room. He knew Kel was coming today, he just wasn't sure when. Cleon knocked on the door. "Hey, Neal, Kel is back in her old room. You know, if you wanted to say anything to her."

"Thanks, Cleon," Neal said distractedly. After Cleon left, Neal made his way to Kel's old room. He knocked on the door softly.

"Come in," Kel called from behind the door. Neal slowly opened the door and stared at her. She had grown her hair long, not bothering to cut it for two years. It shone in silky splendor.

Tell me did you sail across the sun

Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the

Lights all faded

And that heaven is overrated

Tell me did you fall for a shooting star

One without a permanent scar

And did you miss me while you were looking

At yourself out there

"Hey, Kel," Neal greeted her awkwardly. Before she could respond, he rushed on. "Listen, Kel. There's something I want you to know, before you tell me that you've gone and fallen in love with some other man. When I saw you kissing Roald that night, I didn't know what to say or do. So I did something stupid. Really stupid. And I was hoping you could find it in that beautiful heart of yours to forgive me."

Now that she's back from that soul vacation

Tracing her way through the constellations

She checks out Mozart while she does tae-bo

Reminds me that there's time to grow

Kel stood there stunned. "Oh Neal," she said compassionately. "Are you serious? Do you think I could fall in love with someone else? I only left because I didn't want to create more tension between us than there already was. I've forgiven you long ago. Meanwhile, I've been doing lots of soul searching. And I realized that I loved you too much to come back any sooner and hurt you again."

Now that she's back in the atmosphere

I'm afraid that she might think of me as plain ol' Jane

Told a story about a man who was too afraid to

Fly so he never did land

"Kel," Neal breathed. "I love you." And those three words were like the most beautiful chords she had ever heard. They were enough.

Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet

Did you finally get the chance to dance along

The light of day

And head back to the Milky Way

And tell me did Venus blow your mind

Was it everything you wanted to find

And did you miss me while you were looking

For yourself out there

Kel rushed at Neal, and entangled herself in his arms. They stood that way for what seemed like only seconds. Then Kel looked up at those sparkling green eyes, and slowly, she pressed her lips against Neal's. The world spun around and around. To Kel and Neal, it had never seemed so exquisite.

Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken

Your best friend always sticking up for you

Even when I know you're wrong

Can you imagine no first dance, freeze-dried romance, five-hour phone conversation

The best soy latte that you ever had…and me

Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet

Did you finally get the chance to dance along

The light of day

And head back toward the Milky Way