Disclaimer: If you recognize it, I don't own it.
The next morning, Kel walked to find food and a note left for her by her bed.
Dearest Kel,
I have enjoyed the past couple of days immensely. I hope I haven't frightened you away for good. I apologize for our little…misunderstanding. I suppose when you return to the Own our little 'adventures in love' will be forgotten and you will go back to Dom but, I can always hope. Just remember I love you and that you may come to me for anything.
Deepest love,
Neal
Somehow she managed to get dressed, she was very tired, and get through the eggs and some bacon that had been brought for her. When she was ready to leave, she looked around the room once more, wishing she could stay and knowing she couldn't for many reasons. She needed to get back to the palace and the Own and she needed to get away from Neal. This sudden onslaught of emotions was too much for her to handle right now. Slowly she made her way to the stables and found her horse saddled and ready to go.
As she was double checking her saddle, a voice drawled from the front of the stall, "Leaving so soon?"
Kel sighed, she should have known she wouldn't get away without seeing Neal. "Well it's not like you weren't expecting it."
"Ah, I see you did find the food. And my note…what of that?"
"In regards to what you said about me returning to the Own, well I don't know what I will do when I get back. I don't even know if I can face Dom; I've got to say something to him but I don't know what."
"Why tell him anything at all?"
"Because he deserves to know!" she snapped, a little hurt at Neal's lack of care for Dom's feelings.
"It was only a suggestion," Neal told her apologetically.
Kel finished checking her saddle and went over to Neal. "Look, I'm leaving to get away from you so I can thing, not because you frightened me away. Give me some time to think that's all I ask. I promise I'll come back."
"Soon?"
"Soon. Within a few months."
"Then I shall eagerly await your return."
It seemed to Kel that an eternity had passed before Neal finally moved. He hugged her and, once again, Kel was overwhelmed with feelings she couldn't control. Neal released her just enough so that he could look into her eyes. When Kel finally dared to look up into his shining emerald eyes, Neal tenderly kissed her. Kel leaned into the kiss, hoping it would not be their last.
"I love you Kel," Neal whispered softly against her lips. Kel couldn't reply, she didn't know what to say. With a sad sort of smile she left her friend.