A/N: Considering this is my favorite pairing, you'll understand where I get my enthusiasm when I say, Kel and Dom! Hell yea! ::Ahem:: Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Draw your own conclusions.

~**~

Domitan of Masbolle

~**~

 It was awkward, to say the least. I sat there, looking at her in a new light – and I was clueless. Damned if the men saw. She stood before us, and I in denial, smiled boyishly. I very well knew I flirted with her, and she knew it too. It was a friendly flirt – because we were friends – and nothing more. I smiled in good reason. She was angry, and I had authority backing me. Perhaps just once I would win.

   I sat there with my back to her. "What is going on here?" Demanded a voice from behind me. It belonged to Kel. "Are you out of your minds?"

I turned to look at her and smiled. Mithros, she wasn't happy. Hands on her hips, she demanded an explanation. We'd give it to her, in time. I felt my stomach drop and tighten. "We wondered if we should have woke you up, but your breakfast isn't done yet." I said as I handed a strip of bacon to Wolset. "We figured you could use as much sleep as you could get." Kel had never been one to have an outburst, but at that moment, I didn't doubt that she wasn't capable of making one.

 One of the men  – my attention was on Kel, and I'd rather look at her than them - told her that we were under orders. It was true, and understanding dawned on her face.  She kept up with the false agitation. Grinning, I realized she wasn't mad, not anymore. I knew her well.

"Are you telling me my lord sent you?" She demanded skeptically.

I shook my head. "What choice did he have? You know very well that we here mutts cannot fend without our mother. " Her mouth curved slightly as the men bellowed in laughter. I found myself thinking that I couldn't do without her, and in more ways than that of her being my comrade. Long before that moment did I realize, had I not gotten the order, I would have gone after her anyhow.

"You're lucky I'm hungry. We'll talk after." She told me. I saluted her with a grin.

She did as she promised, trying to persuade us to leave. She tried, and failed, most miserably.

"You can't do this. You don't know what I'm doing, the laws I'm breaking--."

"Well, actually, we have a good idea." I said dryly.

She sighed, throwing up her hand. Perhaps indeed.  

While Lofren went on about extortion, I chanced a glimpse at Kel, who sat across from me. She was attractive. Her toned body, hazel eyes, and determined mouth had caught my attention even back when she was fifteen. Her eyes found mine. She had caught me starring. I looked down momentarily, my face flushed. I smiled and rubbed my hands together before looking back up at her. She was still looking at me, with some amusement. Or was that interest? I raised an eyebrow in question. I got what I had asked for. Her face turned crimson as she examined her nails. Unintentionally, I licked my lips.

~**~

  We were stationed at the camp well into the afternoon. Our plans were vague at best on how to continue. Kel, impressively, had managed well on her own, planning a route that could well be accurate.

  I had been watching her closely all day. Something was different. My feelings toward her had changed – greatly. Truthfully, they had changed slowly, through the years – and they had now climaxed past denying. Suddenly I realized I didn't want to deny it. All I wanted was Kel. This raw emotion that had overtaken me was not the same as when court ladies had tempted me. It was different with Kel – it always was.  

  She stood near Hoshi, smiling as she ran her fingers through her mane. I suddenly felt cramped, if not determined. Wiping my hands on my breeches, I stood up and walked over to her. She must have heard me coming, for I saw her grin, her back towards me.

  "Gallantly sneaking up on me is all very well, but twice in one day?" She said, turning to face me.

  I grinned. "You caught me."

  "Of course I did." She said matter-of-factly. "Need something?"

    I nodded. " Join me on a walk? My backside is already saddle sore from the upcoming ride and if I don't talk to someone, I'll end up talking to myself."

  She smiled in amusement. "Well if you insist."

  "I do."  

  Hands comfortably in my pockets, I gestured her to follow with a nod. I saw Wolset looking at me suspiciously. Damned if the men didn't see. I gave him an innocent smile, and he grinned back in approval. That was one vote, at least.

   We walked into the deeper part of the woods, it being darker than it had been in the clearing. We established ourselves a path and set out, walking the first few minutes in silence.

   I was the first to speak. "You did the right thing, Kel."

   She walked on my right side, and I heard her take in a deep breath. "I know. I couldn't stay Dom. They were my responsibility and I failed them."

  I stopped abruptly. Taking her wrist, I kept her from moving. She stood but a foot in front of me. "You – Keladry of Mindelan – have never failed anyone."

  She swallowed a lump in her throat.

  I continued. "You could not have possibly known what would happen, and if you had, you would have been there with them. Mithros, Kel! You're here now, and that's more than anyone else would do for them. You're sacrificing everything for them – I hardly would call that failing." 

 Her hand was still in mine. She stood in silence for a moment, looking down. When she looked back up, she squeezed my hand. My blood was rushing. "Thank you, Dom."

  I grinned and pushed a hair back that had fallen in her face. "You can't know everything. For one, I know you didn't know I was going to--." I pressed my lips on to hers gently, but passionately. Shocked at first, Kel quickly relaxed in my embrace.  She felt right in my arms. Her sweet scent lingered in my mouth.

  I released my lips from hers with reluctance, looking down at her pale complexion. I gave a tentative smile. Thinking of what to say, I hesitated. "I--."  She didn't let me finish. Closing the small distance between us, she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled my mouth back towards her. I obliged her gratefully. This time, I kissed her with more intensity and sheer longing. We didn't break apart until we both needed air. Breathlessly, I looked at her, a smile on her face.  "—Didn't know you were going to do that." I said, being pale myself.

  "You can't know everything, Masbolle."

  I smiled. " You were worth the wait."  

   My lips again met hers, more than once in those next few moments. It was only when we heard the voice of Wolset that we finally laughed and pulled apart. Taking her hand, I pulled her down the path.

   It was no longer awkward. It was just right.

  ~**~

   Completely and utterly different from its first version, this story has totally changed, and I rather like it. Have at it. Cheers!

 ~Karr