Okay, this is a very clichéd story. So sorry. I had to get rid of writers block, and i was extremely bored. And slightly out of my mind....anyway, here it is. I couldnt think of a good title. sorry!

"Look, it's the Protector of the Small!" Dom called as she entered the mess.

She smiled at him and waved slightly before getting in line. Neal followed her.

"And look, our own Meathead!"

Neal made a rather rude gesture in his cousins direction, and Kel reached out and slapped him. "Neal, be polite." She chastised. "And get more vegetables." She pointed to the thing of green beans, from which he had taken very little.

He let out a sigh. "Very well, mother."

She smiled and patted his hand. "Good boy." He glared, but she just smiled innocently and moved to sit down with Dom and several other of their friends.

She was glad to return to Steadfast, if only for a short while. She got to see Owen, Seaver, and several other of her friends. Not to mention a certain sergeant of Third Company...

"Earth to Kel. Come in, Kel." She was startled out of her thoughts by a hand being waved in front of her face. She looked up, and smiled upon seeing Dom watching her.

"Yeah?"

His bright blue eyes danced merrily. "I asked what brings you to our lovely fort and away from your chicks." He grinned when she slapped him lightly on the back of the head.

"Lord Wyldon said something about me needing a break."

"Isn't the palace the normal place for that?" He asked, amusement plain in his voice.

"Yes, but well, I didn't want to be too far away. So he said to just come here and relax a bit." She twisted her finger around a string on her shirt, sure that she was going to be teased for this one.

However, he just nodded his head in understanding. "Yeah, that makes sense." They continued to talk.

Neal was watching the two with interest. She turned towards him. "Yeah, Meathead?" She asked, quirking an eyebrow much like the two cousins often did.

"Oh, nothing." He stood up, and, dumping his tray, made his way out. The others at the table followed, leaving just Kel and Dom.

She stood up with a sigh. "They sure left quickly."

He nodded his agreement, but inside, he was shaking.

I cant do this. I appreciate Neal's help, but I cant do this! I care about her too much to ruin our friendship.

"Kel, can we talk?" He asked, voice strong.

"Sure. My rooms?" He nodded and they left the mess, making their way through the grounds to her sleeping quarters.

"So, what's this about?" She was sitting on her bed, playing with the pillow in her lap, and watching him curiously.

"I wanted to tell you something." He stopped, trying to form the words in his mind.

"Yes?" She prodded, curious.

Dom fidgeted. "I wanted to tell you that...Kel, I, umm, I love you."

Her hands went instantly still. She just watched him, hazel eyes wide in surprise.

After several moments of silence, he asked, anguish plain in his voice, "Are you going to say something?"

She just watched him, shocked, unsure of what to say.

"Okay. I guess you don't have to say anything. See you around." He turned her back on her and walked slowly to the door.

"Dom, wait." She told him quietly.

He turned towards her, hand on the door knob. His eyes watched her, seemed to pierce her soul.

"I love you too." She told him, voice strong and sure.

A large smile lit his face, bringing a brilliant light to his eyes. In two strides he was at her side, pulling her up into his arms and kissing her gently on the lips.

He felt Kel smile and sighed as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Finally, he was right where he wanted to be.

Yeah, that kinda sucked.....Sorry about the shortness, the suckiness, and the title...did i cover everything?