Ready for more?? I hope so! Please review!!!!

Oh! By the by! (love that phrase) the reviews that make no sense - ie, the ones that talk about Atlanta and such....yeah, ignore them. I had to put this story on as my Hercules one since my stupid computer won't let me create new stories, and since I'm too lazy to go downstairs to use THAT computer...well yeah, you get the picture. So don't mind those reviews. Or the publish date either. I published it on 8/30/04. Sorry for the inconvenience!!!!

Disclaimer: Do I really need one? Shouldn't you all have realized that I don't write NEARLY as well as Tamora?? But I do wish Dom was mine....hm, yeah. I love Dom! and Neal too! (ah, the sarcasm!)
On with the story!!!!

Washing Tobe's sheets gave Dom plenty of time to think of her.

Neal was right, he was jealous that Neal had found Yuki. He wanted his own Yuki. Well not, Yuki, but he did want someone to love and care for. He did want to settle down eventually. But he didn't know with whom he'd like to spend the rest of his days with....

He sighed. No, he had an inkling.

He realized someone was talking to him. he turned around to find Tobe, standing there eating one of the carrots from the refugees' garden.

I said, I wanted to know if you'd just like to use my room while you're staying here. I can sleep in the barracks with the other residents, I don't mind. I have friends there...just like you're friends with Kel.

Dom laughed. As long as it's ok with Kel, I'd lo - wouldn't mind. Phew! He caught himself before using the l-word.

Tobe cocked an eyebrow and shrugged his shoulders. One more thing.

Dom nodded.

Do you like Kel? I mean, you guys were acting kinda funny when you saw each other this morning. I mean, I'm only 11 and I don't really know anything about love, but you're eyes got bigger, and you two hugged for an awful long time, and....

Dom cut him off. Why, don't you, um, go ask Kel if it's ok that I stay in the room next to hers.

Tobe grinned. Dom didn't like the looks of that grin. Ok, but I don't think she'll mind! He raced off leaving a baffled Dom washing sheets.

Neal finally found Dom as he was bringing the sheets to the laundry line to dry. he stopped, breathing hard. I'm sorry about what I said at breakfast. It was a horribly moronic thing to say, even for me. Especially in front of Kel. Dom swung around.

Apology accepted. Although you know you were right, as hard as that is for me to fathom... Neal slapped his cousins head. But why are you apologizing about saying in front of Kel?

Because she's our friend and I probably embarrassed you....why else?

I dunno.... he paused, eyes slightly frantic. You said it.

Neal nodded, looking skeptical. Uh, sure. So, has our Commander told you what your assignments are yet?

Dom's head shot up. Oh, no! He shoved the sheets into Neal's hands. Do you mind? No one seems to need a healing now anyway.... He ran off to headquarters, hoping to find Kel.

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Yes, Anaki, could you inform the cooks that we will need a large cake for Sir Merric's birthday this evening?

What about cakes for the refugees, lady?

Each house is making their own. The cooks will only need to make one for Sir Merric and his men, Sir Neal, our visitors and myself.

Very well, Lady.

Dom stood in the doorway watching Kel sift through papers on her desk. I thought clerks were supposed to help, she grumbled under her breath.

Um, Lady Kel?

Kel looked up when she got no response, and looked in the direction Anaki was facing. she cried on seeing Dom, casually leaning against the door frame grinning at her. She coughed; nervous. Thank you, Anaki. That will be all for now.

Yes, lady. She left.

She pulled up a chair for him.

Thanks. I see the Commander of New Hope is not only in charge of the refugees themselves, but also any festivities.

She laughed. Yes, especially since Merric is turning 20 today. She fidgeted with her pen.
So, what brings you here?

To New Hope? Didn't we already have this conversation?

She rolled her eyes, trying to hide her amusement. I assume you'd like your assignments?

He nodded. I suppose it would be nice if my men knew what they should be doing...

She sighed; he was hopeless. Well, you have 10 men, right?

Including myself, 11.

She looked down at her papers, very aware that he was staring intently at her. Well, we have enough people on the work lists, but Merric could use a few extra men. And what with fall and Midwinter approaching, we'll need extra men to collect firewood and seal and cracks in walls and ceilings. I don't want to lose people because of the cold.

He nodded. So you want me to split my men up?

She looked guiltily at him. If you don't mind...

He smiled. Course not! Anything for the Lady Knight. He mocked bowed his head.

She sighed. Sometimes I question the fact whether I really am a knight...or a lady. She looked down at her hands, embarrassed that she had said such a thing out loud.

Dom leaned forward, concerned.

She shook her head, out of her reverie. Why did she say that? She could usually control her thoughts and emotions...but not as easily when Dom was near.... she tried to laugh, but Dom saw through it. Kel, are you sure you're okay? Do you want to talk?

Dom, I'm fine, really. He sat back unconvinced. she started, you could join whichever group you want, but it'd make more sense if you helped with the sealing and actual carpentry.

He laughed, (still slightly concerned), Then I'll do carpentry. He paused dramatically. As long as you don't.

She tried to look hurt, but laughed instead. No, I won't be dealing with nails. I'll only be collecting wood and stuffing cracks with cloth.

The lunch bell clanged. I'll split up my men after lunch. He stood up. Could I accompany the fair lady to lunch? He cocked an eyebrow and winked, his eyes dancing mischievously.

Why yes, good sir. He bowed and offered her his arm. She tried to keep her eyes from bulging; she must have done a good job because Dom didn't notice. Now, good sir, what would the people think? We can not have rumors flying around my camp, can we? She cocked her own eyebrow.

He laughed, slightly disappointed, but Kel failed to notice, and lowered his arm. As you wish. And the two walked to the mess hall.

A/N: You like thus far?? There shall be more drama later...Dom and Tobe are gonna chat! And then let the festivities of Merric's birthday begin!! Well, that might be much later....but I'll need support!! PLEASE REVIEW!!! PLEASE!!!!! Thanks!

Ah, and yes, Tobe hadn't talked to Kel about the sleeping arrangements yet....and Dom forgot to ask! Silly Dom!! but maybe this could lead to a slight predicament later...? maybe not, I'm not sure yet! I'm writing this on the fly! (could ya tell?)

Atlanta Enchanted