A/N: Ok, so I've had some, inquires about the whole Kel crying thing. So it might be a LITTLE out of character, but come on people!! She's a female knight, in charge of 500 plus refugees, her first charges got killed, she has a huge crush and hasn't been courted or kissed in like 2 years!! I think she should be able to cry sometimes - don't you? Give the girl a break!! Anyway, now that I'm done ranting...I don't mean to point fingers, I just wanted to clarify. Also, the fluff shall come soon enough - I'm writing this on the fly remember, so when things pop into my head, well, yeah, they go into the story. So don't pressure me anymore.....must....resist....peer......pressure.
AAAND I'm scaring myself....
DISCLAIMER: I'm not Tamora.

Here's Chapter 5!! ENJOY! (and please review!)

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Dom stared after her. Was it something I said? He doused the fire and ran after her. By the time he reached his room, she was lying in her bed, pretending to be asleep. But he could hear her muffled sobs through the door.

He knocked softly on her door.

If I pretend to be asleep, he'll go away soon enough...but why do you want him to go? You like him...No! I don't!

Kel? Are you alright? He asked louder now.

Is he - worried? About me? He is your friend....

He got frustrated. Why was she shutting him out like this when all he wanted to do was help? He would do anything for her. Kel, I know you're not asleep. Please, she could hear the fear in his voice, I wantto help you. He paused. When he didn't hear movement: Kel, you can't hide in their forever...you have to come out sometime.

Still no answer.

He sounded desperate now. Kel, you can't keep your emotions bottled up like this... When he still got no answer, he fell dejectedly back onto his bed. Grumbling, he pulled off his boots and took off his shirt. He put his hands behind his head, blew out the candle and laid back.

He was so deep into his own thoughts that he didn't hear a door open or so the tall, shadowy figure in the doorway. But he heard the sniffle.

His head jerked over to the door. he breathed. He slowly stood up and walked over to her, unsure of what to do. He could barely see her tearstained face, but he knew she had been crying.

She was just as hesitant. She couldn't remember the last time she had cried in front of someone. A part of her wanted to be comforted, but how did one go about getting it?

Suddenly, Kel had an answer.

Dom knew she needed someone at this very moment. Putting his nervousness aside, he hugged her.

That was when she completely broke down. He let go of her and let her sit on his bed. he whispered soothingly as he sat beside her and held her. She wept into his shoulder, completely unaware that he was shirtless. He stroked her hair and just let her cry. Sometimes that was all someone needed.

When her sobs subdued, she straightened up. She swiped at her eyes and saw his wet shoulder. She let out a small, watery laugh. Oh, Dom, I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me... She wiped his shoulder dry with his sheet. His eyes widened in surprise when his shoulder became tingly from her soft touch....

He tried to smile. It's alright. What exactly had provoked her to cry so much? Do you want to talk now?

She shook her head and looked at her hand that was still holding the sheet.

He was exasperated. Fine. But Kel, you just cried for 10 minutes! I know something's wrong....I've never seen you cry.

She breathed hard. I don't even know, Dom. I guess - I guess I'm just lonely. She sighed. Which makes no sense since, well, how can I be when there are 600 people here who practically consider me there mother and guardian? She held her head in her hands, exhausted and frustrated with herself. I don't know what's wrong with me...

Dom thought. Kel, have you ever been in love?

She was taken aback, but still considered the question. Well, I think I was once or twice...

Dom smiled. This wasn't exactly what he was hoping for, but now at least she was talking and her mind were on other things.

She blushed. Well, Cleon...which you probably knew...although when he told me he had to get married, I wasn't too upset. So maybe I only loved the fact that he was semi-interested in me, but...

Kel, I think he was more than semi-interested'...I heard he wanted to have a family with you...

She sighed. I think he might have only liked me because I was there and because he didn't have to bend down to kiss me...

Dom's smiled faded slightly. The thought of her kissing anyone else made him slightly....no, no it didn't make him jealous. At all. But how could she think that he was only semi-interested in her? Anyone else?

She blushed again. Oh, no, I'm not telling you!

Kel, come on! You can tell me anything! Who would I tell? He grinned mischievously.

She stared at him straight in the eye. If you tell anyone...

Trust me, I don't plan on making you angry. I like my body in one piece.

She laughed. Fine....Gods, I can't believe I'm going to admit this..... She took a deep breath.

His face twisted and he made a face. She couldn't help but laugh at his expression. Oh, please tell me he never....never...kissed you!

She laughed again. Why? You wouldn't be jealous....would you?

He fell silent. His smile faded.



Um, nothing. He looked out his window. By Gods, look at the time! It's getting lighter out as we speak! We need our rest, Lady Knight! He rose. Confused, she did too. Goodnight then. He turned towards his bed without looking back at her.

She walked back to her door. She turned around to ask him if he was alright, but he was already lying down. Defeated, exhausted and confused, she went back to her room.

But sleep didn't come so easily for either of them....

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I know! I know!! I'm so evil!! I wanted Dom to admit to her his feelings...but he doesn't even have his own feelings sorted out yet!! Perhaps he'll sort them out in front of her...I dunno yet.
Please review!! Constructive criticism is great too! (But remember, I'm not Tamora, so don't grill me too much!)

Atlanta Enchanted