A/N: Chapter 7 - I have no idea where this is going to go....on the fly, remember?? PLEASE REVIEW!! They really do make my day!! ( and I need that - especially since school starts tomorrow...oy vey)
ENJOY!

--------------------------------------------------------

Kel helped get a few of the women and children started on washing and drying old clothes and explaining how to plug up any holes in walls and floors. She left Fanche and Anaki in charge. She walked over to where the firewood group was waiting. There were 3 groups, with 3 of Merric's patrol men with each. All of the refugees carried either a bow and a quiver of arrows or a staff on their backs. Even though they hadn't been attacked for weeks, they were still prepared.

Kel joined up with one of the groups. She was thankful to be the one taking orders for once, and not giving them - Merric and 9 of his men were in charge (the rest were either building or doing their regular scouting) of the collection. Along with the refugees she walked out the gate and towards the Eastern woods. She didn't notice someone walking alongside of her.

Good afternoon, milady, Dom smiled slyly as he continued to look straight ahead.

She sighed, relieved that he was acting normal again. Good afternoon, good sir. How, may I ask, did I get to have the pleasure of being in your presence?

He laughed. Seems as though many of your charges work well with hammers and nails. There weren't enough people volunteering for wood collection, so I decided to. She smiled and they walked in a comfortable silence for a time.

The patrols stopped their horses and indicated the wagons where they should put the wood. Kel and Dom worked near each other.

I have to say something to her! I think I might finally have an idea about how I feel...

Dom, are you alright? You seemed a little...different last night and you've been staring at that same log for the past few minutes.

He tried to laugh, but failed miserably. Honestly Kel, I've been thinking about what you said, she looked confused. You know, about being lonely, and not having anyone....and I guess, I don't know. I kinda feel the same way...

Her heart started to race. What was he getting at? She swallowed a lump in her throat.

Well, I guess we all feel like that sometimes....

Dom shook his head. Yeah, but I don't know, I think I've been feeling like this for a while. I mean, I've never really had anything serious. They were all just short, playful flirts, or short courtings that didn't mean anything....

She nodded, silently urging him to go on.

He wanted to say more, but caught himself. He softly chuckled again. Thanks for listening Kel. I know I can always count on you.

As I can count on you. They smiled at each other, each feeling more lonely than before and looking at each other with longingly eyes.

Too bad neither noticed.

---------------------------------------------------------

Kel and Dom worked in silence for the rest of the hour; they were both too deep into their own thoughts.

They walked into the mess hall for lunch. Kel sat down next to Merric and across from Neal. How did the carpentry go?

We finished one of the houses, and half of an another. Merric replied.

We could have done more if people didn't keep getting splinters and blisters from the damn hammers.... Neal grumbled some curses under his breath.

Yuki gasped in disbelief. Cursing again, are we? She laughed, kissed him lightly on the cheek, and sat down next to Kel.

How did the washing go?

It's drying now. We should have all the cracks plugged up by tomorrow evening. And then we can get started cleaning.

Kel nodded. We'll be able to have enough wood for 3 months in 2 days. Then we can make some more candles, and then help you clean.

Everyone nodded. Throughout the meal, Yuki couldn't help but notice that Dom kept looking up to watch Kel eat. she thought, I think Neal was probably right....

After everyone else had left, Kel and Yuki stayed in the mess hall and talked about the upcoming wedding: the dresses, the guests, over tea. Kel could tell how excited and anxious her best friend was.

Now all we need is to find you someone. Yuki commented as she raised her cup to her mouth.

she sputtered.

You heard me. The corners of Yuki's mouth curved upward - the closest thing to a grin for the Yamani.

Kel didn't get to reply as the bell clanged - indicating that the Midwinter preparations were about to begin again.

------------------------------------------------------------

The refugees and their commanders made as much progress, if not more that afternoon than they did in the morning.

Dinner was uneventful, until Dom whispered to Kel, Can I talk to you afterwards? She nodded. She couldn't speak - she had gotten chills from his whisper.

After a few more minutes listening to the heated debate between Neal and Merric over Gods-only-know, Kel excused herself and brought her dishes to the dish station. Not to look overly suspicious, Dom said as he left a few minutes later, I'd really love to stay and listen...actually, I'd rather not. If you'll excuse me. He brought his dishes to the station and went outside, his hands in his pockets. He was horribly nervous.

Yuki raised a brow and said to the two men, I think something might be going on.... Neal's eyebrows raised. But don't say or do anything until we know for sure. And we'll know when they tell us.

Kel waited outside the mess hall for Dom, watching the sun set.

Beautiful, isn't it? Dom asked, looking not at the sun, but at her.

She blushed. Yeah. I love to watch it set. She waited for him to say something about what he was so keen to talk about. Um, Dom...

Oh, right. He buried his hands deeper into his pockets. Want to take a walk?

She smiled. He couldn't help but grin. He loved the way she smiled....

They walked in silence for a few moments until Dom attempted to speak. his voice cracked. He coughed nervously. Kel didn't seem to notice - she watched her feet. Um, Kel, I've been thinking a lot lately.

That's good. She tried to think of something intellectual and flirty to say, but her heart was pounding so fast, and Dom was so close to her....

He stopped walking. Kel, I'm really nervous about saying this...

Saying what? she prompted.

Well, you know how we've both been lonely?



Well, I've been even more lonely while staying here at New Hope.

She frowned. This couldn't be good....

Because you've been so close to me, and yet, I knew I could never have you. His hands emerged from his pockets and went to holding his head.

Kel faltered.

Through his hands she could hear, Kel, I think I'm in love with you.

Kel's heart stopped. You-you, love me? Me?

He nodded. He opened one eye between his fingers to see her reaction. She was glowing.

She reached out and pulled his arms away from his face, and held his hands in her own. They were clammy, but so were hers. I've been thinking about you a lot too. For a while maybe, but I never thought you'd be interested in a Lady Knight....

He grinned. Oh, but I am. He leaned his head and kissed her lightly on the lips. Before he could pull away to far, Kel reached up and pulled his head back to her own, and kissed him; only more passionately. They could feel heat and tingles everywhere their bodies touched, and all of their built up tension and passion was let free.

When they finally broke free Dom said, Kel, would you like to accompany me as my date to Neal and Yuki's wedding?

She grinned, a very Dom-like grin. I'd love too.

They walked towards the mess hall hand-in-hand to get back to their friends.

I love you, he whispered as he opened the door.

I love you too.

-------------------------------------------------------

YAY!!! FINALLY!!! hehe! now no one can stalk me! mwahaha!! I hope it wasn't too rushed, or OOC, but since I'm not very flirty or romantic myself, it was a little bit difficult. Hope you liked it!
REVIEW!!!

Atlanta!