~SqUiRe KeLaDrY; mOtHeR?~
DeDiCaTiOn: This chapter is dedicated to Innocnet Angel who added me to her favorite authors lists... I just love to see that number go up, it makes me feel loved Thanks! and to: bubblegum*girl this is for you. shocker. why? Well in your review you said... Dom probably followed neal and has seen hasn't he? I had written this without anything like that, but you got me thinking so I went back and changed it. I like it better now so THANK YOU! and keep reviewing! It REALLY helps me!
POLL: You must help me here or I can't go on. I'll tell you what I think then you spill back with you views okie dokie?
Should I keep this going... or break it off with a `sequal`?
When I see a story with a lot of chapters(but I'm not sure how many is a lot) I wonder if I want to take all the time to read that. (even if the good ones are long and juicy) But also when I see a story and it says 'sequal to blah blah blah', I feel like I need to read the first one before I can read that. But that seems like a big pain to go and find that story, read it, and then find the sequal and go and read that. That's how I feel. TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! or no posting from me (hehe haha blackmail...okay not really blackmail, but I can pretent right?)
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
:oÞ `* Neal's Plan Kicks in and gets Kicked Out *` :oÞ
*Shit! Shit! Shit!* Neal yelled at himself repeatedly with anger. Neal was still focused on what needed to be done despite his discomfort. He was still trying to distract Kel with his touch and his gaze. Which, even though he didn't know it, it was working. Kel was tense and confused, but silent. Neal breathed deeply remaining dedicated to the job at hand. He knew that if Kel was even slightly distracted and unaware, she wouldn't feel the gentle intrusion of his gift. Slowly emerald magic entered Kel's body. Almost immediately, Neal pulled away. Lingering would only bring suspicion, but that wasn't the top reason for his sudden withdrawal. Even being an amateur healer, Neal couldn't deny or doubt what he had seen. Kel wasn't the only one sharing Kel's body; and if he wasn't mistaken, things had been this way for five weeks, maybe six.
*Shit. Damn. Damn. Shit.* Neal cursed again. *How did I let this happen?* He questioned of himself. *Why her? Why now?* He asked in alarm. He wasn't the only one who had asked these questions in the last week. Without knowing it, he was sharing some of the same thoughts Kel had had only last week.
Kel still stood quietly and tensely in Neal's unexpected and, let's face it, unwelcome embrace. She had no idea what to do.
Suddenly something from a month or so back came flooding into Neal's thoughts. *: "So he would get Kel to bed him... and then if she became pregnant... he would convince her the child was his." :* Neal sighed heavily. *: "But first he would wait..." :* Well the waiting was over. It was now or never.
Kel finally found her voice and was able to react. "Neal?" Kel interrupted her friends thoughts.
"Hmm-?" He asked looking into her eyes, and wondered over what he found there. Was it fear? Doubt? Were these feeling caused by him...or the child literally inside her?
Kel grinned, sifting gears. "Not only are my clothes filthy and bath ruined, but if you don't pry yourself from me, yours will be too." She smirked logically, but still rubbing it in. Neal wasn't one to voluntarily get into situations where grime was found.
"Then we'll just have to clean up again. Without the clothes... Together...because I don't know if I could handle it alone." He answered.
"In your dreams Queenscove!"
Neal laughed and leaned in. His face dangerously close to Kel's own. "Neal what are you-?" Abruptly Kel found Neal's soft, warm lips over hers.
Kel pushed away. "You ARE a man whore!" She teased trying to shake off the daze the kiss had caused.
Neal glared playfully. "You know you want me."
Kel touched her throbbing lips unconsciously. "What was that for?" Neal shrugged his shoulders, so Kel went on. "You've been flirting with me all day."
Neal frowned uncharacteristically. "One: you were flirting back." Kel said nothing. She knew it was true. "Two: the day had just begun." He reasoned. "And Three: no I haven't."
"What would you call it?" Kel questioned.
Neal grinned back to his old self. "Friendly banter." *Besides,* he thought to himself. *It felt like I was kissing my sister.* He didn't mean it to be rude. He was just being honest. *You gotta do what you gotta do.* He finished.
Neal leaned in again. Kel planted her right hand firmly on Neal's still bare chest, insuring Neal kept his distance. "What are you doing?" She demanded. "I thought we were playing around, just teasing. It was friendly banter, you said so yourself. This goes beyond any of that." She finished.
"Was it teasing last month in your room?" Neal questioned softly, knowing he had hit a nerve this time.
Kel winced as if she had been physically struck. "I don't know what that was." She admitted. "That was a strange-"
"Warm, soft, sultry..." Neal broke in.
Kel continued after shaking her head fiercely at Neal. "It was mixed- up, emotional, inexplicable flook. The gods must hate me," Kel decided. "To let me allow something like that, and even what happened before, happen. After Cleon and-" Kel refused to finish.
Neal broke, seeing Kel's discomfort. *There goes the plan.* He told himself, but it didn't seem to matter anymore because he cracked. "Dammit, Kel! I know!"
Kel scowled confused. "I know you know, you were there." Kel answered thinking Neal spoke of her birthday mess.
"Not that!" He snapped. He sighed, a lump rising in his throat. "I know," he stepped back releasing his grip on Kel. "I know about this." He concluded placing his large yet delicate right hand on Kel's still flat stomach.
Now Kel was scared really frightened and apprehensive. Her head pounding, her knuckles white. Put simply she was scared senseless. Mindlessly frightened, Kel didn't know what to do or say. Her stomach twisted in a knot under Neal's touch. 'What?' She wondered. All she could think about was Lerant. Larent telling everyone.
"How?" She mouthed.
Neal removed his hand from her stomach and raised his arm out in front of him. As a way to answer he formed a glowing dark green ball in the palm of his hand.
Kel sighed in relief, as realization hit. His gift. *Damn you.* She scolded her friend. *Damn you for making me sweat like that.* Kel didn't know how to respond aloud, so Neal took the opportunity to press forward.
"I really want to help you." He offered. "I feel partly responsible." He ginned thinking he would lighten the mood. "I wasn't the one on top of you," he laughed. "But I did get you drunk." He admitted.
"How noble of you to admit that." Kel said in false sweetness. Then she roughly smacked him upside the head.
"What was that for?" He demanded.
"Oh I wonder." Kel argued. " 'I wasn't the one on top of you,' that was smooth." She repeated his words.
*Mood Swings.* Neal decided.
*Pig headed, inconsiderate men.* Kel decided.
"I wanna help." Neal revised.
Kel scoffed, finding her voice through all the acid she felt she answered. "I'm afraid there's no help for me." She retorted.
"Marry me." Neal offered.
"Oh how romantic." Said Kel. "No." She was now her reasonable self again, for however brief a moment. "That would be a disaster and you know it." Replied Kel.
He hated to admit it, but he did know it. "Tell people I'm that father." He was running out of offers so she had better find one she likes Neal thought.
"No Neal. My life, my plans might be ruined, but there is absolutely no need for yours to be too. So just give it up."
Neal looked hurt. "Kel..." He pleaded. Then something came to him. "Your not going to get ride of it? The child I mean." He asked nervously.
"I haven't thought about it." Kel admitted. "Maybe adoption would be a good thing to do." She concluded.
"Maybe." Neal admitted still troubled. "But that's not what I meant."
"What did you mean?" She asked.
"Well, there are potions from healers, and there is no way in hell I would help you with this, that...well that kill the baby." He trailed.
"Gods no! I can't believe that. I knew those things existed." Kel looked disgusted. "Neal this is me were talking about. Would I do that?"
"No. I'm sorry I said it, I had to be sure... I don't know what I was thinking." He fumbled ashamed.
"Gods I have no idea what I'm going to do." Kel muttered. "I've been trying not to think about it too much."
"That's fine." Neal assured. "Just take it as it comes, and I'll there to support you." He vowed. "I'm also sorry about all the stupid suggestions I made, and that 'on top of' comment."
"It's fine. Neal, I hate to admit it, but I'm glad you know. Now if I need it, I'll have a friend, who knows the whole story to talk to. And I know you wont tell. You'll be understanding and supportive. You'll pamper me and tell me to take it easy. In fact you'll probably drive me insane by hovering so much, but I'll love you for it. I want to thank you know for that now. I'll in all likelihood be moody and forget to do it later. Thank you, Neal." Kel patted his shoulder reassuringly. How could he argue with that? It was a sweet effective guilt trip, because every thing she was saying would most likely be true. Before Neal could say more though, as was typical of him, Kel issued a command. "Now go back to camp. Tell Raoul, if he asks that I'll be along shortly. I'm just going to rinse off again quickly and change." She indicated the fresh clothing Neal had retrieved for her. Kel smiled. "I hope everyone's not waiting one me."
"They wont be." Neal grinned, now more comfortable with the situation with everything out in the open. He felt as if there was nothing the two of them couldn't talk about now. "I'll make sure of it." But he was still anci with waiting for things to happen and not telling. He had no idea how Kel was going to finish her training. "Just hurry up." He finished. Neal headed toward the trees to follow Kel's wishes.
"Why?" Kel called. The atmosphere seemed to be playfully friendly again.
"Cause I'll miss you!" Neal turned and blew a kiss to her from the edge of the clearing.
"Go!" Kel commanded with a laugh seeing Neal's substantial gesture. "And no lingering in the trees for a peep show." She warned.
"Damn." Neal teased. "How did you know?" He asked barely managing to keep a straight face.
" 'Cause if things switched, and it was you, that's what I'd do." She lied. Then making an big deal of it, she blew him a kiss back.
Neal caught the little imaginary kiss in an overplayed, dramatic motion. As if his life depended on it, he stumbled and caught the kiss. Then with a flourished bow he headed into the forest. A smile on his face. *It's odd.* he thought. *Our friendship's grown. We're more honest with each other. More trusting, closer. More playful and flirty. Yet we just do it to make fun of one another. We know nothing will come from it. We don't want anything from it. I think she likes Dom.* Neal confided to himself. *We just lighten the strain by playing around. Still I feel like we could handle serious discussion together too. It's great to get the sexual tension off without having to face repercussions. It's just fun.* Neal was considerably more lighthearted when he left the lake side than when he entered it.
Kel waited a minute to make sure Neal had left, after all '/she'/ had given him the idea, before she slipped out of her grimy clothing and rinsed her naked body for the second time that morning.
×~× ~ ×~×
Kel wound her way back to camp only to find its residents in the process of a long deconstruction. All across the hillside, people were eating breakfast, talking, tearing down tents, saddling horses, and burying and taking care of the latrines. *I guess I'm just in time.* Kel thought pleasantly.
Immediately Kel spotted Dom. He was standing outside the canvas tent that the two of them had shared the previous night. Swiftly Kel made her way in that general direction. Kel strode jovially toward the place where Dom stood; as she neared she saw that he was in the process of taking down the tent. Kel arrived, and without a word, began helping Dom with the tent. "So," Kel turned to Dom, breaking the silence. She grinned without thinking about it, still on her teasing high. "Was is as good for you as it was for me?"
Dom pivoted to face Kel. He was guarded, his features hard, and his navy eyes were stone cold. So cold in fact, Kel got chills, not the enjoyable kind, when Dom turned and looked her in the eye. "I highly doubt it." He spat icily.
Kel's happy contentment evaporated quickly. "What do you mean?" Kel questioned uneasily.
Dom shook his head sharply. *Maybe I'm overreacting.* He considered. *It's not like I own Kel, or Neal either for that matter.* That was the calm reasonable part of his brain, the part that had control most of the time. But the other side of him had to but in. *Yeah, that may be true, but you can't deny the sting it caused seeing Kel in your cousin's arms. You can't deny the anger and sickness you're feeling right now. You can't deny how you feel about your Lord's squire.* Dom hated that part of his subconscious. It always told the truth, when he was trying with all his will to lie to himself about things he didn't want to admit.
"Dom," Kel murmured softly and concerned. She reached out a hand and lightly brushed Dom's muscular arm hoping to get some answers. "What's wrong? What happened." What she said next struck something inside of him. "Come on, tell me what you're feeling."
*If only I could.* He thought. *Kel was so caring right now, it almost scares me that I'll break and tell her.* Dom still wasn't ready to answer. He hadn't thought things through yet. So Dom was forced to answer with his heart, and not his head. "I was at the lake." He started vaguely.
"What?" Kel asked confused.
Dom backtracked hoping what he was about to say would make some sense when he was done speaking. "I'm sorry." He muttered, ready to spill the contents of his heart. Okay, maybe not spill, but at dip into. "I'm sorry if I have a problem with my Meathead cousin fondling your undergarments." Kel's jaw fell, her mouth slightly open briefly and then she closed her mouth deciding to let him finish his venting. Venting can be good for one's sanity and peace of mind. Kel new from personal experience.
"I'm sorry that I worry so much about you. I'm sorry I care deeply for a 'friend'," he emphasized the word. "That I wanted reassurance, and I wanted to know what was going on with her. Wanted to make sure she was alright. But most of all-" Dom stopped. He was suddenly ver aware of his surroundings, and of the numerous people listening to his speech. Some were full on staring at the pair; others looked ashamed as they tried to busy themselves, pretending they had heard nothing. *Well, there goes any dignity I had with this group.* Dom thought. *They'll never let me live it down. I just started the rumor mill turning.* He realized.
Dom exhaled loudly. "Forget it." He turned his attention back to the tent.
"No." Kel refused. "How can I forget it?"
Dom stoke under his breath softly not wanting to give the observes anything else to discuss. "Well, I'm not doing this her, so you had better find a way." He said devoid of feeling.
Kel was hurt, but no one would notice. She remained composed on the surface, while nearly falling apart inside. The only way anyone would have seen her pain was in her eyes. She couldn't hide it there. She didn't press the issue. Not now anyway, but she certainly wouldn't forget it, or let it drop. That would be too easy on Dom, and too hard on herself. The duo finished taking down the tent and then packed it away all without a single word. The camp soon resumed it's normal clamor as they doused the last of the morning's fires, and hit the road.
/ ` ~A/N: Thank you Thank you's! (these are in alphabetical order, not by favorite or anything just so you know)
*Aimee Damita: hint hint? did I miss something? jk Well I'm glad you like it, I find it awefully fun to scew with the characters... don't know why, It's just funfunfun! Dom isn't supposedly falling for kel, he's fallen. He just doesn't know it yet, or wont admit it...whatever THANKS!
*Alanna: Thank you. Hey, how many times do I have to explain? Cliffy's are FUNFUN! FUN! I didn't know it was going to be Alanna that walked in on Kel until the last second, I thought hey why not?
*FlamingKnight101/AmayaNightRain11: thank you so much! that was really sweet, for me. if not your mom since you ignored her, but oh well, I'm guilty there too. I was trying to space things out more, but I didn't want to bore anyone, and I don't really know what to have happen in the inbetween times...so if you have any ideas for things (small things) that could happen and I could write about, feel free to share. e-mail me at chit_sk8er@yahoo.com okay? and review!
*Angel4eva: I'M SORRY! I'm addicted to cliffy's! I can't help it... Okay, I'll update NOW as you so... gently put it but only because I already had this written. so it's easy to update this on, I can't update Taming the Lioness, because it's not written, you have no idea how bad I feel about this...but -whines- I have writers block and a cold, in the middle of the Summer...oh sorry enough of my pitiful woes yea that was fluff, I couldn't help myself
*Angel of Wind: get my mind out of the gutter? lol that'll never happen, I've been corrupted... that's another story... sorry no Larent beating right now, maybe later, I'll keep you in ming. Here's a thought...I write a small fic about you and Joren, it might be the challenge I've need to get me out of writers block...hmm? I think I e-mail you...my chit_sk8er@yahoo.com still wont let me send, omly recieve.(something's wrong with my computer's internet explorer) so I tried to write you with my PUNKSK8ER@peoplepc.com e-mial, but it seems to hate me too, so let me know on that....I don't know if it worked...thanks for the reviews!
*bubblegum*girl: Dom follow... Well no, but, no that you mention it THANKS I read you're review and then came back and re- wrote this chappie. Thanks cuz it turned out better this way I think don't you? Hope your not upset that I kinda took that idea, but I'm giving you credit for it : ) and... I dedicated this chappie to you so... it's all good right...?
*dragon defender: *looks innocent* it wasn't me that interruped your reading was it? Hey i update every week, and that as soon as i can...*smiles* I kinda like the pestering...maybe, i should make you wait longer huh...jk don't hurt me...I updated, now review!
*DragonDaine: sorry if it's confusing, but it must be some sort of good, because you read and reviewed it right? *hopeful* Unless you just felt bad for me... OH! and I didn't mean for `everyone` to fall 'head over heels' for her... Neal's jusr flirting and Dom...well no comment on that part yet...^_^
*Heather: Yes Sir! I kept writing. I hope you like it. Thanks a lot for those kind words. Hey wait a minute. You like my plot. I have a plot? How come no one told me till now! whoa! that's a lot of pressure *can't breath* no sorry for the sarcasm, it's just everytime I think I have a plot something changes...anyway thank you
*jazy716: *nods* oh yeah *remembers what she's doing* Funny I like being funny, you like Neal's plan...well good you should like this chapter (and thus review) because neal's plan come into play here... for awhile Kel/Dom all the way...know why?? 'Cuz Neal's is for ME! *fans self then leaves to get a glass of water to cool off*
*Protector of the Small: Love is a strong word are you sure you love it? Oh who cares you said it and you can't take it back! plus you reviewed, which always makes me happy, so all in all you're a great person! yay! umm I'd e-mail you that chapter, but I can't 1. my e-mail hates me 2. I don't have the next chapters. I'm behind and i kinda write them as they come sorry.
*queenie: Cleon beating? What did he do to you?? Just kidding... that can be arranged... with reviews...hehe umm... most everyone else wanted this to be K/D so It probably will be, i make no promises... but there's no need to fear, because I have an awesome idea for a kel/neal fic...i just need to write it...haha
*slowbum360: *exasperated sigh* more 'rnrnrn' I have no idea what that means? grr... But at least I know one thing FLUFF! you liked the fluff? oh! Umm-- Yes well here's the next chappie, and if by N/K forever you mean Neal/ Kelsey (me) then okay! forever jk jk jk lol I'm okay now forget it...
*spifferoonigirl: cool... you're must not be big on words, oh well, thanks anyway, I still like getting reviews no matter what the length! Thank you. cool is good right? BTW interesting name you got there...
*Willow-379, aka WillowLea: I all ready know you are awesome, because you put me on your favorite authors list and that means a lot to me...anywho...sorry misspellings are normal for me bacause I CAN'T spell, (praise for spell check!) thanks fot telling me, that's what happens when i get excited and start typing fast... question what does...I feel dumb for asking because I've seen it a lot and have never known... what does 'rnrn' mean? please don't make me feel stupid for asking....^_^
And finally...if you get an e-mail from PUNKSK8ER@peoplepc.com don't delete it! it's ME! I just don't check that one as often, so I keep chit_sk8er eventhough it hates me...
CHILL IT!
Lady Daffodil of Queenscove!
DeDiCaTiOn: This chapter is dedicated to Innocnet Angel who added me to her favorite authors lists... I just love to see that number go up, it makes me feel loved Thanks! and to: bubblegum*girl this is for you. shocker. why? Well in your review you said... Dom probably followed neal and has seen hasn't he? I had written this without anything like that, but you got me thinking so I went back and changed it. I like it better now so THANK YOU! and keep reviewing! It REALLY helps me!
POLL: You must help me here or I can't go on. I'll tell you what I think then you spill back with you views okie dokie?
Should I keep this going... or break it off with a `sequal`?
When I see a story with a lot of chapters(but I'm not sure how many is a lot) I wonder if I want to take all the time to read that. (even if the good ones are long and juicy) But also when I see a story and it says 'sequal to blah blah blah', I feel like I need to read the first one before I can read that. But that seems like a big pain to go and find that story, read it, and then find the sequal and go and read that. That's how I feel. TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! or no posting from me (hehe haha blackmail...okay not really blackmail, but I can pretent right?)
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
:oÞ `* Neal's Plan Kicks in and gets Kicked Out *` :oÞ
*Shit! Shit! Shit!* Neal yelled at himself repeatedly with anger. Neal was still focused on what needed to be done despite his discomfort. He was still trying to distract Kel with his touch and his gaze. Which, even though he didn't know it, it was working. Kel was tense and confused, but silent. Neal breathed deeply remaining dedicated to the job at hand. He knew that if Kel was even slightly distracted and unaware, she wouldn't feel the gentle intrusion of his gift. Slowly emerald magic entered Kel's body. Almost immediately, Neal pulled away. Lingering would only bring suspicion, but that wasn't the top reason for his sudden withdrawal. Even being an amateur healer, Neal couldn't deny or doubt what he had seen. Kel wasn't the only one sharing Kel's body; and if he wasn't mistaken, things had been this way for five weeks, maybe six.
*Shit. Damn. Damn. Shit.* Neal cursed again. *How did I let this happen?* He questioned of himself. *Why her? Why now?* He asked in alarm. He wasn't the only one who had asked these questions in the last week. Without knowing it, he was sharing some of the same thoughts Kel had had only last week.
Kel still stood quietly and tensely in Neal's unexpected and, let's face it, unwelcome embrace. She had no idea what to do.
Suddenly something from a month or so back came flooding into Neal's thoughts. *: "So he would get Kel to bed him... and then if she became pregnant... he would convince her the child was his." :* Neal sighed heavily. *: "But first he would wait..." :* Well the waiting was over. It was now or never.
Kel finally found her voice and was able to react. "Neal?" Kel interrupted her friends thoughts.
"Hmm-?" He asked looking into her eyes, and wondered over what he found there. Was it fear? Doubt? Were these feeling caused by him...or the child literally inside her?
Kel grinned, sifting gears. "Not only are my clothes filthy and bath ruined, but if you don't pry yourself from me, yours will be too." She smirked logically, but still rubbing it in. Neal wasn't one to voluntarily get into situations where grime was found.
"Then we'll just have to clean up again. Without the clothes... Together...because I don't know if I could handle it alone." He answered.
"In your dreams Queenscove!"
Neal laughed and leaned in. His face dangerously close to Kel's own. "Neal what are you-?" Abruptly Kel found Neal's soft, warm lips over hers.
Kel pushed away. "You ARE a man whore!" She teased trying to shake off the daze the kiss had caused.
Neal glared playfully. "You know you want me."
Kel touched her throbbing lips unconsciously. "What was that for?" Neal shrugged his shoulders, so Kel went on. "You've been flirting with me all day."
Neal frowned uncharacteristically. "One: you were flirting back." Kel said nothing. She knew it was true. "Two: the day had just begun." He reasoned. "And Three: no I haven't."
"What would you call it?" Kel questioned.
Neal grinned back to his old self. "Friendly banter." *Besides,* he thought to himself. *It felt like I was kissing my sister.* He didn't mean it to be rude. He was just being honest. *You gotta do what you gotta do.* He finished.
Neal leaned in again. Kel planted her right hand firmly on Neal's still bare chest, insuring Neal kept his distance. "What are you doing?" She demanded. "I thought we were playing around, just teasing. It was friendly banter, you said so yourself. This goes beyond any of that." She finished.
"Was it teasing last month in your room?" Neal questioned softly, knowing he had hit a nerve this time.
Kel winced as if she had been physically struck. "I don't know what that was." She admitted. "That was a strange-"
"Warm, soft, sultry..." Neal broke in.
Kel continued after shaking her head fiercely at Neal. "It was mixed- up, emotional, inexplicable flook. The gods must hate me," Kel decided. "To let me allow something like that, and even what happened before, happen. After Cleon and-" Kel refused to finish.
Neal broke, seeing Kel's discomfort. *There goes the plan.* He told himself, but it didn't seem to matter anymore because he cracked. "Dammit, Kel! I know!"
Kel scowled confused. "I know you know, you were there." Kel answered thinking Neal spoke of her birthday mess.
"Not that!" He snapped. He sighed, a lump rising in his throat. "I know," he stepped back releasing his grip on Kel. "I know about this." He concluded placing his large yet delicate right hand on Kel's still flat stomach.
Now Kel was scared really frightened and apprehensive. Her head pounding, her knuckles white. Put simply she was scared senseless. Mindlessly frightened, Kel didn't know what to do or say. Her stomach twisted in a knot under Neal's touch. 'What?' She wondered. All she could think about was Lerant. Larent telling everyone.
"How?" She mouthed.
Neal removed his hand from her stomach and raised his arm out in front of him. As a way to answer he formed a glowing dark green ball in the palm of his hand.
Kel sighed in relief, as realization hit. His gift. *Damn you.* She scolded her friend. *Damn you for making me sweat like that.* Kel didn't know how to respond aloud, so Neal took the opportunity to press forward.
"I really want to help you." He offered. "I feel partly responsible." He ginned thinking he would lighten the mood. "I wasn't the one on top of you," he laughed. "But I did get you drunk." He admitted.
"How noble of you to admit that." Kel said in false sweetness. Then she roughly smacked him upside the head.
"What was that for?" He demanded.
"Oh I wonder." Kel argued. " 'I wasn't the one on top of you,' that was smooth." She repeated his words.
*Mood Swings.* Neal decided.
*Pig headed, inconsiderate men.* Kel decided.
"I wanna help." Neal revised.
Kel scoffed, finding her voice through all the acid she felt she answered. "I'm afraid there's no help for me." She retorted.
"Marry me." Neal offered.
"Oh how romantic." Said Kel. "No." She was now her reasonable self again, for however brief a moment. "That would be a disaster and you know it." Replied Kel.
He hated to admit it, but he did know it. "Tell people I'm that father." He was running out of offers so she had better find one she likes Neal thought.
"No Neal. My life, my plans might be ruined, but there is absolutely no need for yours to be too. So just give it up."
Neal looked hurt. "Kel..." He pleaded. Then something came to him. "Your not going to get ride of it? The child I mean." He asked nervously.
"I haven't thought about it." Kel admitted. "Maybe adoption would be a good thing to do." She concluded.
"Maybe." Neal admitted still troubled. "But that's not what I meant."
"What did you mean?" She asked.
"Well, there are potions from healers, and there is no way in hell I would help you with this, that...well that kill the baby." He trailed.
"Gods no! I can't believe that. I knew those things existed." Kel looked disgusted. "Neal this is me were talking about. Would I do that?"
"No. I'm sorry I said it, I had to be sure... I don't know what I was thinking." He fumbled ashamed.
"Gods I have no idea what I'm going to do." Kel muttered. "I've been trying not to think about it too much."
"That's fine." Neal assured. "Just take it as it comes, and I'll there to support you." He vowed. "I'm also sorry about all the stupid suggestions I made, and that 'on top of' comment."
"It's fine. Neal, I hate to admit it, but I'm glad you know. Now if I need it, I'll have a friend, who knows the whole story to talk to. And I know you wont tell. You'll be understanding and supportive. You'll pamper me and tell me to take it easy. In fact you'll probably drive me insane by hovering so much, but I'll love you for it. I want to thank you know for that now. I'll in all likelihood be moody and forget to do it later. Thank you, Neal." Kel patted his shoulder reassuringly. How could he argue with that? It was a sweet effective guilt trip, because every thing she was saying would most likely be true. Before Neal could say more though, as was typical of him, Kel issued a command. "Now go back to camp. Tell Raoul, if he asks that I'll be along shortly. I'm just going to rinse off again quickly and change." She indicated the fresh clothing Neal had retrieved for her. Kel smiled. "I hope everyone's not waiting one me."
"They wont be." Neal grinned, now more comfortable with the situation with everything out in the open. He felt as if there was nothing the two of them couldn't talk about now. "I'll make sure of it." But he was still anci with waiting for things to happen and not telling. He had no idea how Kel was going to finish her training. "Just hurry up." He finished. Neal headed toward the trees to follow Kel's wishes.
"Why?" Kel called. The atmosphere seemed to be playfully friendly again.
"Cause I'll miss you!" Neal turned and blew a kiss to her from the edge of the clearing.
"Go!" Kel commanded with a laugh seeing Neal's substantial gesture. "And no lingering in the trees for a peep show." She warned.
"Damn." Neal teased. "How did you know?" He asked barely managing to keep a straight face.
" 'Cause if things switched, and it was you, that's what I'd do." She lied. Then making an big deal of it, she blew him a kiss back.
Neal caught the little imaginary kiss in an overplayed, dramatic motion. As if his life depended on it, he stumbled and caught the kiss. Then with a flourished bow he headed into the forest. A smile on his face. *It's odd.* he thought. *Our friendship's grown. We're more honest with each other. More trusting, closer. More playful and flirty. Yet we just do it to make fun of one another. We know nothing will come from it. We don't want anything from it. I think she likes Dom.* Neal confided to himself. *We just lighten the strain by playing around. Still I feel like we could handle serious discussion together too. It's great to get the sexual tension off without having to face repercussions. It's just fun.* Neal was considerably more lighthearted when he left the lake side than when he entered it.
Kel waited a minute to make sure Neal had left, after all '/she'/ had given him the idea, before she slipped out of her grimy clothing and rinsed her naked body for the second time that morning.
×~× ~ ×~×
Kel wound her way back to camp only to find its residents in the process of a long deconstruction. All across the hillside, people were eating breakfast, talking, tearing down tents, saddling horses, and burying and taking care of the latrines. *I guess I'm just in time.* Kel thought pleasantly.
Immediately Kel spotted Dom. He was standing outside the canvas tent that the two of them had shared the previous night. Swiftly Kel made her way in that general direction. Kel strode jovially toward the place where Dom stood; as she neared she saw that he was in the process of taking down the tent. Kel arrived, and without a word, began helping Dom with the tent. "So," Kel turned to Dom, breaking the silence. She grinned without thinking about it, still on her teasing high. "Was is as good for you as it was for me?"
Dom pivoted to face Kel. He was guarded, his features hard, and his navy eyes were stone cold. So cold in fact, Kel got chills, not the enjoyable kind, when Dom turned and looked her in the eye. "I highly doubt it." He spat icily.
Kel's happy contentment evaporated quickly. "What do you mean?" Kel questioned uneasily.
Dom shook his head sharply. *Maybe I'm overreacting.* He considered. *It's not like I own Kel, or Neal either for that matter.* That was the calm reasonable part of his brain, the part that had control most of the time. But the other side of him had to but in. *Yeah, that may be true, but you can't deny the sting it caused seeing Kel in your cousin's arms. You can't deny the anger and sickness you're feeling right now. You can't deny how you feel about your Lord's squire.* Dom hated that part of his subconscious. It always told the truth, when he was trying with all his will to lie to himself about things he didn't want to admit.
"Dom," Kel murmured softly and concerned. She reached out a hand and lightly brushed Dom's muscular arm hoping to get some answers. "What's wrong? What happened." What she said next struck something inside of him. "Come on, tell me what you're feeling."
*If only I could.* He thought. *Kel was so caring right now, it almost scares me that I'll break and tell her.* Dom still wasn't ready to answer. He hadn't thought things through yet. So Dom was forced to answer with his heart, and not his head. "I was at the lake." He started vaguely.
"What?" Kel asked confused.
Dom backtracked hoping what he was about to say would make some sense when he was done speaking. "I'm sorry." He muttered, ready to spill the contents of his heart. Okay, maybe not spill, but at dip into. "I'm sorry if I have a problem with my Meathead cousin fondling your undergarments." Kel's jaw fell, her mouth slightly open briefly and then she closed her mouth deciding to let him finish his venting. Venting can be good for one's sanity and peace of mind. Kel new from personal experience.
"I'm sorry that I worry so much about you. I'm sorry I care deeply for a 'friend'," he emphasized the word. "That I wanted reassurance, and I wanted to know what was going on with her. Wanted to make sure she was alright. But most of all-" Dom stopped. He was suddenly ver aware of his surroundings, and of the numerous people listening to his speech. Some were full on staring at the pair; others looked ashamed as they tried to busy themselves, pretending they had heard nothing. *Well, there goes any dignity I had with this group.* Dom thought. *They'll never let me live it down. I just started the rumor mill turning.* He realized.
Dom exhaled loudly. "Forget it." He turned his attention back to the tent.
"No." Kel refused. "How can I forget it?"
Dom stoke under his breath softly not wanting to give the observes anything else to discuss. "Well, I'm not doing this her, so you had better find a way." He said devoid of feeling.
Kel was hurt, but no one would notice. She remained composed on the surface, while nearly falling apart inside. The only way anyone would have seen her pain was in her eyes. She couldn't hide it there. She didn't press the issue. Not now anyway, but she certainly wouldn't forget it, or let it drop. That would be too easy on Dom, and too hard on herself. The duo finished taking down the tent and then packed it away all without a single word. The camp soon resumed it's normal clamor as they doused the last of the morning's fires, and hit the road.
/ ` ~A/N: Thank you Thank you's! (these are in alphabetical order, not by favorite or anything just so you know)
*Aimee Damita: hint hint? did I miss something? jk Well I'm glad you like it, I find it awefully fun to scew with the characters... don't know why, It's just funfunfun! Dom isn't supposedly falling for kel, he's fallen. He just doesn't know it yet, or wont admit it...whatever THANKS!
*Alanna: Thank you. Hey, how many times do I have to explain? Cliffy's are FUNFUN! FUN! I didn't know it was going to be Alanna that walked in on Kel until the last second, I thought hey why not?
*FlamingKnight101/AmayaNightRain11: thank you so much! that was really sweet, for me. if not your mom since you ignored her, but oh well, I'm guilty there too. I was trying to space things out more, but I didn't want to bore anyone, and I don't really know what to have happen in the inbetween times...so if you have any ideas for things (small things) that could happen and I could write about, feel free to share. e-mail me at chit_sk8er@yahoo.com okay? and review!
*Angel4eva: I'M SORRY! I'm addicted to cliffy's! I can't help it... Okay, I'll update NOW as you so... gently put it but only because I already had this written. so it's easy to update this on, I can't update Taming the Lioness, because it's not written, you have no idea how bad I feel about this...but -whines- I have writers block and a cold, in the middle of the Summer...oh sorry enough of my pitiful woes yea that was fluff, I couldn't help myself
*Angel of Wind: get my mind out of the gutter? lol that'll never happen, I've been corrupted... that's another story... sorry no Larent beating right now, maybe later, I'll keep you in ming. Here's a thought...I write a small fic about you and Joren, it might be the challenge I've need to get me out of writers block...hmm? I think I e-mail you...my chit_sk8er@yahoo.com still wont let me send, omly recieve.(something's wrong with my computer's internet explorer) so I tried to write you with my PUNKSK8ER@peoplepc.com e-mial, but it seems to hate me too, so let me know on that....I don't know if it worked...thanks for the reviews!
*bubblegum*girl: Dom follow... Well no, but, no that you mention it THANKS I read you're review and then came back and re- wrote this chappie. Thanks cuz it turned out better this way I think don't you? Hope your not upset that I kinda took that idea, but I'm giving you credit for it : ) and... I dedicated this chappie to you so... it's all good right...?
*dragon defender: *looks innocent* it wasn't me that interruped your reading was it? Hey i update every week, and that as soon as i can...*smiles* I kinda like the pestering...maybe, i should make you wait longer huh...jk don't hurt me...I updated, now review!
*DragonDaine: sorry if it's confusing, but it must be some sort of good, because you read and reviewed it right? *hopeful* Unless you just felt bad for me... OH! and I didn't mean for `everyone` to fall 'head over heels' for her... Neal's jusr flirting and Dom...well no comment on that part yet...^_^
*Heather: Yes Sir! I kept writing. I hope you like it. Thanks a lot for those kind words. Hey wait a minute. You like my plot. I have a plot? How come no one told me till now! whoa! that's a lot of pressure *can't breath* no sorry for the sarcasm, it's just everytime I think I have a plot something changes...anyway thank you
*jazy716: *nods* oh yeah *remembers what she's doing* Funny I like being funny, you like Neal's plan...well good you should like this chapter (and thus review) because neal's plan come into play here... for awhile Kel/Dom all the way...know why?? 'Cuz Neal's is for ME! *fans self then leaves to get a glass of water to cool off*
*Protector of the Small: Love is a strong word are you sure you love it? Oh who cares you said it and you can't take it back! plus you reviewed, which always makes me happy, so all in all you're a great person! yay! umm I'd e-mail you that chapter, but I can't 1. my e-mail hates me 2. I don't have the next chapters. I'm behind and i kinda write them as they come sorry.
*queenie: Cleon beating? What did he do to you?? Just kidding... that can be arranged... with reviews...hehe umm... most everyone else wanted this to be K/D so It probably will be, i make no promises... but there's no need to fear, because I have an awesome idea for a kel/neal fic...i just need to write it...haha
*slowbum360: *exasperated sigh* more 'rnrnrn' I have no idea what that means? grr... But at least I know one thing FLUFF! you liked the fluff? oh! Umm-- Yes well here's the next chappie, and if by N/K forever you mean Neal/ Kelsey (me) then okay! forever jk jk jk lol I'm okay now forget it...
*spifferoonigirl: cool... you're must not be big on words, oh well, thanks anyway, I still like getting reviews no matter what the length! Thank you. cool is good right? BTW interesting name you got there...
*Willow-379, aka WillowLea: I all ready know you are awesome, because you put me on your favorite authors list and that means a lot to me...anywho...sorry misspellings are normal for me bacause I CAN'T spell, (praise for spell check!) thanks fot telling me, that's what happens when i get excited and start typing fast... question what does...I feel dumb for asking because I've seen it a lot and have never known... what does 'rnrn' mean? please don't make me feel stupid for asking....^_^
And finally...if you get an e-mail from PUNKSK8ER@peoplepc.com don't delete it! it's ME! I just don't check that one as often, so I keep chit_sk8er eventhough it hates me...
CHILL IT!
Lady Daffodil of Queenscove!