SqUiRe KeLaDrY; mOtHeR?
DEDICATION: to all the new and lovely and caring people who added me to their favorite authors list.... nothing delgihts me more... to my 200th reviewer (i can't figure out who it is) because to me, two hundered is an amazing number that i thought i'd never reach, and the second 100 went fast than the first, so i'm expecting 300 to come just as fast people (hinthint) and to Dougie... why? cuz idk, he deserves it for cheering me up that day in speech... and now to Kenny too i guess, for making me laugh as i posted this :)
SCARY NEWS: my feet left the ground. my feet never leave the ground unless i fall, and guess you what? i didn't fall this time ^-^ but it was scary, i didn't know James was that strong... randomness... don't you just love it (even if you hate it, feel free to spare me the nasty details and just skip over this junk and get to the story... so you can review of course)
A/N: I"M NOT RETARDED I SWEAR IT! it's mine now Kasidalynn...hehe... whoa... i'm going to have to try that more often. Who knew that if i gave you guys a goal you would respond so possitively and so well, i should have upped the stakes... oh well, here's your promised reward, i hope it was worth it. As always, let me know what you think with all of your lovely little reviews, they mean so much to me! ^_^ NEWS FLASH: Yay! yay! *does happy dance* it's over! it's all over! and i made it! what am i ranting about? FINALS are over, all those stupid tests, which i must add i did pass, beautifully ^-^ but it's over, and i couldn't be happier, too bad i have a test the first day of the new trimester, but hey, what can you do but work your ass off? it all works out. somehow, and how exciting am i? i celebrate by updating... i should be out partying!! but no, it's storming and i dislike snow...GRRRNESS well i'm done boring you... now go review! go! go quick, go now! you know you want to...*wink*wink*
Confucius Say:
"Foolish man give wife grand piano. Wise man give wife upright organ." ewww.... that's kinda sick (if you get it) i know.... but don't ya love it? ^_^ it's all good
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
^-^ You Know You Like It ^-^
Neal couldn't help but smirking, and he felt no shame at not attempting to hide it. Kel's express at the moment was priceless. In some odd way, nothing delighted him more than Kel's astonishment and utter torment at the present time.
Neal's teasing grin broadened. "You know you liked it!" He added with a cocky, self- assured nod. "Admit it."
"Admit what?" Kel demanded incredulously.
Neal shrugged, ignoring the question as if he didn't understand what she wanted, or as if he didn't know the answer. "But you liked it... I know." He nodded slowly, as if coming to a decision. "...I know."
Kel groaned, vacating her frustration quite clearly. "Nealan..." She started as a mother would scold her child. "You're going to get yourself hurt." She trailed off making sure the word's message would stick. "You know that, don't you?"
"Well no! I didn't know that." Neal remarked in a surprised tone; and of course, he still had his ever present, somewhat intimidating, smirk. "By whom am I getting hurt?" He asked full of false innocence.
Kel raised an eyebrow at Neal as a way to answer soundlessly.
"Hey!" He called pointing an accusing finger Kel's way. "That's 'my' trick!" He teased. Neal didn't even need to clarify what he was speaking of, Kel knew undoubtedly what Neal meant. It was almost disturbing to her that at this moment she could read Neal's mind so obviously. He was charging her of stealing "The Accusing One Eyebrow Trick." Neal's special trademark along with his piercing green eyes and his gentle sarcasm.
"Queenscove..." Kel said with a warning note as she clenched her fists and gritted her teeth; her patience was wearing thin. No matter how long Neal had been her best friend, and no matter how sweet and caring her was; sometimes there was no putting up with playful humor.
"Yesss?" He asked playful in response to Kel's threatening call.
"I'm going to knock that grin right off your face." She promised with a half-hearted, warning smile. Kel was in no mood to be toyed with so early in the morning. Wether it was the changing hormones caused by her pregnancy, or just plain grouchiness from her long, tiering night that was making her so short tempered; no one could say for sure.
Her comment only made Neal's smile broaden. "Go for it." He shrugged again, as if Kel hadn't even `attempted` to threaten him.
Kel scowled endeavoring, without success, to look mad. "Queenscove... DON'T tempt me."
"Oh!" Neal hit the top of his head of if he had just been struck with a sudden revelation. "I'm sorry." Neal chuckled, letting Kel know something more was coming. "I forgot... that job has already been spoken for."
"What are you babbling about?" Kel demanded.
"Tempting you." He replied simply, jutting his chin out in a self- confident way. "I had forgotten that this was Sargent Domitan's duty."
Kel's face fell and she made no effort to hide the glare that was directed at Neal. She reached behind her and drew the pillow out from beneath her. Then, with some joy, she threw it as hard as she could at the unsuspecting Neal. Still no matter how hard you throw a pillow, it'll never change the fact that it's an object meant for softness and made out of feathers. It can never cause much damage no matter how much the thrower wants it to; a pillow will always be soft, but it can still cause some amusement.
If Neal had been paying more attention, instead of laughing and enjoying Kel's torture, he would have been able to block Kel's feeble blow. But as it was, he was too wrapped up in himself, and didn't notice until the pillow struck him, right smack in the face.
Neal's hair was ruffled and he was trying hard not to laugh. Kel on the other hand wasn't worried in the least about hiding her amusement.
In his distress, Neal planted himself on the cold stone floor and proceeded to pout. "That," Neal sniffled dramatically, "was uncalled for." He finished as he childishly jutted out his lower lip and continued to sulk.
"Ha!" Kel laughed in a definite, mocking tone. "Your comment about me and Dom, now THAT was uncalled for." She reasoned.
"Why?" Neal demanded as he ran his fingers through his messy hair, making it even more unruly. "Because it's true?" He supplied an answer to his own question.
Kel's jaw fell in outrage. She looked around her searching, quickly for something else she could throw; her eyes landed on the only available thing, the small wash basin on the table beside her bed. She leaned over and grasped it firmly. Neal's eyes widened as he watched her deliberate movements. Without hesitation, Kel lightly tossed the basin unworriedly. Not missing a beat, Neal caught the bowl as a slight scowl invaded his defined features.
"You coulda broke that ya know!" He accused.
"Yea..." Kel agreed with a playful smile. "But I was trying to break 'you', so I figured that it was worth the risk." She grinned.
"Ah!" Neal exclaimed open mouthed and expressing his feigned offense well. He set the porcelain piece in his lap and folded his arms across his chest in a positively adorable manner. "How very rude of you." Neal declared.
Kel shook her head nonchalantly. "Then leave." She offered. "You won't offend me any by going." She stated firmly as she pried her body from bed and stretched her stiff limbs. Neal whistled suggestively.
Kel turned sharply on her heel and turned accusingly on her friend. "What was that for?" She demanded somewhat harshly.
Neal smiled innocently. "Nice shirt."
Kel scowled. "Why are you looking?" Kel demanded.
"Why are you showing?" Neal returned sensibly.
Kel gave an exasperated sigh, but before she could do more, Neal pressed on. "And that's not all that's starting to show more of itself." He said honestly.
Kel glared. "What are you implying Queenscove?"
Neal shrugged. "I'm not IMPLYING anything. I'm simply stating a small, obvious fact. Kel you're pregnant and..."
Kel bit in, not intending her friends comment to go unnoticed. "Are you saying that I'm fat?" She accused bitterly.
"No!" Neal defended. "No one will be able to tell for quite some time yet. It's just, with that shirt and me knowing about your situation, well... it makes it more noticeable than it would be otherwise."
"So I'm not fat, but I'm getting fat?" Kel rephrased.
"No." Neal maintained. "You can't tell." He promised. "It's just you don't look as toned, lean, and muscled as you usually do, but with decent cloths on, it shouldn't matter. But don't worry about it." He smiled reassuringly. "Isn't it better that I say something, and give my honest opinion before someone else mentions something, and you have an uncomfortable situation on your hands?"
"As if this isn't uncomfortable." Kel muttered.
"I'm sorry." Neal replied, startling Kel, for she thought he hadn't heard.
"It's okay. Yea." Kel nodded. "It is better this way, I guess. Thanks."
As Kel finished her sentence, there came a sudden loud pounding on her door. Both of the squires were startled and jumped.
"Kel?" Came Lord Raoul's big, gentle, and questioning voice.
"Yea?" Kel replied.
"Are you ready to go? Or near there? Because we're heading out soon."
"Yeah I'm working on it... slowly but surely." She assured.
There was a brief moment of silence and the pair in Kel's chambers thought that Raoul had departed, until the large man and his robust voice sounded again. "And Kel?"
"Uh huh?" She responded simply.
"If you see that meathead friend of yours, tell him to get a move on it too."
Kel laughed heartily. Not only at Raoul's unknowing insult, but at Neal's expression at the spar as well.
"Well." Neal started in a dejected manner. "There's no need!" He assured. "Because the "meathead", as you so gently put it, is right here. And he heard what you said, and he is quite offended. Especially considering it was he, the good friend, who came to get Kel moving this morning."
From the other side of the door Raoul chuckled in a loud, fatherly way. "He also has more problems than that." Raoul supplied.
"Does he now?" Neal asked. Kel watched in amusement. "And what would his problem be?" He questioned.
Raoul laughed again. "Well for starters, he talks about himself in third person. That's a little disturbing don't you agree?" Kel snickered in response.
"He does-" Neal caught himself before he finished. "No I don't!"
"Yeah." Raoul stated not sounding convinced. "Well both of you... shake a leg. Let's get a move on." He commanded and walked off before there was further argument.
Neal glared at the door for no apparent reason. Then he got up from his place on the floor and dusted himself off. Neal stuck his tongue out at the empty space where Raoul would have once stood. Then he raised his right leg high in the air and shook it. Under his breath, Neal murmured. "I'll shake a leg for you."
Kel laughed and couldn't, and had no desire to, stop. It was great side-splitting laughter that went on without pause for several long minutes, as Neal glared on in displeasure.
~*`^_^`*~
Eventually, he left the room, but before he left, Neal smiled smugly in reference to Kel's late night. "You liked it and you know it." He stated before closing the door firmly behind him. Kel shook her head in disbelief.
*Is he `ever` going to let that drop?* She wondered knowing full well, that he most likely would not. Soon Kel began dressing and preparing for the day quickly and unenthusiastically. After a quick, but refreshing, washing and the donning of several light, loose layers, Kel finally felt ready to start her day. With a light spring in her step, Kel bound out the door and landed, literally, and uncomfortably on top of Neal. His grunt as he hit the floor and Kel's gasp of surprise resounded through the abandoned hallway. Sputtering in embarrassment and jumbled from the fall, Kel untangled herself.
"You oaf." Kel grumbled at Neal. "You are an oaf, you know that? There's no denying it now."
Neal shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
"Why were you outside my door?" She demanded.
"Well, just see if I waste time waiting for you so you don't have to walk alone again. Just see if I do." Neal answered.
"It's one thing to wait, Nealan, it's another to jump my bones as I leave the door."
"I didn't jump you." Neal reasoned. "You fell. Right on top of me I might add."
"Well," Kel defended. "If I did it's only because you're an oaf startling me like that." She glared purposely.
Neal laughed lightheartedly as he nimbly rose to his feet and stood next to Kel as he dusted his backside. "You know you liked it."
"Yes." Kel consented, much to his surprise. "Almost as much as I love having teeth pulled." She answered. Neal wasn't phased, he had expected a comment like this. Kel shook her head and went on. "Minthros, you're a fruit."
Neal looked indignant at the supposed insult. "I am not." He reasoned. "I'm a vegetable." He grinned.
"Ha." Kel scoffed. "That explains a few things."
"Like what?" Neal asked curiously.
"You're seemingly incapability to stay healthy and eat your vegetables."
Neal nodded eagerly, with a smile on his fine face. "I can't help it if I have a thing against cannibalism. It's just wrong." He replied sensibly.
"Yea." Kel responded doubtfully, not knowing how, or even why she should bother to go on. "C'mon oaf." She motioned. "We've got people to impress, or something along those lines, I don't know why else we're here." She started toward the stairs and he followed dutifully.
"Oh? 'We' do?" He emphasized the word. "What are we going to do?" Neal teased suggestively. "Is it something appropriate for public?"
"No." Kel spat, not liking the teasing.
Neal's grin broadened at Kel's distaste. "Yes!" He exclaimed. "Those are my favorite kind of acts."
"I'm sure... and I'm also certain you indulge often." She accused.
"No, I don't." Neal replied honestly. "Not that it concerns you." He trailed and they walked in a peaceful silence for a brief moment. "Anyways... back to the original topic." Neal steered strategically.
"And what would that be...?" Kel pushed, knowing if she didn't Neal would be offended and would most likely share with her anyway.
Neal grinned evilly, as he planned his next words. "You and my darling cousin." He replied in a rare endearing moment.
Kel turned her head and looked before her as they continued out of the Inn. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She hide her face.
Neal rolled his eyes dramatically. "You're smitten-"
"-am not."
"He, meaning Dom, is smitten-"
"-is not."
Neal continued a if he went on uninterrupted. "So I think-"
"-that's a first."
This comment caused a glare and couldn't go completely ignored. "That you should just go ahead and tell him... everything." He finished drastically.
"How about not? You're delusional." Kel responded.
"No, you're just blinded by love, it's cupid's doing." Neal pushed. "And Dom's-"
"A good friend." Kel raised her voice. "Nothing more. He wants nothing more than that and I-" Kel faltered slightly but pressed on. "And neither do I. I know full well how he feels, and it's not love. He's too brotherly for love, and too course and distant at times for love."
"Dom's a different character. There's absolutely no way to read him like a book. He's like you that way, but somehow, I just know. And even if you keep telling yourself differently, that's not going to make it true."
The duo crossed the lawn, nearing their destination. Kel zoned out briefly as Neal droned on about love, trust, friendship, and the importance of honesty. Or some crapload like that.
Kel tuned in briefly and pretended to listen for as long as she could stand it.
"What's the worst that could possibly happen?" He was asking, but not waiting for a reply. "What I'm trying to say is I think you should just tell him... because-"
"Queenscove!" Kel cut in. She had had enough. "Dictate much?" Kel demanded barely hiding her bitterness. Her calm burst as they arrived and stood outside the discussion chamber's door, finishing their own conversation before joining a new, less interesting one.
"What?" Neal asked confused and miffed at being cut off.
"Neal." Kel sighed in exasperation. "This is a friendship." She explained simply as if he didn't know. "Not a dictatorship. And what's with all the preaching lately?"
She waited for a moment, and Neal shrugged his shoulders when he realized she wanted an answer. "I don't know." He stated dejectedly.
"Well , it's great. I appreciate your advice, really I do. But I'd appreciate your silence at the moment a lot more."
Neal nodded. "I was just trying to help." He defended.
"I know." Kel touched his arm gently and reassuringly. "Thank you, but I need to be left alone to my own devices for a few days, maybe just sort things out, in my head," and heart she thought as she went on. "Before I try and tackled the things in my life."
"I understand." Neal answered. While he silently coughed *pregnancy hormones* in his head. Either way, he wasn't going to press things. He was going to try and be more understanding, or at least butt out for the time being.
"Okay," Kel took his hand and directed him toward the door. "Let's be off, I'm sure they're waiting on us. Let's make our grand entrance, shall we?" She turned and looked up into the deep green eyes of her best friends.
"Yes," he agreed in an easy going tone. "We shall." He decided, as the pair entered the warm building and took their seats, preparing themselves for a long day of arguing and silence on their parts.
*A/N: okay, i'm done pouting about not getting to go out and celebrate, or go visit *sigh* Landon *sigh* the oaf i haven't spoken to in FOREVER okay... no more boring you, i'll get back to business... THANK YOUS: (probably boring for some, but necessary... if you don't see your name... well that's you're fault, now go review, cuz i think i got everyone)
*AJ 4EVA: thank you... you're so sweet, and i made it! aren't you proud? tell me just how proud i know you are :)
*Angel4eva3: *blushes* what? *looks around guiltily* was it really about three months... well i'm ashamed, that's pitiful, but you must forgive me :) why? cuz i said so (hehe) and just so you know... the whole "bombarding with emails" didn't worry me, it made me consider another three months just to see if you would... plus i like getting mail so... any time you wanna say hi...
*Angel of Wind: and here's the person that keeps me sane ^-^ what more can i say to you? oh! thanks for the review... and thanks for calling me evil! that was friggen awesome! i always wanted to be evil... uh oh... that blond chick was based on a real person... sorta (whoops) hehe you're story? oh yea... that's...a work in process... promise, it's kinda odd, i need some inspiration... got any?
*Bea2688: die? really? i don't wanna be resonsible for anyone's death... so i hope this helps sustain you... thanks for the kind words
*Bella: now? now's a little soon (hehe) oh well, thanks, i got'er done tho, you see :)
*Brenavae: thanks for the contrubution... it was a pretty good idea huh? i worked ^-^ keep me posted on what you think of this...
*chelsae: i did write... see? goals just give me a reason to buy time to write, and it gives you something to work to, so in my eyes... it's all good
*Clare: that's okay, i don't need critisism :) hehe... and here's the next chappie, so tell me what you think of it *hint*hint*
*Danny: point? how intriging... what are they for? what can i do with them? i like this idea tho... hmmm...
*Dreambeast: hehe, i can't help it that i'm review greedy... 9 more is more than i could ever hope for, it was amazing, help me get some more ^-^
*Emerald eyes22: that's all you need to say! who needs more? i don't... well more reviews, but not more substance, that's great THANKS
*Fate of Destiny: tears? geez, i'm making people die and cry? (whoa that rhymes) gah! talk about guilt trips here ppl was this update faster? i know it was so... tell me how much you loved it :) you make 'review' sound almost threatening... hehe... i like it! (yes you need patience)
*Heather: i like being funny, that's a great compliment for me thanks just ever so much!
*hinote: i'm not retarded! i swear it! if only you knew where that came from... hehe well i'm glad you ran into my story and even more glad (glader?) that you liked it
*Incensio Lady: i think i get the point... you don't want any more? jk... here's MORE hope ya like... let me know...
*jazzelda1213: you're friggen awesome, you not only read, and reviewed, but you were nice and you thought it was funny, that makes me happy
*kel_and_dom4eva: dude! you're the best! i love you! (not in a sick way) you're SO right and that's awesome advice, i love it! thanks, i'll work on that, i think it'll help things... you'll have to tell me if you think i improve any... i'll try to
* Kelly Masbolle: why stop? hehe, it made my day, but i'm easy to please thanks for finding time for me...
*korwen: *pen flys across paper* okay okay okay i'm hurring, does that mean you like it?
*Lady Bee: THANK YOU! "update when you can" you're so nice, you understand... thanks for being #205 and so patient and praising...
*Lara Roberts: two? let's not get greedy LOL and i'm so glad you liked my amusement last chappie and think it makes things better okay, i'm counting on you to keep up the reviews...
*lil: okay, i'll keep writing if you keep reviewing :)
*Naru-Kami-Mehami: i'm gald you like it... i hope you continue to, and continue to read and write all your lovely reviews *hint*hint*
*Naz: brilliant huh? i like that... that alone is enough to keep more going THANKIES
*PsychoLioness13: i'm greedy and review hungy, but atleast i know i have a problem and admit it... FEED ME! hehe neal doesn't have many thoughts... he's so fun to write tho...
*rasberry-drops: no seriously... i didn't think you were joking... at least i hoped you weren't but thanks ^-^
*renzy009: i agree about kel and dom... and i don't HAVE to update, but i will, so you're lucky
*Rowana Silvakisma: i can and i will :-p good point about the one review per chapter thing, but that isn't MY rule, it's ff.net's so... anyway, i'm gald you like and here's an update
*slowbum360: i'm just ever so glad, that you found that amusing and brilliant, those words are just amazing to me... here's an update, i hope you like(eventhough it isn't as big a laugh fest) and as always... review!
*!_SmAsH_!: dictate much? hehe you may not have the MOST reviews this time, but i can promise you have the longest and the one's that brighten my day the most ('cuz they got high, because they got high) you love being the slutty maid, and you know it! Admit it! Kinky? hehe i like that... and scout's honor kinda defeats the purpose when you're not a scout... and i AM glad i went home on halloween when i did, and I HOPE you weren't looking.... and you're right, metalica is a little corrupted, but a little corruption never hurt anyone HAHA.... it's weeks passed Taylor's birthday :- p and i haven't been locked in any closets with Stoner (a fate worse than death) i'm glad you agree.... and i am NOT in LOVE with Landon... even after the road trip... i don't think
*spifferoonigirl: that's part of the amusement that she's pleading the fifth when it doesn't exist, don'tcha think? I couldn't find that Different? story you were talking about, and it really sounds good, so maybe you could help me past my retardation a little.... hmm... random comments, sounds like me ^-^ it's not really a "love spuare" it's more like a chaotic mess... but it's my mess and i love it.... awesome... hehe
*Storm Mage: i'm glad you liked it, here's a new chapter in which i hope you find time to review again... cuz it's adicting
*TPfreak: you like it? you really like it! yay! glad to be of some amusement... and don't you worry about Cleon... i have a plan... and it's all up here *points to head* no wait... it's not there hmmm where is it? jk i got it! review!
*YamisGal: thank you madame (that's my new word) i'm glad you liked it, i hope you like the update as well :)
A/N: i don't mean to sound greedy or anything... (because i know i am ^-^) but c'mon people, i still have faith in you, and i know you can still do better than that, so let's get crackin' you review and i write, i should have more time now, but who's to say really? anyway... i won't put a goal on you just yet, but if i don't get some good results, i just might have to^-^... cuz i'm trying to forget that, i'm addicted to you... but i want it, and i need it, i'm addicted to you... c'mon feed my addiction, cuz there are a lot worse things i could be addicted to.... like... idk.... let's not go there, i might not be able to get back.... okay
PEACE! LOVE! and all that CRAP!
~LDoQ
DEDICATION: to all the new and lovely and caring people who added me to their favorite authors list.... nothing delgihts me more... to my 200th reviewer (i can't figure out who it is) because to me, two hundered is an amazing number that i thought i'd never reach, and the second 100 went fast than the first, so i'm expecting 300 to come just as fast people (hinthint) and to Dougie... why? cuz idk, he deserves it for cheering me up that day in speech... and now to Kenny too i guess, for making me laugh as i posted this :)
SCARY NEWS: my feet left the ground. my feet never leave the ground unless i fall, and guess you what? i didn't fall this time ^-^ but it was scary, i didn't know James was that strong... randomness... don't you just love it (even if you hate it, feel free to spare me the nasty details and just skip over this junk and get to the story... so you can review of course)
A/N: I"M NOT RETARDED I SWEAR IT! it's mine now Kasidalynn...hehe... whoa... i'm going to have to try that more often. Who knew that if i gave you guys a goal you would respond so possitively and so well, i should have upped the stakes... oh well, here's your promised reward, i hope it was worth it. As always, let me know what you think with all of your lovely little reviews, they mean so much to me! ^_^ NEWS FLASH: Yay! yay! *does happy dance* it's over! it's all over! and i made it! what am i ranting about? FINALS are over, all those stupid tests, which i must add i did pass, beautifully ^-^ but it's over, and i couldn't be happier, too bad i have a test the first day of the new trimester, but hey, what can you do but work your ass off? it all works out. somehow, and how exciting am i? i celebrate by updating... i should be out partying!! but no, it's storming and i dislike snow...GRRRNESS well i'm done boring you... now go review! go! go quick, go now! you know you want to...*wink*wink*
Confucius Say:
"Foolish man give wife grand piano. Wise man give wife upright organ." ewww.... that's kinda sick (if you get it) i know.... but don't ya love it? ^_^ it's all good
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
^-^ You Know You Like It ^-^
Neal couldn't help but smirking, and he felt no shame at not attempting to hide it. Kel's express at the moment was priceless. In some odd way, nothing delighted him more than Kel's astonishment and utter torment at the present time.
Neal's teasing grin broadened. "You know you liked it!" He added with a cocky, self- assured nod. "Admit it."
"Admit what?" Kel demanded incredulously.
Neal shrugged, ignoring the question as if he didn't understand what she wanted, or as if he didn't know the answer. "But you liked it... I know." He nodded slowly, as if coming to a decision. "...I know."
Kel groaned, vacating her frustration quite clearly. "Nealan..." She started as a mother would scold her child. "You're going to get yourself hurt." She trailed off making sure the word's message would stick. "You know that, don't you?"
"Well no! I didn't know that." Neal remarked in a surprised tone; and of course, he still had his ever present, somewhat intimidating, smirk. "By whom am I getting hurt?" He asked full of false innocence.
Kel raised an eyebrow at Neal as a way to answer soundlessly.
"Hey!" He called pointing an accusing finger Kel's way. "That's 'my' trick!" He teased. Neal didn't even need to clarify what he was speaking of, Kel knew undoubtedly what Neal meant. It was almost disturbing to her that at this moment she could read Neal's mind so obviously. He was charging her of stealing "The Accusing One Eyebrow Trick." Neal's special trademark along with his piercing green eyes and his gentle sarcasm.
"Queenscove..." Kel said with a warning note as she clenched her fists and gritted her teeth; her patience was wearing thin. No matter how long Neal had been her best friend, and no matter how sweet and caring her was; sometimes there was no putting up with playful humor.
"Yesss?" He asked playful in response to Kel's threatening call.
"I'm going to knock that grin right off your face." She promised with a half-hearted, warning smile. Kel was in no mood to be toyed with so early in the morning. Wether it was the changing hormones caused by her pregnancy, or just plain grouchiness from her long, tiering night that was making her so short tempered; no one could say for sure.
Her comment only made Neal's smile broaden. "Go for it." He shrugged again, as if Kel hadn't even `attempted` to threaten him.
Kel scowled endeavoring, without success, to look mad. "Queenscove... DON'T tempt me."
"Oh!" Neal hit the top of his head of if he had just been struck with a sudden revelation. "I'm sorry." Neal chuckled, letting Kel know something more was coming. "I forgot... that job has already been spoken for."
"What are you babbling about?" Kel demanded.
"Tempting you." He replied simply, jutting his chin out in a self- confident way. "I had forgotten that this was Sargent Domitan's duty."
Kel's face fell and she made no effort to hide the glare that was directed at Neal. She reached behind her and drew the pillow out from beneath her. Then, with some joy, she threw it as hard as she could at the unsuspecting Neal. Still no matter how hard you throw a pillow, it'll never change the fact that it's an object meant for softness and made out of feathers. It can never cause much damage no matter how much the thrower wants it to; a pillow will always be soft, but it can still cause some amusement.
If Neal had been paying more attention, instead of laughing and enjoying Kel's torture, he would have been able to block Kel's feeble blow. But as it was, he was too wrapped up in himself, and didn't notice until the pillow struck him, right smack in the face.
Neal's hair was ruffled and he was trying hard not to laugh. Kel on the other hand wasn't worried in the least about hiding her amusement.
In his distress, Neal planted himself on the cold stone floor and proceeded to pout. "That," Neal sniffled dramatically, "was uncalled for." He finished as he childishly jutted out his lower lip and continued to sulk.
"Ha!" Kel laughed in a definite, mocking tone. "Your comment about me and Dom, now THAT was uncalled for." She reasoned.
"Why?" Neal demanded as he ran his fingers through his messy hair, making it even more unruly. "Because it's true?" He supplied an answer to his own question.
Kel's jaw fell in outrage. She looked around her searching, quickly for something else she could throw; her eyes landed on the only available thing, the small wash basin on the table beside her bed. She leaned over and grasped it firmly. Neal's eyes widened as he watched her deliberate movements. Without hesitation, Kel lightly tossed the basin unworriedly. Not missing a beat, Neal caught the bowl as a slight scowl invaded his defined features.
"You coulda broke that ya know!" He accused.
"Yea..." Kel agreed with a playful smile. "But I was trying to break 'you', so I figured that it was worth the risk." She grinned.
"Ah!" Neal exclaimed open mouthed and expressing his feigned offense well. He set the porcelain piece in his lap and folded his arms across his chest in a positively adorable manner. "How very rude of you." Neal declared.
Kel shook her head nonchalantly. "Then leave." She offered. "You won't offend me any by going." She stated firmly as she pried her body from bed and stretched her stiff limbs. Neal whistled suggestively.
Kel turned sharply on her heel and turned accusingly on her friend. "What was that for?" She demanded somewhat harshly.
Neal smiled innocently. "Nice shirt."
Kel scowled. "Why are you looking?" Kel demanded.
"Why are you showing?" Neal returned sensibly.
Kel gave an exasperated sigh, but before she could do more, Neal pressed on. "And that's not all that's starting to show more of itself." He said honestly.
Kel glared. "What are you implying Queenscove?"
Neal shrugged. "I'm not IMPLYING anything. I'm simply stating a small, obvious fact. Kel you're pregnant and..."
Kel bit in, not intending her friends comment to go unnoticed. "Are you saying that I'm fat?" She accused bitterly.
"No!" Neal defended. "No one will be able to tell for quite some time yet. It's just, with that shirt and me knowing about your situation, well... it makes it more noticeable than it would be otherwise."
"So I'm not fat, but I'm getting fat?" Kel rephrased.
"No." Neal maintained. "You can't tell." He promised. "It's just you don't look as toned, lean, and muscled as you usually do, but with decent cloths on, it shouldn't matter. But don't worry about it." He smiled reassuringly. "Isn't it better that I say something, and give my honest opinion before someone else mentions something, and you have an uncomfortable situation on your hands?"
"As if this isn't uncomfortable." Kel muttered.
"I'm sorry." Neal replied, startling Kel, for she thought he hadn't heard.
"It's okay. Yea." Kel nodded. "It is better this way, I guess. Thanks."
As Kel finished her sentence, there came a sudden loud pounding on her door. Both of the squires were startled and jumped.
"Kel?" Came Lord Raoul's big, gentle, and questioning voice.
"Yea?" Kel replied.
"Are you ready to go? Or near there? Because we're heading out soon."
"Yeah I'm working on it... slowly but surely." She assured.
There was a brief moment of silence and the pair in Kel's chambers thought that Raoul had departed, until the large man and his robust voice sounded again. "And Kel?"
"Uh huh?" She responded simply.
"If you see that meathead friend of yours, tell him to get a move on it too."
Kel laughed heartily. Not only at Raoul's unknowing insult, but at Neal's expression at the spar as well.
"Well." Neal started in a dejected manner. "There's no need!" He assured. "Because the "meathead", as you so gently put it, is right here. And he heard what you said, and he is quite offended. Especially considering it was he, the good friend, who came to get Kel moving this morning."
From the other side of the door Raoul chuckled in a loud, fatherly way. "He also has more problems than that." Raoul supplied.
"Does he now?" Neal asked. Kel watched in amusement. "And what would his problem be?" He questioned.
Raoul laughed again. "Well for starters, he talks about himself in third person. That's a little disturbing don't you agree?" Kel snickered in response.
"He does-" Neal caught himself before he finished. "No I don't!"
"Yeah." Raoul stated not sounding convinced. "Well both of you... shake a leg. Let's get a move on." He commanded and walked off before there was further argument.
Neal glared at the door for no apparent reason. Then he got up from his place on the floor and dusted himself off. Neal stuck his tongue out at the empty space where Raoul would have once stood. Then he raised his right leg high in the air and shook it. Under his breath, Neal murmured. "I'll shake a leg for you."
Kel laughed and couldn't, and had no desire to, stop. It was great side-splitting laughter that went on without pause for several long minutes, as Neal glared on in displeasure.
~*`^_^`*~
Eventually, he left the room, but before he left, Neal smiled smugly in reference to Kel's late night. "You liked it and you know it." He stated before closing the door firmly behind him. Kel shook her head in disbelief.
*Is he `ever` going to let that drop?* She wondered knowing full well, that he most likely would not. Soon Kel began dressing and preparing for the day quickly and unenthusiastically. After a quick, but refreshing, washing and the donning of several light, loose layers, Kel finally felt ready to start her day. With a light spring in her step, Kel bound out the door and landed, literally, and uncomfortably on top of Neal. His grunt as he hit the floor and Kel's gasp of surprise resounded through the abandoned hallway. Sputtering in embarrassment and jumbled from the fall, Kel untangled herself.
"You oaf." Kel grumbled at Neal. "You are an oaf, you know that? There's no denying it now."
Neal shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
"Why were you outside my door?" She demanded.
"Well, just see if I waste time waiting for you so you don't have to walk alone again. Just see if I do." Neal answered.
"It's one thing to wait, Nealan, it's another to jump my bones as I leave the door."
"I didn't jump you." Neal reasoned. "You fell. Right on top of me I might add."
"Well," Kel defended. "If I did it's only because you're an oaf startling me like that." She glared purposely.
Neal laughed lightheartedly as he nimbly rose to his feet and stood next to Kel as he dusted his backside. "You know you liked it."
"Yes." Kel consented, much to his surprise. "Almost as much as I love having teeth pulled." She answered. Neal wasn't phased, he had expected a comment like this. Kel shook her head and went on. "Minthros, you're a fruit."
Neal looked indignant at the supposed insult. "I am not." He reasoned. "I'm a vegetable." He grinned.
"Ha." Kel scoffed. "That explains a few things."
"Like what?" Neal asked curiously.
"You're seemingly incapability to stay healthy and eat your vegetables."
Neal nodded eagerly, with a smile on his fine face. "I can't help it if I have a thing against cannibalism. It's just wrong." He replied sensibly.
"Yea." Kel responded doubtfully, not knowing how, or even why she should bother to go on. "C'mon oaf." She motioned. "We've got people to impress, or something along those lines, I don't know why else we're here." She started toward the stairs and he followed dutifully.
"Oh? 'We' do?" He emphasized the word. "What are we going to do?" Neal teased suggestively. "Is it something appropriate for public?"
"No." Kel spat, not liking the teasing.
Neal's grin broadened at Kel's distaste. "Yes!" He exclaimed. "Those are my favorite kind of acts."
"I'm sure... and I'm also certain you indulge often." She accused.
"No, I don't." Neal replied honestly. "Not that it concerns you." He trailed and they walked in a peaceful silence for a brief moment. "Anyways... back to the original topic." Neal steered strategically.
"And what would that be...?" Kel pushed, knowing if she didn't Neal would be offended and would most likely share with her anyway.
Neal grinned evilly, as he planned his next words. "You and my darling cousin." He replied in a rare endearing moment.
Kel turned her head and looked before her as they continued out of the Inn. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She hide her face.
Neal rolled his eyes dramatically. "You're smitten-"
"-am not."
"He, meaning Dom, is smitten-"
"-is not."
Neal continued a if he went on uninterrupted. "So I think-"
"-that's a first."
This comment caused a glare and couldn't go completely ignored. "That you should just go ahead and tell him... everything." He finished drastically.
"How about not? You're delusional." Kel responded.
"No, you're just blinded by love, it's cupid's doing." Neal pushed. "And Dom's-"
"A good friend." Kel raised her voice. "Nothing more. He wants nothing more than that and I-" Kel faltered slightly but pressed on. "And neither do I. I know full well how he feels, and it's not love. He's too brotherly for love, and too course and distant at times for love."
"Dom's a different character. There's absolutely no way to read him like a book. He's like you that way, but somehow, I just know. And even if you keep telling yourself differently, that's not going to make it true."
The duo crossed the lawn, nearing their destination. Kel zoned out briefly as Neal droned on about love, trust, friendship, and the importance of honesty. Or some crapload like that.
Kel tuned in briefly and pretended to listen for as long as she could stand it.
"What's the worst that could possibly happen?" He was asking, but not waiting for a reply. "What I'm trying to say is I think you should just tell him... because-"
"Queenscove!" Kel cut in. She had had enough. "Dictate much?" Kel demanded barely hiding her bitterness. Her calm burst as they arrived and stood outside the discussion chamber's door, finishing their own conversation before joining a new, less interesting one.
"What?" Neal asked confused and miffed at being cut off.
"Neal." Kel sighed in exasperation. "This is a friendship." She explained simply as if he didn't know. "Not a dictatorship. And what's with all the preaching lately?"
She waited for a moment, and Neal shrugged his shoulders when he realized she wanted an answer. "I don't know." He stated dejectedly.
"Well , it's great. I appreciate your advice, really I do. But I'd appreciate your silence at the moment a lot more."
Neal nodded. "I was just trying to help." He defended.
"I know." Kel touched his arm gently and reassuringly. "Thank you, but I need to be left alone to my own devices for a few days, maybe just sort things out, in my head," and heart she thought as she went on. "Before I try and tackled the things in my life."
"I understand." Neal answered. While he silently coughed *pregnancy hormones* in his head. Either way, he wasn't going to press things. He was going to try and be more understanding, or at least butt out for the time being.
"Okay," Kel took his hand and directed him toward the door. "Let's be off, I'm sure they're waiting on us. Let's make our grand entrance, shall we?" She turned and looked up into the deep green eyes of her best friends.
"Yes," he agreed in an easy going tone. "We shall." He decided, as the pair entered the warm building and took their seats, preparing themselves for a long day of arguing and silence on their parts.
*A/N: okay, i'm done pouting about not getting to go out and celebrate, or go visit *sigh* Landon *sigh* the oaf i haven't spoken to in FOREVER okay... no more boring you, i'll get back to business... THANK YOUS: (probably boring for some, but necessary... if you don't see your name... well that's you're fault, now go review, cuz i think i got everyone)
*AJ 4EVA: thank you... you're so sweet, and i made it! aren't you proud? tell me just how proud i know you are :)
*Angel4eva3: *blushes* what? *looks around guiltily* was it really about three months... well i'm ashamed, that's pitiful, but you must forgive me :) why? cuz i said so (hehe) and just so you know... the whole "bombarding with emails" didn't worry me, it made me consider another three months just to see if you would... plus i like getting mail so... any time you wanna say hi...
*Angel of Wind: and here's the person that keeps me sane ^-^ what more can i say to you? oh! thanks for the review... and thanks for calling me evil! that was friggen awesome! i always wanted to be evil... uh oh... that blond chick was based on a real person... sorta (whoops) hehe you're story? oh yea... that's...a work in process... promise, it's kinda odd, i need some inspiration... got any?
*Bea2688: die? really? i don't wanna be resonsible for anyone's death... so i hope this helps sustain you... thanks for the kind words
*Bella: now? now's a little soon (hehe) oh well, thanks, i got'er done tho, you see :)
*Brenavae: thanks for the contrubution... it was a pretty good idea huh? i worked ^-^ keep me posted on what you think of this...
*chelsae: i did write... see? goals just give me a reason to buy time to write, and it gives you something to work to, so in my eyes... it's all good
*Clare: that's okay, i don't need critisism :) hehe... and here's the next chappie, so tell me what you think of it *hint*hint*
*Danny: point? how intriging... what are they for? what can i do with them? i like this idea tho... hmmm...
*Dreambeast: hehe, i can't help it that i'm review greedy... 9 more is more than i could ever hope for, it was amazing, help me get some more ^-^
*Emerald eyes22: that's all you need to say! who needs more? i don't... well more reviews, but not more substance, that's great THANKS
*Fate of Destiny: tears? geez, i'm making people die and cry? (whoa that rhymes) gah! talk about guilt trips here ppl was this update faster? i know it was so... tell me how much you loved it :) you make 'review' sound almost threatening... hehe... i like it! (yes you need patience)
*Heather: i like being funny, that's a great compliment for me thanks just ever so much!
*hinote: i'm not retarded! i swear it! if only you knew where that came from... hehe well i'm glad you ran into my story and even more glad (glader?) that you liked it
*Incensio Lady: i think i get the point... you don't want any more? jk... here's MORE hope ya like... let me know...
*jazzelda1213: you're friggen awesome, you not only read, and reviewed, but you were nice and you thought it was funny, that makes me happy
*kel_and_dom4eva: dude! you're the best! i love you! (not in a sick way) you're SO right and that's awesome advice, i love it! thanks, i'll work on that, i think it'll help things... you'll have to tell me if you think i improve any... i'll try to
* Kelly Masbolle: why stop? hehe, it made my day, but i'm easy to please thanks for finding time for me...
*korwen: *pen flys across paper* okay okay okay i'm hurring, does that mean you like it?
*Lady Bee: THANK YOU! "update when you can" you're so nice, you understand... thanks for being #205 and so patient and praising...
*Lara Roberts: two? let's not get greedy LOL and i'm so glad you liked my amusement last chappie and think it makes things better okay, i'm counting on you to keep up the reviews...
*lil: okay, i'll keep writing if you keep reviewing :)
*Naru-Kami-Mehami: i'm gald you like it... i hope you continue to, and continue to read and write all your lovely reviews *hint*hint*
*Naz: brilliant huh? i like that... that alone is enough to keep more going THANKIES
*PsychoLioness13: i'm greedy and review hungy, but atleast i know i have a problem and admit it... FEED ME! hehe neal doesn't have many thoughts... he's so fun to write tho...
*rasberry-drops: no seriously... i didn't think you were joking... at least i hoped you weren't but thanks ^-^
*renzy009: i agree about kel and dom... and i don't HAVE to update, but i will, so you're lucky
*Rowana Silvakisma: i can and i will :-p good point about the one review per chapter thing, but that isn't MY rule, it's ff.net's so... anyway, i'm gald you like and here's an update
*slowbum360: i'm just ever so glad, that you found that amusing and brilliant, those words are just amazing to me... here's an update, i hope you like(eventhough it isn't as big a laugh fest) and as always... review!
*!_SmAsH_!: dictate much? hehe you may not have the MOST reviews this time, but i can promise you have the longest and the one's that brighten my day the most ('cuz they got high, because they got high) you love being the slutty maid, and you know it! Admit it! Kinky? hehe i like that... and scout's honor kinda defeats the purpose when you're not a scout... and i AM glad i went home on halloween when i did, and I HOPE you weren't looking.... and you're right, metalica is a little corrupted, but a little corruption never hurt anyone HAHA.... it's weeks passed Taylor's birthday :- p and i haven't been locked in any closets with Stoner (a fate worse than death) i'm glad you agree.... and i am NOT in LOVE with Landon... even after the road trip... i don't think
*spifferoonigirl: that's part of the amusement that she's pleading the fifth when it doesn't exist, don'tcha think? I couldn't find that Different? story you were talking about, and it really sounds good, so maybe you could help me past my retardation a little.... hmm... random comments, sounds like me ^-^ it's not really a "love spuare" it's more like a chaotic mess... but it's my mess and i love it.... awesome... hehe
*Storm Mage: i'm glad you liked it, here's a new chapter in which i hope you find time to review again... cuz it's adicting
*TPfreak: you like it? you really like it! yay! glad to be of some amusement... and don't you worry about Cleon... i have a plan... and it's all up here *points to head* no wait... it's not there hmmm where is it? jk i got it! review!
*YamisGal: thank you madame (that's my new word) i'm glad you liked it, i hope you like the update as well :)
A/N: i don't mean to sound greedy or anything... (because i know i am ^-^) but c'mon people, i still have faith in you, and i know you can still do better than that, so let's get crackin' you review and i write, i should have more time now, but who's to say really? anyway... i won't put a goal on you just yet, but if i don't get some good results, i just might have to^-^... cuz i'm trying to forget that, i'm addicted to you... but i want it, and i need it, i'm addicted to you... c'mon feed my addiction, cuz there are a lot worse things i could be addicted to.... like... idk.... let's not go there, i might not be able to get back.... okay
PEACE! LOVE! and all that CRAP!
~LDoQ