Thanks once more to my beta, the wonderful PrincessPeach131. You are so awesome, I love all the wonderful corrections/additions you made! It helped so much!

Letters from Home

Chapter Eleven:

Neal would've liked to throw his head back and let out a bark of laughter. Unfortunately, because they were in the mess hall, he couldn't do such a thing as show his mirth at the situation. He would probably receive even more peculiar looks than usual. Besides, Kel would know what he was laughing about and would reprimand him, even though she didn't like Cleon any more than he did. Well, she probably did, as he didn't believe it possible to detest the bastard as much as he did, really. So anyway, it was better that he didn't do such a thing. But oh, how he dearly would've loved to do it.

So, snickering lightly under his breath-it wasn't what he would've liked to do, but it worked, he supposed-he followed his friends through the lunch line, tray in hand. He still had an arm loosely draped around Kel's waist, and wasn't going to forsake this comfortable position any time soon. At least, he hoped not. She didn't seem to mind it in the least that his arm was around her, so he was safe. Actually, he noted under close inspection, she seemed to be enjoying their proximity, something that quite surprised Neal. He was curious about this new development, and decided to ponder it later, as at the moment he was rather busy trying to distinguish, and then avoid, the vegetables needed his immediate attention.

Kel foiled Neal's plans by heaping an especially large pile of vegetables onto Neal's plate. She warned him to eat every bite, to which he made a disgusted face but acquiesced nonetheless, for fear of instilling her wrath. They agreed to go to Neal's room to consume their meal, finding it more private, peaceful, and, overall, more enjoyable. When Neal had made this proposal, he had meant it towards Kel-he didn't want the other goons joining in. However, the other knights overheard and assumed they had been invited too, so unfortunately, they followed along. Damn it all, Neal thought. But really, what could he do? Nothing short of kicking them out. And then Kel would scold him for being rude and make him apologize. And, since he wanted neither of the two to happen, he decided it would be better for him to just keep his big mouth shut. That didn't keep him from moping, however.

So they all sat down at the relatively small table in his chambers, pulling chairs from the other room to sit before it, as there were enough the bench had already been reserved by Neal and Kel. Neal was pleased to note that he was getting to sit right next to Kel, and if she had been sitting any nearer, she would've been in his lap. Not that he would've minded that at all. Also, the smarmy bastard Cleon was as far away from her as possible while still being allowed to sit at the same table. Not that his distance was his choice. He had actually been attempting to sit by Kel, with Neal on the opposite end of the table. Really, Neal decided, the red-headed knight was not as far away as he would have liked, actually.

However, thanks to Neal's quick wits, he had managed to secure his place at his best friend's side, glaring at the red head when he tried to get anywhere near her. All in all, it was rather uncomfortable. For Cleon, that is. Neal really had no difficulty. Actually, he relatively enjoyed, even took extreme pleasure in watching the annoying lout fidget on under everyone's unforgiving glares (for everyone was indeed giving him severe looks).

However, Neal and Kel were having no problem with the situation. They enjoyed sitting in the silence, leaning on each other peacefully, with no interruption from anyone else. They were truly quite comfortable with each other, and both tactfully ignored the sharp glares being sent their way from a certain redhead at the table. Or, in Neal's case, made sure to keep his mocking and gloating smiles to himself.

Lunch passed quickly for the group (some more than others), and soon two of the four knights had taken their leave, although bodily force from Owen was required for the removal of one. Neal and Kel were left to relax comfortably in each other's company. Mostly, they sat in companionable silence, laying on the carpeted floor and just enjoying the quiet time spent together. They attempted some hesitant conversation, hesitant only because neither wanted to disturb the peace of the moment. However, soon it turned to more serious things.

"Why are you so infuriated with Cleon? You behave as though…" Kel knitted her brow, not knowing how to term it, or even if it were possible that she could.

Neal arched a brow. "Like I want to murder the…. him?" It was considerably obvious that he was going to finish that sentence with something different, but he wisely decided to change it. However, his presumption that he'd be reprimanded about his slip of tongue faded as Kel simply chuckled.

"Precisely. Now, answer," the lady knight stipulated with a curve of the lips.

Neal rolled his eyes, but tentatively replied, "Well, you see, several weeks ago I got an appalling letter from him. It talked about you in quite an offensive way, saying things I won't repeat, as he was being a bloody arse. I gave him a wholly nasty note in reply." He smiled, utterly and extremely delighted with himself, before continuing, "I haven't been happy with him since."

She snorted, then said, with a roll of her hazel eyes, "Not happy? That's one of the biggest understatements I've ever had the pleasure of hearing." She gave him a small, light smile before leaning over and kissing him lightly on the cheek. "Thank you for defending me," she whispered to him in a gentle voice.

He gulped audibly, but didn't reply, knowing that if he did, something that was better left unsaid would come out. Unbeknownst to him, it would have been better for all if it had come out, because neither would have then been left to ponder and mourn over what they believed to be unrequited love.

So, they sat in silence, broken only when Kel's low voice said from beside him, "You don't know how glad I am to be back."


Zippiy Girl- Thank you!

Annmarie Aspasia-lol. I know, I was extremely overjoyed to bring them back together, too. It was such fun. grins Thank you-I wasn't sure. However, now that I and my beta are going over the whole story and making corrections, they shouldn't have a problem. Anyway, thank you for your review-I loved it!

FanFictionFantom-No truer words have ever been uttered. Cleon is a horribly dumb oaf.

Allisarte-Lol. Thanks! I am too...I was sick of the complaints! Lol.

Lady Knight 5152-Thanks! I enjoyed writing the letters...in some ways, it sounds like my best friend and I now, which I find amusing, having never even met her when I first started the story. I'm so glad they are back together...so much fun! Lol. I agree! They should go screw themselves! MWAHAHAHAHA! I have a whole nice story (that I haven't posted) set to bashing Cleon (or, as Cami dedicated him, Cling-On sniggers)...You can see how much I hate him! Lol.

Pinky-lol. Thanks! Wow, everyone is saying that. Grins and I agree totally! I do hope its soon...truthfully, though, I've no earthly idea. lol. I know...watching Cleon get jealous IS loads of fun. But with KN romance, I'm hoping it will beeven better!

Knight Queen-Thanks! I'm very flattered!

The ORIGINAL Meathead-lol. Thanks! I particularly enjoyed writing that part, truthfully. I'm glad you liked it!

Alianne Cooper-lol. Thanks! bows graciously I love burning Cleon...I really do hate the git. Grins

Hannah-Lol. thanks. I loved writing that part...what's life if you can't yell at some idiot!

White Wolf2-lol. Thanks! I'm wicked! Awesome! cackles merrily

Pookie:lol. I know, don't they? So wonderful, sarcastic, and witty...so much like me. Snickers Yep, I do say that phrase all the time...but only because it's so suiting! MWAHAHAHAHA! I'll email you, cool your jets. Actually, since you are technically grounded, there is not really a point. As we figured out, they don't reach my house. Sighs Unfortunate. Stupid houses. lol. ANyway, I hope you like your name! cackles evilly I knew you'd love it...almost as much as Meathead loves his. lol.

Emily-lol. Thanks! blushes from all the flattery It's much better, with all your wonderful help! I know, KN is like the best...grins I'm so lucky you begged...and helped me beta and all that stuff...lol. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had this up till like June or something ridiculous. You made me get my butt in gear. Lol.

ANGRY AND CONFUSED: lol. THanks for the review. It was actually this that made me really sit down and work on this chapter. Lol. I loved your review! It's awesome!

Skysong: lol. Thanks! Yup, they are like totally adorable together! grins Sorry...my beta and I have been working on fixing that up...The non italics between the letter is just the thoughts of the person reading it.

pinky: wow. you can review twice! awesome! lol. but i did update...finally! I hope i will...but only if my stupid principal gets off her butt and quits threatening me about my grades!

Okay, everyone, now you have to review, please! And when you're done with that, go read PrincessPeach131's stories! They are totally awesome, and KN! Grins You'll love them! Now, begone with you, knaves! laughs