A/N: Hey everybody! I'm glad you all like that first chapter! Here's the next one, I hope you like this one just as much! Oh and this is basically just a filler chappie between the first one, and the actual wedding...so it's a little random...
Disclaimer: I think I forgot this in the last one...Oh well, it's the same...I don't own nuthin, except the plot, and if there's anything you don't recognize its mine.
Review Answers at the bottom!
(((Next Morning)))
Kel woke before dawn, and -as usual- she took down her glaive and began a pattern dance. She decided to do a more complex set of cuts, and strikes to clear her mind. A knock on her door shook her out of her thoughts. She sighed and rested her glaive on her chair. As soon as the door was open, Neal rushed in.
"So my dear Meathead, did you remember why you were here yesterday?" she asked sweetly. He didn't seem to notice the use of his most hated nickname, because he carried on without stopping. She picked up her glaive and began to clean it.
"Yes I did, I came to ask a favor..." Kel waited for him to go on, and when he didn't she inquired, "And what kind of favor would that be?"
"Umm...well you see it kind of complicated..." he began. "Uh, well you see tomorrow is mine and Yuki's anniversary...so umm I was wondering if you could help me think of something to do..." he blurted.
Kel started laughing. "That's the favor?" she asked grinning. "Of course I'll help, but lets go find Dom too, he can probably help you more than I can." Her stomach growled. "We'll go find him, but first we're going to breakfast."
Neal brightened. "I'm starving!" After a moments thought, he added, "Race 'ya!"
"You're on!" she shouted then bolted out of the room.
They were neck and neck the whole run, until they were a few feet from the door. Kel looked at him and smiled, then from out of no where, she got a burst of power and jumped ahead of Neal. She tapped the door, turned and said, "I win Meathead, it looks like your getting slower!" He was panting and leaning a hand on the door. "No I think I'm just getting old." They both started laughing and walked into the mess hall. They grabbed their trays, and loaded them up with food. Then they found the table where Owen, Merric, Seaver, and the rest of their friends were. Kel and Neal ate quickly. When they were done, they excused themselves, and went to the Own's barracks. On the way there, they bumped into Raoul.
"Congratulations Kel! I hope you can keep Dom in line better than me!" he said, grinning from ear to ear. He waved goodbye, and moved on. They reached Dom's door, and knocked. When he didn't answer, Kel pushed the door open, and whispered, "Dom?" She walked into the dark room, and was fumbling around for a light, when she tripped on something. She remembered her Shang training just in time, cleanly avoiding a broken nose. Suddenly Dom sat up.
"Huh! Whats going on in here!" he asked. "And what am I doing on the floor?" he looked around and saw someone else sprawled on the floor.
"Neal? Some light please?" Kel asked.
Neal called up his magic, and held a ball of green fire in his palm. Kel looked around. "Dom, why are you sleeping in the middle the floor?"
"Kel? Neal? What are you doing here?"
"We came to ask you something, but instead, I got to trip on you." Kel smirked.
Dom stood up, shaking off his blankets, to reveal himself half naked. Kel stifled a laugh, and Neal flushed. "Dom darling, don't you want to put on some clothes?" she asked sweetly. "We do have company you know..." she added nodding at Neal.
Dom looked down. "You're always trying to change me." he said, shaking his head.
Kel couldn't contain it anymore, she burst out laughing. She was rolling on the floor with laughter. Dom joined in, and after a moment so did Neal. When they had gotten themselves under control, Dom went to his dresser and pulled on some breeches. "Well my wonderful Lady Knight, what brings you to my humble home?" he asked, patronizing her.
"Neal had a problem." she said simply. She stood up, and sat don on the bed. Dom sat next to her, and motioned to a chair for Neal. He pulled it up in front of them and sat down. He just sat there staring at his feet, so it was Kel who spoke, "Tomorrow is his and Yuki's anniversary, and he wants us to help him think of things he can do, to make it special."
"Ah, I see..." said Dom. "Hmm...let me think about it for a little while, Kel and I will come up with a list of ideas for you, and you can decide which ones you like."
Neal agreed and left.
Once the door was firmly in place, Dom looked at Kel. She was looking back at him. Their eyes locked, and soon after, their lips did too. When they finally pulled apart, Dom went over to his desk, and pulled out a piece of chalk and slate. He went back over to the bed, and handed the items to Kel. When she gave him a questioning look, he said simply, "You write better than me."
"Okay, so what's first?" she asked with a smile.
"Well, there's this...oh and this is good..." This is how it was for about the next couple of hours or until...Dom's stomach growled. He smiled sheepishly. "I never ate breakfast...so I guess I'm a little hungry."
"Then lets go con something off the kitchen for you." she grinned. They stood up and moved for the door. Kel turned around, and put a hand on his chest. "Maybe you should put a shirt on first." she smirked. He took her hand and kissed it. "Anything for my beautiful Protector of the Small!" he said, and ducked as she swung at him. "Get dressed my adorable Sergeant!" she countered. "Yes Ma'am!" he said, then slid into the room.
He emerged a moment later, fully clothed. He offered her his arm and said, "Milady?" She dropped her head onto his shoulder and accepted his arm. Soon they were racing to the kitchens, until they ran into someone. All of them fell over onto the stone walkway.
"Whats going on?" asked the mystery person.
"We're very sorry Sir, let me help you up." said Dom. He stood up, and helped Kel to her feet with one hand and offered the other to the man on the ground.
The man took Dom's hand and said, "Thank you Sergeant." Dom, startled, looked into the man's face. Kel gasped. The man had striking sapphire eyes, and jet black hair. They had just run into the King of Tortall. The ruler of their Kingdom. She immediately dropped to one knee, and said, "Your Majesty, I am eternally sorry for my rudeness. I beg of your forgiveness." She waited for an answer, and when one didn't come, she raised her head a tiny bit, and saw the King's eyes crinkle in amusement. "No harm done Keladry, all is forgiven." he said. "And please, call me Jon." he added.
She nodded and stood. "Then if I am to call you Jon, will you please call me Kel?" she asked hopefully. "People don't usually use my full name." she said. "Well, not unless I'm in trouble." she added.
Jon laughed. "If you promise never to call me your Majesty, your Highness, my Lord, or even Sir, I will refrain from calling you Keladry."
"Not even Sir?" she questioned.
"No not Sir. I don't like any of those titles, so call me Jon." he replied.
It was then that Kel remembered Dom. "Dom and I were going to the kitchens for something to eat, would you care to join us?"
"Thank you, but I must decline. I was just on my way to speak with Raoul, but perhaps another time?" And with that they went their separate ways. This time Kel and Dom went a little slower, so as not to run into –perhaps- the other Monarch.
They were able to con some food off the cooks, and they went to the gardens to eat it. They sat in the grass, -Kel in Dom's lap- and talked. Soon Kel asked, "Remember the day you proposed?"
"Yes." he replied simply.
Flashback
Kel and Dom were at New Hope. They were outside the walls, walking alongside the stream. They found a big rock, and sat down on it.
"Kel," said Dom. "I love you."
"I love you too Dom." she said, wondering where this was going.
"I mean it Kel. I loved you from the first moment I saw you." he whispered. "I want to be with you for the rest of my life." he added, pulling out a ring box. He got down on one knee and asked, "Kel will you marry me?"
Kel leaned down, and kissed him. He kissed her back, and it was full of passion. "Yes Dom!" Kel said with tears in her eyes. "Of course I will marry you!" His eyes brightened, and he picked her up and spun around, stopping only to her big, full lips again.
They broke their embrace due to sounds of clapping. They looked around, and spotted Neal. He was atop his horse, and everyone from the refuge camp was surrounding them, shouting their congratulations, and offering their support for preparations.
Kel and Dom started laughing. Then -along with everyone else- they ran back to the awaiting gates of New Hope.
End Flashback
Kel laughed at the memory. They got up, and started to look for Neal. They found him a moment later pacing in his study. "Meathead, sit down before you put a hole in your floor." Dom smirked.
Neal sighed and sat behind his desk. He motioned to two chairs in front of him. They sat and Kel pulled out the slate that had their list, and handed it to Dom.
Kel said, "Ok here's what we came up with:" Dom read off the list.
1. Have Kel make traditional Yamani foods for a romantic picnic lunch
2. Buy her a beautiful new Kimono for dinner (go to Lalasa for this)
3. Go horseback riding
4. Buy her a nice present
5. Tell her you love her
6. Put flower petals on the bed
7. Go for a walk in the gardens
"So," asked Kel "What do you think?"
Neal jumped up and ran around the desk. He hugged Kel, and Dom, then started jumping up and down. "You guys are the best!" he shouted. "Yuki will be blown away!"
"So which ones are you going to do?" inquired Dom, with a sly grin.
"Hmmm...maybe all of them," replied Neal "If there's time."
Kel and Dom left Neal to his planning, and took a ride to Corus.
They went to the market place, to find the items Kel needed for Neal's picnic. They found some of the spices, and a few of the other things, but not everything. She decided she would have to ask Yuki. "Lets go home Dom." she told him. "We've been here all day." They rode quickly back up to the Palace. They un-tacked their mounts and went to dinner. They ate in the Own's mess hall. They sat with Raoul, and Dom's squad; at a table in the corner. They talked for hours while everyone finished eating. Kel was practically asleep. She had a long day and she was tired. She stifled a yawn, but Raoul noticed. "Sergeant get this girl to bed!" he said to Dom. Wolset grinned wolfishly. Unfortunately, Raoul saw that too... "Something funny, Corporal?" he questioned, eyes blazing. "N-no Sir." replied Wolset. "Good." He turned back to Kel and Dom. "Kel go to bed and get some rest." he said. "Yes Da." she replied teasing him.
They left, and Dom walked Kel back to her rooms. When they got there, Dom leaned down –just a little- to kiss her ever-so passionately. She returned the fervor. They broke apart and said goodnight. Kel went into her bedchambers. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was asleep.
(((Next Morning)))
Yuki's POV
Sigh. Today is our anniversary. Neal hasn't said anything about it! He probably forgot. But he was acting really weird yesterday...I wonder what's on his mind...she wondered. She sighed again and rolled out of bed. She decided not to wake Neal up just yet. She leaned over to give him a kiss, only to find that he wasn't there! Maybe he went to breakfast she thought. She put on a pale pink Kimono, and went to find him. She walked along the corridors looking for her husband. She reached the Knight's mess hall, and pushed open the doors. All eyes were riveted on her. "Umm..."she said timidly. "I'm looking for Nealan. Has anyone seen him?" she added. Kel stood up and ran over to her friend. "Yuki?" she asked, concerned. "Yuki, are you alright?" Yuki put on her Yamani mask and said, "I'm fine Kel." Then added as an afterthought, "But can I talk to you? Privately?"
Kel nodded and followed her out. They walked outside and sat on the grass. Kel waited for Yuki to talk, then asked, "Yuki what's wrong?" Yuki sighed.
"You know me too well Kel." she said with a smile. She was silent for a moment longer then she broke.
"Oh Kel!" she sobbed. "Kel I think I'm boring him!" she put her hands over her face. "Kel, what if he doesn't love me anymore?" she asked frightened. (A/N: I know she doesn't actually do any of that, but bear with me, I had to make her like that other wise nothing else would work out right...so don't kill me)
Kel finally understood. She laughed. "Yuki, I'm more than sure he still loves you." she said grinning. "And you are definitely not boring him!"
"But Kel how can you be sure!" she demanded.
Kel smiled. "Yuki trust me on this one." she said. "You just need to trust me." she added quietly.
Yuki nodded and wiped her eyes on her sash. They stood up and went back inside.
"Yuki? Can I borrow some cooking things? I want to make Dom some Yamani food. I got some things in Corus yesterday, but there are still a few things I need..." she trailed off.
Yuki brightened. "Sure! Just tell me what you need!" she said. "And if you need help, don't hesitate to ask!" They went to Neal and Yuki's rooms, and got the other items Kel needed. She thanked Yuki and left.
(Back to) Kel's POV
She got the remaining things from Yuki, and rushed back to her rooms. She gathered up all the things she needed, and went to the kitchens. She quickly got permission from the cooks to use a small corner. She set out all her ingredients and began cooking.
(((1 hour later)))
Kel had finished all her food, and gotten a picnic basket from Ethel the head chef. She took it back to her rooms, and went to find Neal. He was conning some flowers off the gardener. "Meathead, your picnic is ready, oh and Yuki is afraid you don't love her anymore so you better do something fast..." she told him. Neal jumped. He hadn't known she was behind him. He grabbed the roses, and pulled a little box out of his pocket. "I'm ready for inspection!" She laughed and looked him over. "You're in tip-top condition Sir Meathead. You're ready to greet your beloved." he grinned and ran off to his rooms.
(Once again) Yuki's POV
She was moping around their rooms when the door burst open. In walked Neal. "Hello my dear." he said before dropping what he was holding onto the desk, and wrapping his arms around her waist. He kissed her deeply, and broke away before she realized what was happening. It donned on her, and she beamed. Kel was right! She shouted in her head. Neal ran over to the desk and brought her a bouquet of red roses, and a small wrapped box. She set the box on the bed and got a vase for the flowers. "Neal they're lovely!" She set them on her bedside table and picked up her present. "Can I open it?" she asked excitedly.
"Of course! Open it!" he replied
She ripped off the wrapping, and found a tiny velvet box. She opened it, and gasped. Inside was a charm bracelet. It had various gems, and mini figurines. Also in the box, were earrings. They were diamonds set in white gold. She jumped up and kissed Neal. "Neal this bracelet is beautiful! And these earrings are gorgeous!" she said ecstatically.
"And that's not all. I have another surprise for you at dinner. And for lunch we're going for a horseback ride, and we'll bring a picnic lunch." he said. "And Yuki, I love you." he added.
(((Lunch Time)))
Neal had gotten the picnic lunch from Kel, before heading to the stables. Yuki was going to meet him in half a bell, and he needed to saddle the horses. Kel said that Yuki could ride Hoshi. So first he located Hoshi's tack, and saddled her up. Then he tacked up his own riding mount Magewhisperer. Then he hooked the basket onto his saddle horn, and led both horses up to the courtyard. Yuki was waiting for him. He helped her into the saddle, and handed her the reins. Then he mounted his horse and they rode off. They rode along for an hour or so, then stopped by a small stream. They found a large rock. They spread a blanket over it, and sat down. Neal brought out the picnic basket and spread its contents out on the blanket. Yuki gasped as she realized what they were about to eat. "Neal, where did you get all this food?" she asked, confused.
"Kel made it for me." he replied. "She said it was your favorite. Was she right? Is this all okay?"
Yuki smiled. "It's perfect Neal!" She picked up a rice roll, and fed it to him. He fed her a sushi wrap. This is how it was until they were both stuffed. Then they sat on the edge of the stream, swishing their legs in the cool crisp water. Yuki rested her head on Neal's shoulder. He leaned down and surrounded her soft lips with his own. She kissed him back with even more passion. Neal darling, I love you." she said when the kiss had ended.
"I love you too Yuki." he said, before kissing her again.
They spent the day together, enjoying each others company. On their way back to the Palace, Neal told Yuki to go ahead. "I need to get your other surprise in Corus. I'll be back soon." he said, then rode off.
He arrived in Lalasa's shop moments before she closed. "I thought you'd never get here! You cut it very close!" she told him sternly.
"I know, I'm sorry, I got held up. I was with Yuki." he replied hurriedly. "But I'm here now, can I have it?" he asked.
She reached behind the counter, and pulled out a prettily wrapped package. "Take it. she said thrusting it at him. "He thanked her and rode back to the Palace. He quickly un-tacked his mount, and rushed back to his rooms. Yuki was sitting at the desk, writing a letter. He –for the second time that day- burst into the room. He gave her the present and told her to open it. She looked into his eyes, as if looking for a clue. He just smiled at her and said, "Hope you like it dear." She carefully unwrapped the beautiful paper, inside was a white box. She lifted the top. and was stunned. In the box, was a beautiful silk Kimono. It had yellow butterflies on the luxurious pink silk; the sash around the middle was also yellow. She pulled it out, and held it up in the light. "Go try it on." he said gently. She jumped up and ran into the dressing room. She came out looking stunning. "How did you know the right size?" she asked.
"I went to Lalasa; how else?" he said grinning. "Now come on, we'll be late." he added.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"We're having dinner with Kel and Dom." he replied.
"Give me a moment." she said. "I need to do my hair, and put on some face paint."
"Yuki you are beautiful without it." he told her with a smile.
"It will only take a minute," she said "And besides, it makes me prettier." she smirked.
Ten minutes later, they were on their way to Kel's rooms. Yuki had put her hair up in a bun, and put decorative chopsticks through it. She was wearing light yellow eye paint, and pink lip rouge. She also had on a touch of blush. When they reached Kel's rooms, Neal knocked. Dom answered the door. He was dressed almost the same as Neal. In his 'ballroom best', as Kel called it. He showed them into the living room, where candles were set all around the room. There was a small table in the center. It was set for four, and had two candles on it. Kel was sitting in one of the chairs, looking at them. She was wearing a green dress with hazel trim. It had a slightly low cut, with emeralds around the neck line. Her soft brown hair was brushed, and left down, caressing her shoulders. She was wearing red lip rouge, a light blush, and a hint of green eye paint. She looked at Yuki. "Do you like it?" she asked "It's a wedding gift from Dom." she added.
"Kel, you look wonderful." Yuki said.
Kel blushed. "So do you Yuki."
Neal cleared his throat, and walked Yuki over to the table. He pulled out the chair next to across from Kel, and once Yuki was sitting, he sat next to her. Dom took his seat beside Kel. He leaned over a lifted the silver dome off the platter. Kel lifted another, and Neal a third. They all started to eat, and chat. They were having lots of fun together, but soon they were all full, and were very tired. Neal and Yuki bade them goodnight, and trudged back to their rooms.
Upon entering the bedroom, Yuki was taken aback. There were flower petals covering the bed. "B-But Neal, how did these get here?" she asked stunned. "You were with me the whole time!"
Neal grinned. "I put them there when you were getting ready." he replied. "I wanted to surprise you." he added waggling his eyebrows suggestively. Yuki laughed and said, "Come here, my wonderfully romantic husband." she said, holding her arms wide. He obediently walked over to her. She kissed him, and he kissed her back.
A/N: Dun Dun Dun! I know I'm a hypocrite...I hate cliffies, yet I give you guys one...but I'll tell you what, here's what happens:
As I'm sure you all know, the kissing leads to more...unfortunately, this fic is rated PG...I think...so I have to leave you with just the kissing. Anyway...Hope you all like it, plz review!
Answers:
Yazmari: Glad you luv it! I know, BR would have been good, but too many people wanted KD...sry...lol! that's my favorite part too!
ColossalSky: I luv this pairing too! Hope you like this one as much as the last one!
seabiscuit0810: That's ok, your still funny! And don't worry about it, we all have those days! Everyone needs random! Two of my best friends, I swear, their middle name is random! But that's what makes them so great! I'm so glad you like it! I hope you like this one too!
CoPpErFyRmAgE: Same here! Yuki would be devastated if Kel married Neal! Anyway...glad you like it! I've got a long time...if you care to explain the cheez-it transporter...lol
jasmineb: Ha ha! Thanx! Glad you like it!
lianhuaflower13: Yah I guess there was...but not cuz of my block...just felt like it, and that's what they do!
USNA: Glad you luv it! Here's more KD, wedding is next chapter!
DOMLUVR4EVER: lol! Not a problem! Hope you like it!
magewhisperer: Thanx! So glad you like it! Hmm...you mean like a Roger/Delia wedding? Or just a new story about Roger?
wildace keladry2005: lol! That's a good thing right? This one's a filler, but next one is the wedding, then I will definitely do DN!
Fiyren: Cool name! Thanx for the review! And for the compliments! Hope you like this chapter!
Sunkissed Guacamole: Even though you're too lazy to review...I know you read it...or...at least I think you did...plz review this one!