A/N: Ok, so just clarifying for queen-of-sapphires as well as other random confused people. Kel hugged Dom twice because she was zoning out. You know when you're trying to count how many people there are and they're all moving around and you count someone twice? Or miss them all together? Yeah, that's what happened to her. And btw, this chapter includes swearing. Do you think you can handle it: )

And can I please take a moment to thank all my lovely reviewers? This is my first fanfic, and you guys really encouraged me. So FanFictionFantom, HyperLittleCatIsLazy, Clair-a-net (hey, I play clarinet too!), ossini, Dom's Angel, queen-of-sapphires, Annmarie Aspasia, Pussin Boots, and problem cows of the world. I love you guys!

Also, a disclaimer, as it was absent last chapter. It all belongs to Ms. Pierce.

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Kel and Neal left early the next morning after receiving last minute instructions from Raoul. Their friends gathered in the damp grey morning to see them off, and as Kel watched the fort's gates close behind her she felt sorrow sweeping over her. She wondered what lay beyond the swirling fog lying before her. The border between Tortall and Scanra, between safety and death, was invisible, but hard-felt by Kel. She just hoped that she saw this land again.

Kel and Neal continued on in silence as the grey, foggy morning slowly progressed into the grey, foggy, but significantly lighter afternoon. They hadn't crossed the border yet, as their plan was to travel northeast a few leagues before entering Scanra. Scanran troops had been consistently attacking the fort, and walking straight into the large group of armed Scanrans seemed fairly risky. Added to which, even Scanrans knew better than to imprison captives right next to a border.

Finally Kel couldn't stand the silence any longer. Images kept besieging her, and none of them were particularly becoming.

"So, Neal. What's our story? You know Raoul said to come up with one. You know, 'cause he wouldn't choose it for us. He wants us to be comfortable with the roles we're playing. And you know I have no imagination. So you need to start thinking. I know it's painful to think too hard my dear, but try to conjure up something."

Neal made a face at her before sighing wearily. "Well, my part's easy. I'm a healer, traveling in from Galla, trying to get to the capital to look for work. I'm just trying to think of a part for you. You know what most people will think when they see you and I traveling together, they'll assume we're involved sexually. And when they hear we're not married, it'll be thought that we're having an affair. Which won't work wonders for either of our reputations."

"What if I'm your assistant?"

"Well, yeah I thought of that. But I know your experience at healing is, well, nonexistent. Being found fraudulent is also somewhat detrimental to our mission. As well as the fact that I don't want you to be busy with me during the days that we're not traveling. I'm hoping that you can gather gossip from the maids and other women."

Kel considered for a second. "So, if I'm not a love interest or an assistant, then what? A relative might work. I'm… your niece. Your sister and her husband had more children than they could handle, and I was your favorite. Plus, I wanted to see the world, so you decided to take me with you. That way I have an excuse to be curious about everything. And I'm not called a slut."

Kel waited as Neal thought this over. She could see lines in his forehead furrow as he pondered all aspects of this decision. "That works. Yeah, I think we can get away with that." The frown lines in his face broke as he suddenly grinned. "Imagine, the Girl, the Yamani Lump, coming up with a satisfactory idea! I think Mithros just fell off his chair up there in the Heavens from shock!"

Kel smiled at her friend and knight-master. Good, he can joke. This will be serious enough as it is. We'll need the hilarity. I'm glad he's here with me. I don't know what I'd do without him.

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As dusk came upon them, Kel and Neal started to set up camp. They had traveled away from the fighting, and were now close to the Gallan border. As the border between Tortall and Scanra was disputable, neither Kel nor Neal knew which country they were in, but either way they were safe. Tomorrow they would reach the first town, Garat. It was small, but was also well known for being populated by wealthy Scanrans. It was known for its ale and pleasurable company. Kel and Neal hoped that the drink and lust would loosen tongues and provide them with useful information. However, for now, they would enjoy the safety of being alone.

Kel worked on starting the fire, and unpacked the food supplies. She had learned early on that any meal left in Neal's hands would undoubtedly become a disaster. He tended to get distracted halfway through cooking, and would only return to his cooking after it had burned to an inedible crisp. She smiled, remembering when one of Neal's food fires had flamed high enough to light the tree above it, which in turn lit Lord Wyldon's tent. He wasn't pleased.

Neal scowled at his squire. Yes, she was helping, but she was leaving him with another, much worse job. Dealing with The Monster. It was insensitive. No, it was downright cruel. He groaned in frustration and went to face what he knew would be the hardest task of this mission: tying up Peachblossom. He approached the horse carefully, and gingerly reached for the reins, quickly pulling his hand back from snapping teeth. Grrr. I hate this horse. I think he could take out all the Scanrans in our way on his own.

Neal paused, trying to formulate a plan. Finally, he pretended to absently drop a sugar cube from his pocket. As Peachblossom leaned down to eat it, Neal quickly grabbed the reins, while using the rest of his body to keep Peachblossom's head down. He wrapped the reins around a branch and jumped away from the horse, trying to escape Peachblossom's infamous wrath. He didn't think about the gelding's good long distance aim. As Neal backed away, he heard a 'pfft' and felt wetness on his shirt. Looking down he found a greenish brown wad of spit clinging to his previously immaculate shirt.

Kel had also heard the 'pfft.' Turning, she regarded Neal, whose shocked visage sent her into peals of laughter. He glared at her.

"My dear squire, both you and your steed seem to have forgotten the large amount of respect that you are expected to show your knight-master."

Kel grinned, barely concealing it behind her Yamani mask. "Yes, however it is difficult to respect who battles with a horse over something. And loses."

" 'Tis but a minor set-back. I will beat that creature." There Neal threw a hand over his heart, forgetting the mass of saliva that currently resided in the same place. As he peeled back his sticky hand, he looked at Kel sheepishly. "So, um, I'll adjourn to the creek, to make myself more presentable. And can I have a towel?"

Kel handed over the towel, and watched as her best friend made his way to the stream, muttering insults under her breath. She smiled. He's so cute when he's mad. Then she shook her head. Where did that thought come from?

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A more irritable, possibly wiser, but undoubtedly cleaner Neal ruffled through the supplies searching for a tent. Kel was still tending to supper, which smelled better by the minute, and that left him the task of setting up their shelter. He had already dug one tent out of the bags packed for him at the fort. However, he was having major difficulty finding the other one. And he had gone through each bag. Twice. Suddenly an idea struck him. An awful idea, but as this happened rarely enough, he decided to follow its lead. He unfolded the olive green canvas of the already found tent, pursing his lips as he examined its dimensions. Suddenly he cursed under his breath.

Hell. It's a double tent. Which must mean there's only one tent. So Kel and I will be sleeping in the same tent. Why does this have to happen now? Now that I realize that I love her. No! Bad Neal! You don't fall in love with your best friend! It's just not done. And you know she'll never care for you that way. Just keep quiet about it. Maybe it's just a phase. Please let it just be a phase…

Neal heard an inquisitive noise behind him. Kel was staring at him. "Are you ok?" she asked. He nodded his head quickly, too quickly. She stared at him a moment longer with her big brown eyes, then turned back to dishing out dinner. He felt himself melt. It's not just a phase.

Kel was puzzled. Neal was examining at his stew like it was the most fascinating thing that he had ever seen. She knew that it was good, but it wasn't that good. His silence throughout the meal betrayed that he was worried. She just couldn't figure out what he was worried about. They had water, food, protection (Neal had made a barrier around their campground), and already had one rather large tent pitched. Personally, she felt pretty secure.

"Neal." He looked up, startled at the sound of her voice. "What's wrong?"

Neal sighed. He dreaded telling her about their sleeping arrangements. It wasn't that he was worried about her reaction to the news. He was afraid of what emotions he might reveal during the telling. Now would have been a good time to possess one of those damn Yamani masks. But he didn't. And he had to tell her sooner or later.

"Well, it's not that big of a deal really, but…" He trailed off, then gathered his courage and forged ahead. "Did you notice that the tent is a double?"

"Oh, yeah. I thought it looked a bit bigger than normal. Why, what about it?"

"It's all we have. We'll both have to share it. I mean-if that's ok. I can sleep outside if you need me to." Oh no, he was rambling. Stop Neal, stop. Sound normal, like everything's okay.

Kel raised an eyebrow. "That's ridiculous. We can both sleep in it." Then she smiled mischievously. "Congratulations, you're the first man to get me into bed with you."

She had meant it as a joke, so she was surprised when he didn't laugh. When she glanced at him, she was amused to see that he was actually blushing. Looking anywhere but at Kel, Neal cleared his throat. "I'm think I'm going to go feed the horses."

Kel was mystified at Neal's strange behavior. As she bent to pick up the dishes, she thought about his last sentence. Feed the horses? What is wrong with him? Usually he would stay as far away from Peachblossom as possible. There is something very strange going on…

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Neal had calmed himself by the time it was time to go to bed. He allowed Kel ample time in the tent to change and get into her bedroll before he pushed aside the flap and entered the tent. He was glad to see that she was decently clad in a sturdy nightgown, and tucked into the covers. He gave her a small reassuring smile, reassuring himself more than her. It's all okay. Everything is fine. He then turned his back to her and stripped off his shirt.

Kel grinned as he turned back to her and slid into his own bedroll. She didn't know what was more entertaining, his uncomfortable expression and the faint spots of color in his cheeks, or the glimpse of his hard, muscled torso. Probably the torso. I wouldn't mind seeing that again. …Did I just think that?

Before she could have any more bizarre thoughts about her best friend, Kel quickly bid Neal good night and blew out the candle, settling down for a rejuvenating sleep. The last sound she heard was Neal sighing a deep and anguished sigh.

I love my best friend. I am in so much trouble.

A/N: Well, there it is. I hope you enjoyed it. Was it too fluffy? Or is it just right? There will be more plot to come, I promise. But can I keep the romance and still have a decent story? Pleeease? Well, I guess you have a reason to review now. Please please please review! Love always! PrincessPeach