Disclaimer: Not mine.

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Flashback:

He took it, the warmth of his hand and the recent shower engulfing hers. "Even. And friends."

"Really." She smiled mischievously. "Well in that case I think that I'm supposed to tell you that you missed a spot." She placed her hand on his abdominals, meaning to wipe off the last bit of shampoo. She moved her palm upward, unintentionally caressing the grooves of his hard muscle. His breath caught, and their eyes met, each displaying a bit of their pent up emotions.

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Kel looked into Neal's emerald eyes, her hand flattening on his stomach. He took a step toward her, still holding her eyes with his. Kel was frozen, she couldn't even think, she just watched his face come closer and closer to hers. She lifted her chin, and opened her mouth slightly as she began to say something, but was cut short as his mouth swooped down to claim hers. It lingered for a moment, lips against lips, as heat engulfed her. Then the warmth departed, and suddenly Kel could think of nothing else. She wrapped one hand around his neck and pulled him back down to her. He responded eagerly, and was just slipping his tongue between her lips when knocking sounded at his door.

Kel and Neal sprung apart, just as a flustered Raoul barged through the unlocked door. He paused slightly upon noticing the red faces of both knight and squire before continuing on his tirade.

"You!" He pointed at Neal, then Kel. "I don't know what just happened in here, and I don't want to know, I simply know that if you haven't come up with a plan for that blasted general I will order you both hung instantly."

Kel and Neal glanced at each other, before Neal stepped forward. "Yes sir, Lord Raoul, we have indeed concocted a plan."

The general waited for Neal to continue, and when Neal stopped, he raised both eyebrows. "And would you care to share that plan?"

Neal looked helplessly at Kel, and she decided to take over. "Well, sir, we were discussing how much power this general holds over the army."

Raoul looked ready to spit fire. "You've got that right. Already we have the entire Scanran getting ready to launch a siege on this fort. So unless you want us all slaughtered, you better elaborate on this plan."

"Yes of course, I was getting to that." Kel responded calmly, quickly trying to come up with some ideas. She was incredibly grateful when Neal took over.

"Sir, I believe his power is the key. And to avoid being hurt by the Scanran army, I suggest that you deliver the general back to them."

Silence reigned for a moment as both squire and general looked at the knight in sheer disbelief. Finally Kel spoke. "Now Meathead, we all knew that you were insane, but this goes beyond our wildest dreams. Did that shower contain dangerous drugs?"

Even Raoul had to laugh at that one, before turning once again to Neal. "Please, Queenscove, do your best to enlighten us on your line of thinking. Only after that will we consider in which mental institution you will be staying."

Neal glared at both people in front of him. "I assure you that no therapy is necessary. You indeed may be so grateful to my ideas that you will go crazy in the mere thought of my brilliance." Raoul's eyes narrowed in disbelief, and Neal waved a hand before continuing. "You see, the general is invaluable to his army. Although they could still decimate us without him, they have no tactics and strategy. Also, we have no leverage over them. As a hostage, he would be worthless, as they know that they could easily win him back. Therefore, the only possibilities we have are to either kill him, which would further enrage the Scanrans, or we could return him. The latter is the only way to save our skins." Raoul moved to protest, but Neal kept going. "Lord Raoul, please refrain from interrupting me until I am finished." Ignoring the general's shock, Neal finally revealed his central idea. "What we need to do is find someone to control the general. Use a focus and a powerful mage to control his mind. The army places their complete trust in this man, and they will follow him to ruin. Ruin that we can create."

Neal smirked as his plan was digested. Kel looked disbelieving, but also grateful. Lord Raoul spent several minutes deliberating on the idea, and finally grinned. "Nealan of Queenscove, remind me to give all credit to you when we decimate the Scanrans."

Neal grinned, but gesture to Kel, saying quickly, "Sir, Kel helped as well. She gave me the idea, and, of course, she brought the general with us." He smirked at her.

Kel opened her mouth to protest, and then realized that Neal was recognizing her for a good deed. She smiled at him.

Neal felt his stomach drop at Kel's smile. Suddenly, the memory of the kiss returned to him. I can't believe I kissed her. Oh, but it was amazing! I've wanted to do that for… so long. I've loved her forever. And she's such an amazing kisser! Wait… That's right, she did kiss me back! Does that me she likes me too?

Kel was also thinking along the same lines. That was a great kiss. I'm so shocked that he kissed me! But so glad. But what about that kiss before in the infirmary? Does he just want someone to kiss? That must be it. Otherwise, he would have confessed about it. Right?

Kel was still puzzling and Neal continued smiling senselessly as Raoul finally spoke again. "Well, I am off to contact their majesties about this new development. I expect you both to be present at a meeting tonight after dinner." He looked at both squire and knight and sighed. "Try to not get into too much trouble in my absence."

He left, slowly closing the door behind him.

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Neal and Kel stared at the closing door, and then looked at each other again. Neal moved toward Kel, meaning to capture her lips once again, but she held him off.

Neal frowned. "Kel? What's wrong?"

She blinked at him, thinking I am a stone. "I don't really think that this is fair. I know that you just want some kisses, and that's fine, but your best friend isn't the right choice."

He blinked and opened his mouth to set her straight. "Kel, I don't just want kisses. I really care for you."

She shook her head and one tear spilled out of her eye. "Neal, can't you just be honest with me? Haven't we been through enough for you to just tell the truth?"

Neal was astonished. Kel? Crying? Because of him? "But it is the truth, Kel, I swear."

Kel just looked at him. "No it isn't. If you really cared about me, you would have explained that kiss in the infirmary. But you just wanted some company didn't you? Even some that wasn't conscious." She looked at him sadly, one more tear trickling down her cheek as she opened the door and walked out.

Neal stood there for a long while, staring at the door.

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Oooooh fluff! And a kiss! Finally! You know you love me. Tons. And I love you.

The Golden Shadow: Thank you. And yeah, I've heard, but hearing it a lot is always fun. : )

Crazy4tamorap: Well, it's not finished, but it's closer to its conclusion!

Stormy Winter: Thank you so so much for that review. I guess it's mutual, because reading your reviews make my day brighter too. Also, if you ever need anything, or just someone to talk to, I am here. My email's posted, and you're totally welcome to email me. I'm sorry life isn't cool right now, and I hope so much that it gets better!

Baseball2horse: I am totally not offended and I am grateful. That was a fantastic review and I really enjoyed it!

Irish Violinist: Here tis

Arcadia: Gracias! As always, thanks for all the support.

Jeweled Rose: Fluff is just happiness with butterflies and rainbows and bubbles. Or in English, everyone loves fluff.

Haven: Not sure if I shall, but I'll keep your advice in mind.

Piglet12345: Thanks for the advice and criticism, both are really helpful. I don't want it to end either!

E.V.P: Of course not. Thank you.

Kings Lioness: Thanks, I will.

Lady Em-Chan: Soon! Like-next chapter

FanFictionFantom: I'll think about it, I have no idea what I'll do.

Enchantress Sun: Me too! Here you are.

HyperLittleCat: Thank you for another great review!

SiriusForeva: Neal is so much more than cute!

Pussin Boots: Thanks again for all your devoted reviewing and advice!

Keladry612: Thanks!

Dreamerdoll: You know you love me. You also know that you are VERY BAD for not emailing me yet.

Lady Knight 1512: Fluffiness rocks!

Fic Slayr: I like fluff! The chamber didn't contact her, it was a dream, and she repeated cuz of Lalasa.

Ok, so I know that was a short chapter, and there may be a few typos, but I have to post this now, cuz I'm getting my wisdom teeth out and will not be writing for a little while. But reviews will cheer me up while I'm unable to eat and talk! Hint hint. Awww you all know that I totally love you, and if any of you ever need anything I'm here. And my story's winding down to a close… I don't want it to end! So, anyway, REVIEW!

Love love

PrincessPeach