hey guys! ok, im continuing with this story coz i feel like it and i have nothing much better to do. its summer holidays soon so i dont have much homework. so here it is! this ones longer than the last one (i reckon anyway) enjoy!

Sorry i deleted then added again. i made a mistake and i realised it when i was reading it AFTER i published it. silly me. so here it is again.

From previous chapter:

"Well obviously not!" Dom's eyes twinkled with humour. Neal quietly excused himself and slid out the door, closing it behind him to give them some privacy.

Chapter 2:

Kel looked down, ashamed, but noticing Neal's escape, she changed the topic to how much Neal was in love with Yuki. Dom got the idea and began talking very loudly. As if he heard what they were saying, Neal burst back into the infirmary, demanding that they go to the mess for lunch.

"When did you slip out Neal? We didn't even notice you were gone," Dom said, winking to Kel.

Catching on, Kel said, "Yes, I guess we were enjoying ourselves so much that neither of us noticed you because you were so unusually quiet."

Outraged but still intent on winning this, Neal replied, "Well of course you didn't notice me. You two were too busy staring into each other's eyes like love-sick sweethearts." That sent blushes on both faces, though not as much on Kel's as she struggled to keep her mask on top.

"You mean just like the way you look at Yuki's picture on your bedside table? Or the way you look when you're reciting your terrible poetry to her?" Dom shot at him.

Neal blushed, and ending the little debate, he motioned for Dom to join him in helping Kel up onto her feet. As Kel and Dom walked through the door, Kel's hand unconsciously swept back and touched Dom's. He held her soft hand in his own. She flinched at his touch, but soon relaxed. Neal, who was watching all of this, started to put jigsaw pieces together in his head. So they do love each other. I wonder if this will work out. I have a feeling Third Company will have lots to bet on this Mid-Winter. Time for me to count my savings. He chuckled.

Entering the mess, Kel's hold on Dom's hand grew tighter when she saw a familiar red-headed knight sitting at their usual table.

"Who's the new-comer?" Dom whispered in her ear.

"Cleon," she could only manage a whisper, but Dom could hear her from where he was.

"Isn't he the knight who courted you on progress?" Dom asked, clenching his fists.

"Yes, but Dom, don't get any ideas. Nothing happened between us. He went off to marry a lady from a rich family. His mother arranged his marriage for him. Our courtship was only temporary. I had no feelings for him the way I do for you." She told him firmly. It seemed to comfort him, but he wouldn't unclench his fists.

Neal caught up to them, and stared wide-eyed. "It's – Is that – Oh Mithros! It's Cleon!" his voice could be heard in the Yamani Islands. All heads in the mess turned to him, then realising that it was nothing, they turned back to their meal. Except of course, a certain red head. His eyes were glued not on Neal, but on the Lady Knight walking beside him, holding hands with another fairly familiar man.

"Hi Neal! So good to see you! How long's it been? 1 and a half years? Mithros, I've missed you!" And with that, he gave Neal a bear hug. His eyes travelled back to Kel, who was stunning even though she was in her usual practice clothes. She was never this beautiful when we were on Progress. How – Why is she so stunningly lovely now? He was lost in thoughts until a strangled cry came from Neal, who was being crushed.

"Cleon! Choking. Not – not breathing. Argh!" Neal croaked. Kel and Dom just laughed at the sight of Neal getting squashed.

"Oops. Sorry," he said. Turning to Kel, he hugged her and said, "Kel, you look gorgeous! How's knighthood for you?" Glancing at Dom, he introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Cleon of Kennan. I think we've met before."

Dom clenched his fists harder, digging his nails into his palms. "Yes, I think we met on Progress. I'm Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle of the King's Own," he introduced himself formerly, with a bow, then ducking the hand Kel swatted at him. "Okay, okay, you can just call me Dom." With that, he led Kel away from Cleon and Neal, who were exchanging news about events up North, and steered her towards the line. They got Neal's meal for him, with extra vegetables thanks to a certain lady knight.

Neal grimaced when he saw the amount of greens on his tray. "Why are you doing this to me?" he whined to Kel.

"Well, it seems like the Lioness didn't really care what her squire ate, so somebody needs to make sure you eat properly. So I decided to resume my job as your food guardian." She grinned wickedly. Everyone laughed their heads off while Neal sat staring at his green infested plate as if it would jump up and eat him.

"I missed seeing you, Mother," remarked Cleon.

"So, Cleon, what brings you here to New Hope? I thought you were on patrol in the North," said Kel, attempting to strike up a conversation.

"Well, his Majesty allowed us knights to take a break for Mid-Winter, leaving First Company on patrol. So I decided to come visit New Hope since I haven't seen you, Neal or Merric in almost 2 years," he replied.

"Kel has told me lots about you, Cleon. So, tell me, how was the marriage?" Dom said, joining the conversation.

Cleon blushed and replied, "The wedding didn't go forward. Ermelian's mother found her another husband to wed. So I am free to court anyone I wish," he said, winking to Kel.

Dom grasped Kel's hand under the table and squeezed it. He didn't like what he was hearing. After all, he and Kel were already courting. Well, sort of. Kel gave him a "please don't" look. She knew he was going to give Cleon a "good talking to" if he heard any more.

Changing the subject, she asked Cleon about news up North. Apparently Scanra was still attacking in small troops, but the knights up there had killed them off. After a few laughs on how pathetic First Company's pranks were, everyone stood to leave.

Kel left with Dom holding her hand, and Neal hot on their trail. "Remember Kel, not going outside for more than half a bell's time. Dom, you look after her and make sure she's warm. I have to go check on the patients in the infirmary," he pivoted and walked briskly towards the wooden building used as the infirmary.

"Now, Kel, you heard what Meathead said. No going outside for more than half a bell's time. And I have to make sure you're always warm," he said mockingly. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her towards his chest, making her gasp. "I think I can keep you warm. How about a warm kiss to start off?" he said, his eyes dancing.

"Well, I- um.." He leaned in and kissed her softly, cutting her off, then gradually deepened the kiss. Kel gasped at the heat that shot through her from where she and Dom touched. His arms wrapped around her tightened around her waist, pulling her closer, and used this opportunity and slid his tongue inside her mouth, making her heart melt. Her hands made their way up and wrapped themselves around his neck.

"Well, well," came a voice. The couple sprang apart, shocked.

"Cleon, what are you doing here?" Kel asked her old sweetheart.

"I was just passing by when I saw this scene. I guess you two are quite serious?" He asked, his voice the slightest bit shaky.

"Cleon –"

"Sir Cleon, excuse me for saying so, but this is private. We do not appreciate people prying and we do not answer personal questions," Dom cut in. His temper was rising. He didn't like this Cleon. He was too much like a conservative. "Come on Kel. Let's go to the practice courts. Who cares what Meathead says. You'll be warm while practicing." And with that, he led Kel away from the garden they were in and steered her towards the practice courts.

They left behind a puzzled and infuriated Cleon, who was working out some sort of plan to get Kel back for himself.

thanks for reading! i tried my best to do some sort of cliff hanger, but i have come to realise that i suck at that. maybe i should pay more attention in english class.....PLEASE REVIEW!!!! thanks once again! yes i changed this as well. im gonna fix up every chapter because some things just dont make any sense.