A/N: Thanks for the Reviews, they are very flattering.

Later that night, Kel lay in her bed bewildered and emotionally exhausted. She felt like her whole world had been turned upside down in a single evening, but it didn't feel wrong. Just different. She thought back to the conversation she had with Dom on the ramparts

" Its beautiful up here isn't it Kel"

" yeah, it is Dom, thanks for showing me the view. Its been a while since I've just stood and watched the sun set. Things are pretty busy at New Hope these days"

" I can only imagine…. Hey Kel?"

" yeah"

" If you were in charge of a company from Scanra, how would you attack this fort"

" What?"

Kel smiled to herself remembering the look on Dom's face and he realized how silly his question had sounded. She remembered fondly how his cheeks flushed and he stammered trying desperately to recover.

" I just… um… I respect your opinion as a commander… and you're a great fighter…. But your also a great girl, I mean like a pretty girl… oh Mithros, I am making a mess of this."

" Making a mess of what Dom? What is going on here? Are you and your squad playing some sort of twisted prank?"

" No, Gods no Kel" He sighed " listen, I asked for advice from George tonight, you know the Baron of Pirates swoop, and he told me if I was trying to court you I should make sure I treat you like a woman and a warrior. Well the first thing I thought of was offering you flowers whilst asking your opinion on strategy… its totally stupid I know, but we were up here and I just got so tongue tied and completely lost my head and it just sort of seemed like a good idea."

" I see…. Dom, why were you asking someone how to court me?"

" because I want to court you."

" listen, Dom, its very sweet of you to try to make me feel better and all, but just forget about this afternoon, I shouldn't have gotten all emotional on you, im sorry"

" Kel, Im serious, I want to court you"

" Dom, why on earth would you want to court me when you could have your pick of any number of beautiful girls"

" Id rather have the most beautiful girl, and that's you"

" Dom, did you hit your head, because I could have swore you just called me the most beautiful girl"

" I did"

" Dom, its really not funny, tell Wolset and Lerant and who ever else is in on this to give it a break."

He rolled his eyes; it was so like Kel to not believe it when someone told her how amazing she was " my god Kel, Its not some prank. You are beautiful! You are the most beautiful woman I know. No, let me finish" she had opened her mouth to object " you are the best warrior I know. You are strong, and you use that strength to help everyone around you. Your not afraid of working hard and getting dirty for a cause you believe in. But even more than that, you are an amazing woman. You love absolutely unconditionally; you see the good in everyone around you, even when they can't see it in themselves. I've seen it in your eyes, when you caring for those children that you have taken into your headquarters at New Hope, when they see you their eyes light up, and yours do to! I love your passion, I love your dedication, I love you. And those scars that you have, those are stories, stories that make up who you are, and I am proud to know you, and I would be even more proud if you would let me escort you to Raoul and Buri's wedding."

" I don't know what to say, Dom…"

" say yes, please Kel?"

" Yes I would love it if you escorted me to the wedding… and as for the strategy, I would attack in the night…"

He had laughed and pulled her in close to him for a hug. " You don't have to rub my foolishness in my face you know"

She took a deep breath and breathed in his scent. She enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms. She stayed there a few moments, before gently pulling away.

" Well, since I am to be escorted to a wedding and a grand ball tomorrow, I should probably get some sleep"

" I'll walk you to your room" Seeing her open her mouth to object, he had added " not because you need the escort, but because I want too"

" Ok then"

He walked her to her door and pulled her in close for another tight, lingering, hug and then gently kissed her fingers. The gesture made her weak at the knee's, and nothing but years of Yamani training kept her from blushing or her knee's from buckling.

Now Kel lay staring at the ceiling, listening to Tobe and Jump snore lightly beside her. She was trying to rest her mind long enough to let sleep come take her away, but all she could think was Dom thinks I am beautiful. When sleep finally came, she fell asleep with a small smile on her face.