To Every Guy Who Gives Her Flowers Because That's Just The Way He Rolls

Birthdays. Kel hated birthdays. She had never been fond of birthdays – people would forget, there was always a party (whether surprise or planned) that always ended badly, the gifts that never made sense and then there was everyone making a fuss which was the most annoying thing.

The only good thing about have a boyfriend that travelled meant that she could almost tell if he would be there for her birthday. And this year, he wouldn't be. No one knew that she hated her birthday, no one bothered asking her and so she put on a fake smile and prayed to the Goddess that it would be over soon.

Except this year would be different. She made sure to blackmail Yuki into not reminding Neal that her birthday was coming up. She hadn't mentioned it to anyone and avoided the subject all together. And Kel made sure none of the people of New Hope knew that her birthday was coming up. Everything was going according to plan.

It was raining the week of her birthday not that she minded but Raoul had called the Third and Fifth Company back for training which was a little mean but the Third Company only complained a little while the Fifth kept their mouths shut.

"I still don't want to go," Dom complained to Kel as she tried to work. "It's raining and I don't want to leave you,"

"Dom, I'll be fine. And with the Companies gone there'll be less trouble," she teased.

"But your birthday is only couple of days away," he pointed out which caused Kel to freeze.

How on earth had be remembered?

"It's fine really. I don't like birthdays anyway and so I don't mind,"

Dom frowned at her.

"How can you not like birthdays? They're the best day of the whole year!"

Kel smiled and nodded.

"What?" Dom questioned. "Why don't you like birthdays?"

"I just don't. Dom please, I'm happy not doing anything and even if you're away if won't make much of a difference,"

Dom knew he would have to dig into this before her birthday and he knew he would have talk to Neal about this.

"Kel, why won't you tell me why you hate birthdays?"

Kel stood up and moved over to Dom.

"I've just had a bad experience in regards to birthdays,"

He pouted and pulled her onto his lap.

"Kel."

"Okay, okay. You really want to know?" she saw him nodded and she sighed. "Fine. When I was eight everyone forgot. And I don't mean for a party they honestly forgot. They had promised a big party and a nice couple of gifts so it was a huge let down. The following year I worked out that I have no natural buoyancy. It happened on my birthday and I've never liked them since,"

Dom didn't frown, more grimaced. Forgetting a birthday always happened so what was the big deal? But the way she spoke about her ninth birthday was more stating that she had almost drowned…

"Did you almost drown?"

"Yeah, that birthday didn't go to well. After that I didn't want anymore birthdays which my mother gladly understood,"

Someone pounding on her door and then burst through ending their conversation.

"Wolset, what can I do for you?" Kel asked moving from Dom's lap.

Though it was no real secret that the Lady Knight and the Third Company's Sergeant were together, they didn't go flaunting it about.

"Messenger just came through. Raoul wants us all to move out today,"

Dom sighed and stood. Once Wolset gained the courage to go back outside into the rain, Kel and Dom were finally able to say their goodbyes. Dom refusing that she should get wet seeing him off.

"I'll see you in a couple of days," Kel whispered as she hugged him.

Dom kissed her several times before letting her rest her head on his chest.

"Yeah, let's hope this blasted war is over by the time I get back here,"

She laughed knowing that it would still be a couple of months before the war was officially over.

"I love you Kel,"

"I love you too Dom,"

And that was their goodbye but Dom knew he'd have to do something for her birthday. Something special – really special…

KELDOM

The morning of her birthday was nothing overly dramatic. It was still raining and it felt like a normal day. After telling Dom that she almost drowned when she was nine she felt like a weight had been lifted of her shoulders. So she hadn't mentioned that all her other birthdays had been as bad or worse then that one. She relaxed in the bed before getting ready for the day.

Neal didn't know why Dom couldn't have just got her a I'm So Sorry gift. He didn't understand his cousin's relationship with Kel and he didn't really want too. But Dom's idea was pretty nice and he'd have to remember it for Yuki's birthday if he couldn't find anything for her.

Kel sighed as she walked over to her quarters. Today had been longer then usual (at least it wasn't raining anymore) and all she really wanted to do was curl up and read over some old love letters Dom had sent her. She paused as her eye caught on a note stuck to the door. She paused and took the note off the door.

Beloved

I know you told me not to get you anything so don't be too surprised to find that I didn't obey your instructions. You mean to much to me and I wanted to make it up to you for all those awful birthdays you had when you were younger.

Dom

Kel smiled and unlocked her door. As she entered as couldn't contain the gasp. Dom had given her flowers. Not just a single flower or even a bunch but he had filled her entire room with flowers. Beautiful flowers full of colours – reds, pinks, yellows, whites and orange.

"Oh Dom…"

She loved it. It was the best birthday present she had ever had. She closed the door and moved over to her bed. There was another card which she gladly picked up.

Kel

Do you like flowers? Everyone loves flowers. I'm sorry I couldn't be here for your birthday but I hope this makes up for it. Love you so much and see you in a couple of days.

Dom

P.S. be warned I give flowers because that's how I roll and I know you love flowers.

Kel grinned and for the rest of the evening she wore a giant grin. When Dom rode in three days later, even though it was raining so heavy that you could barely see in front of you, Kel raced out and hugged him tightly. She whispered over and over thank you, thank you and thank you. Dom simply grinned and when she kissed him they all ignored the wolf whistles...