Headaches by Saraswathi

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Chapter One: Of Meetings and Greetings

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This fanfic is basically scenes and moments from Lady Knight that were added or rewritten by moi to add more Kel/Dom romance in the mix. Some scenes will be in Kel's point of view and some in Dom's.

Pero si piensas que ellos son de mio, tu eres muy loco.

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"Meathead!" a familiar voice cried out, clear above the murmur of voices. "They sent you out here with no keeper?"

It took all of her Yamani calm to prevent Keladry of Mindelan from throwing herself at the speaker. It was only as she heard his voice again that she realized just how much she had missed the handsome sergeant. She looked enviously on as Neal hugged his cousin cheerfully, laughing.

"What have you been doing?" Neal demanded, "Chasing mudhoppers?"

"It's a skin treatment," Dom retorted, not missing a beat. "I've gotten so chapped her up north."

A grin parted her lips as she discreetly studied the newcomer. Domitan of Masbolle seemed to have grown handsomer in the time she had been away, despite the fact that he was covered in mud. But there was a sparkle in his eyes, of hidden life and laughter, that showed how delighted he was to be in the action again.

She was startled as the object of her inspection turned to her, flashing his famous grin. "Well, are you going to stand there staring all day, Lady Knight, or do I get a greeting?" Dom laughed.

Her ears objected to hearing her formal title from his lips. "Only if you stop calling me Lady Knight," she retorted.

"But of course, my lady," Dom teased. "Us at Third Company are simply proud that you made it. But we knew you would. After all, we taught you nearly everything."

A laugh escaped her before she could stop it. It was only as she moved to embrace him that she realized her mistake. As commander, she had already been playful enough. It wouldn't do to relax her guard further and hug him like an old friend.

Dom raised a quizzical eyebrow as she offered him her hand. As he took it firmly in his own, he murmured, "Now who's being formal?"

Kel had to smile. "I have to maintain some dignity, as commander."

"Congratulations," Dom grinned, her hand still clasped in his. The touch was sending shivers up her arm, making it tremble. "I'll have to claim a hug later then," he added, squeezing her hand briefly before releasing it.

Before she could ask what he meant, he raised his voice. "How do you like your flag?"

A river of emotions raced through Kel. "You made it?" she questioned, struggling to keep her voice steady.

" 'Course," Dom said, studying her. "As soon as we heard who was in command, I had to."

The ability to speak momentarily deserted Kel. The idea that he would care enough of her arrival, and sense her uncertainty about her fitness for this post, stunned her. "Thank you," she said, words soft and simple. "I love it."

Dom smiled at her, a warm, melting grin that made a slight flush rise in her cheeks. "Anytime."

The sound of someone clearing their throat brought them both back to their surroundings. Merric stood there, eyebrow cocked. "Sorry to interrupt, but can I have an introduction?"

Kel blushed. "Merric, meet Sergeant Domitan of the Third Company. Dom, Sir Merric of Hollyrose."

The two men shook hands as one of Dom's corporals summoned him over. Excusing himself, Dom headed over to help. Kel's glance followed him until she realized that Merric was watching her. The sly grin on his face did not disappear as they began the walk back to headquarters. "You seemed to know Sergeant Domitan very well."

Kel fought the blush that wanted to stain her cheeks. "When I was Lord Raoul's squire, we became friends."

Merric snorted softly at the last word. Kel glared at him. He gave her a wry smile and the two continued their walk untroubled by further talk of a certain sergeant.

But that didn't mean that he wasn't thought about.

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