A/N: Hey chicas! I know, long time no post. I bet that you thought that I was gone for good! I've been incredibly busy, and, truth be told, I kinda lost interest in the story. However, as you all have been so amazing at reviewing, I figured that you deserved some appreciation, and that may be finishing this story. If I've retained any fans, personal thanks yous are posted at the end. I'd love any further reviews as well, and if any of you want a short epilogue let me know. Love!
Disclaimer: Not mine.
THIS LAST CHAPTER IS NOT ONLY DEDICATED TO BUT IS FOR THE FANS THAT SUPPORTED ME THROUGHOUT, ESPECIALLY TORTALLAN SHADOW. I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Kel gripped Dom's forearm in a tight grasp as she surveyed he ballroom. The Tortallans had turned out en masse to celebrate the victory over Scanra. Raoul was grinning from ear to ear, and nodded at her, aknowleging her role in the ultimate outcome of the long and bloody war. He then returned his attentions to Buri, who was smiling up at him, looking radiant in both her gorgeous crimson tunic and in the love surrounding her and Raoul. This caused Kel to wince and grip Dom even tighter.
Dom looked down as he felt Kel's grasp tighten even further. He would have winced, but that wouldn't have been manly, and Dom had to maintain his masculinity if he wanted to have a shot at all the gorgeous women present that night. Instead, he followed Kel's gaze, and immediately understood exactly what had her so bothered. Dom was not as oblivious as most men, and he knew exactly what was going on between Kel and her knight master, who was standing further inside the ballroom. Dom fought a grin as he noticed the lustful looks that Neal was casting at Kel.
Neal couldn't believe how beautiful Kel looked. He wasn't sure if it was the particular shade of green that Kel had on, or if was simply the fact that he loved her, and hadn't talked to her for a fortnight while the war was finally drawing to a close. He couldn't stand it any more, and he started towards his cousin and his squire after politely excusing himself from his dance partner.
As soon as Kel noted Neal's movement, she looked up at Dom beseechingly. "Dom," she started, "I'm going out to the gardens. I need somewhere to think." He nodded, and she exited quickly. A sly glance back showed her that Neal was laughing with Dom, and had seemingly forgotten all about her. A lone tear escaped her as she made her escape.
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Neal crept through the gardens slowly. Dom had told him where to find Kel, but had told him to allow a few minutes for her to get less emotional. Neal loved his cousin. He needed him to help him lighten the mood and distress a bit before going into what Neal thought may be the most important few minutes of his life.
Finally Neal rounded a corner and discovered Kel leaning against a tree, tears trickling down her cheeks. He felt his heart clench, and walked up to her before he lost the nerve.
Kel felt something light caressing her cheeks, brushing her tears away. She looked up, startled, and ended up drowning in Neal's emerald eyes. Before she could move away, Neal stepped forward, effectively trapping her between him and the tree.
"Kel," he said, his voice cracking. "Please listen to me."
Kel slowly shook her head. "Why can't you just leave me alone, Neal?"
Neal smiled slowly, wryly. "Because I love you."
Kel, startled, let her mask slip for a second, before she put it firmly back in place. "No you don't. You couldn't love, ugly battle-scarred me."
Neal's smile dropped. "You're right." He ignored Kel's crestfallen look. "I love funny, loving, loyal, beautiful you. You're the only one I want to kiss Kel, conscious or unconscious. Please, give me one more chance." He watched as Kel tried to absorb his words.
Kel sagged against the tree. She wanted to believe him so much, but she didn't want to be hurt again. However, as Neal moved toward her again, pushing his body into hers and lightly caressing her cheek with his thumb, she decided that she couldn't fight it any more. She tilted her head up, and captured his mouth in a kiss.
Neal sighed in contentment, but was startled when she suddenly pulled away.
"You better not ever hurt me again. I will hurt you so badly, you will wish that you never befriended me at the palace to begin with."
Neal chuckled. He moved to brush her mouth with his lips once again, and then swept light kisses over her jawline. Once he reached her ear he breathed "I promise," before resuming their increasingly passionate kiss.
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Dom smiled as he watched his cousin embrace Kel on the dance floor. They had been disgustingly sappy since returning from the gardens, but at least his dance partner thought that it was sweet. He smiled as she cooed, hoping maybe he could get some romance that night too. Just, the less permanent kind.
A/N: Wow, I can't believe that it's over. Obviously, it hasn't been a huge part of my life recently, but what I can say is that to all of you that reviewed, you guys helped me through a very dark time of my life. Thank you for supporting me and loving me. I know that I'm not really doing you any favors by retiring, or whatever, but think of this chapter as hopefully a bit of consolation. If any of you want to continue/finish any of my other stories, please let me know. And now personals:
Mrs. Dom Masbolle: She probably would give him a chance. I guess we all try to make our stories more dramatic. Oh well.
Baseball2horse: Yeah, my definition of "soon" is obviously faulty. However, thank you, that review really was inspiring, and it got me moving.
Thayet1231:Thank you so so much. I can't tell you how much your review means to me. And yeah, they are ooc, but that's ok, because this is my story.
Brezzybrez: Sorry I didn't exactly follow instructions! At least I finished it.
: I'm glad that you like it! You're 'da bomb'
bellachaos: Neal isn't taking anyone to the ball. He loves Kel way too much.
PanekAttack: I fell honored that you gave me a comment, but you should do it for everyone. Think of it as a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. They do actually mean that much to most authors.
Black Emerald Dawn: I'm sorry! I hope that this is nicer!
Alyand: Now you see right?
Darkakane: Raoul can get mad, if he gets pissed off enough. It takes a lot, but then that's Neal so… At least in my story. And thank you, I appreciate it.
Imakeladrygirl: Fluff is great! And Neal is the best, I'm sorry.
Tortallan Shadow: You are one of the biggest inspirations on fanfic for me. Thank you so much for your persistant reviews! That's why this chap is dedicated to you.
Ek: Remind me not to ever get on you bad side, if you swear at authors whose writing you must at least tolerate.
Shinkokami: Thanks!
Jeri: Umm, I know that's not a compliment, so thanks, but I warned my readers that I may have the characters ooc because they're mine in this story. Maybe next time you could actually be constructive instead of critical?
Me: Sure. But I want the cherries on top too. : )
Piratica1341: Have you ever read the book Piratica? It's SO good! Anyway, thanks for your support!
LadySamira: Thank you!
Nutz Nina: Love back! Tons of it!
Justcallmebubba: Yay drama! Otherwise it would be a short, boring story. Hope that this is good fluff!
Trickstersqueen15: Buckets? I took showers in the middle of the African brush with buckets. But good point. And I love you for reviewing!
Mercury-Shadowfeather: Kel is mad because she thinks that Neal was taking advantage of her without considering her feelings. I'd love to read your story when I get a chance.
Sunkissed Guacamole: Thanks for the faithful reviewing! I clap and whistle for you!
Chisakami Saiyuki: No more poor Neal!
Siriusforeva: Yes, they both needed to figure it out. Thank you!
Sgath101: U rock too!
Fritz: Yeah, you make sense, and I think that you're right. Thank you so much!
Lady Knight 1512: I hope in my absence you have grown as a person and a writer. You are just as talented as I am, and possibly more so. You're definitely more dedicated. Good luck in every thing in the future!
X17SkmBdchiczxx: Thank you and I did, just a little later then I'm sure you wanted.
HyperLittleCatIsBloodyLazy: You sound like a pirate! Neal is hot! I want him!
This Firefly: The fluff is back! I hope that you liked Lady Knight's stuff! Isn't she amazing?
Clair-a-net: Because it makes it more interesting : ) Can't make it too simple can we?
Kings Lioiness: Good for you! Hopefully you're better at updating than I am!
Thingy of um thingyness: Have I mentioned I love you name thingy? 10 more? Wow, I better get on that eh?
Witchy Mage: Thank you, I will! Just not here!
FanFictionFantom: Thanks, and yeah, I can't believe that it's done!
On top of cloud 9: Good, I try to be funny, and succeed occasionally.
PHEW. It's done. Please, review one last time, and maybe I'll do an epilogue. Otherwise, goodbye! I love you guys!