Title: The Lifeday Gift
Author: Flowerlady
Timeframe: post-DN AU
Characters: Kyp and Jaina
Genre: Humor, Romance
Summary: Kyp gives Jaina an unusual gift for her 30th lifeday.
Disclaimer: I'm only playing with the characters. I always put them back. I own nothing.

The Lifeday Gift

Day 1

The sun was rising over the horizon of Ossus. It promised to be a beautiful day but somehow she felt sad as she looked out the window of her quarters. Today marked her thirtieth lifeday and she found herself reflecting on the past. She had done so much in her life and yet she felt like she hadn't done anything. She was a Jedi, had been a starfighter pilot and a Joiner but she really found herself of late wondering if she would ever be a wife and mother.

She had her chance; she thought bitterly. Jag Fel had wanted her to go off with him. But instead she may have been instrumental in his death. Zekk and she never were quite able to pick up any pieces of whatever relationship they had before the Yuuzhan Vong War or whatever was left after becoming Joiners, for that matter. They remained friends but were nothing more to each other and sometimes even that was strained.

She watched from the window as she sipped on the cooling cup of caf in her hands. There was a small expanse of yard below her and she found herself watching the youngest of the possible future Jedi as they played. She sighed as she witnessed Valin Horn walk onto the yard with his infant tow-headed daughter in his arms. Valin was four years younger than she and he even was married and had a child to Tahiri, no less. The thought that everyone she knew seemed to be moving on with their lives only made today even more unbearable.

However, Jaina Solo realized she would be expected to act happy because today was her lifeday, and isn't everyone happy on their lifeday? Well, she decided, she wasn't going to be happy.

Her comlink beeped and she frowned as she came out of her sad reflections to answer it. She expected it to be one of her parents or her twin calling to wish her a "happy lifeday." Jaina simply said in a glum voice, "Solo."

"Well, don't sound so perky, Goddess," the voice of Kyp Durron sardonically said in her ear.

She instantly was taken aback, "Kyp?" She hadn't talked to him since the last time he was on Ossus about six months ago.

"Who else still calls you Goddess?" She could hear the smile in his voice.

"What do you want?" She asked a little testier than she realized but she suddenly didn't care.

"Sith, Jaina, I'm only calling to wish you a happy lifeday. I wasn't expecting to have my head bitten off."

She sighed and relented, "I'm sorry, Kyp. I just—I'm just not very happy with the idea of turning thirty."

He laughed and she could have smacked him if he was on the same planet as she. "Well, it isn't that bad. Trust me it can be a lot worse."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot you had a lifeday, what about three months ago?" she smirked and added, "Yeah, that's right you just turned forty-four. Definitely ancient."

"Laugh it up, sweetheart." He paused and then added, "Because when I get there you won't be." And with that the comlink went dead.

Jaina sat there and stared at it for a moment wondering where Kyp had called from.

X

Twenty minutes later and after responding to the knock at her door she received her answer to her query.

Kyp Durron stood leaning against the frame of the door in a much too relaxed pose with his arms folded over his dark green civilian shirt that nearly matched his eyes and looked at Jaina with a smugness that instantly irritated her further.

"What do you want?" She asked and wondered why he was dressed in civilian clothes. Kyp usually wore Jedi robes especially when doing Council business.

He grinned and pushed away from the door frame, "It's nice to see you too, Goddess. I've been fine. Thanks for asking."

"I'm in no mood for your sarcasm," she glared at him and moved allowing him to enter. The door slid closed behind him.

"Well, that's why I'm here, to lighten your mood." He looked from her and glanced around her meager apartment. "Nice place," he said as he moved to the couch and sat down.

Jaina watched him and fumed. How dare he make himself so much at home in her place? "Kyp, I haven't seen or heard from you in nearly six months and now you show up and act like we talk every day. And you're avoiding my questions. What do you want?"

Kyp looked at her as she moved towards him as she talked. Again, he was struck by her simple no-fuss beauty and grace that first stunned him fourteen years before when she had beaten him at Lando's crazy asteroid race, Lando's Folly. It was then that he suddenly realized Han's little girl was all grown up. He swallowed and said, "Okay, I've come to present you with a lifeday gift."

She stared at him with impatient surprise, tapping her foot and arms crossed over her chest. When he made no motion of either elaborating or presenting she curtly inquired, "Well…?"

He grinned mischievously and said, "You will need to come with me. I have it on my ship."

X

Jaina awoke with a splitting headache and opened her eyes to slits. She was disorientated and did not know where she was. Her mouth was dry and she knew she must have been out for a while. Then she remembered and her eyes flew open. Kyp had led her to his ship, a small converted two cabin blastboat that belonged to the Jedi Council. There she expected to be handed a gift of some sort from her friend and mentor. However, instead of receiving a gift upon entering the ship, she received a stun blast that rendered her unconscious.

She could tell the ship was moving and from the feel of it through hyperspace.

Kyp Durron kidnapped her.

She sat up immediately and gingerly stood. She steadied herself and stretched out with the Force. Sure enough, Kyp was the only other person on the ship.

She moved to the door and palmed the stud. To her surprise it opened and she stepped through and went directly to the cockpit.

Kyp was sitting at the controls and he leisurely turned his head towards her, and grinned. "Welcome aboard Fate's Folly. I'm glad to see you are awake and…"

"What the Sith do you think you are doing?" Jaina yelled at him.

Kyp only continued to grin and replied, "Taking you to your lifeday gift."

"And where and what is that?" She tapped her foot and crossed her arms as she glared at him.

"Oh, you will see," he said as he turned back to the controls of the ship.

"No," she dropped her arms and moved towards him, her expression menacing. "You will tell me now why you kidnapped me!"

Kyp turned the pilots chair around and gazed bemusedly into her eyes, "Who said that I kidnapped you?"

"What do you call stunning me!" She stepped closer to him. If ever she had felt more inclined to smacking the smirk off Kyp Durron's face it was now, even the rage she felt at Sernpidal did not compare. She raised her hand to do just that when the proximity alarm began to deep. Kyp simply turned and regained the controls of the ship.

He looked over his shoulder at Jaina and raised a dark eyebrow, "I'd strap in if I were you, Goddess. We're about to emerge from hyperspace."

Jaina silently moved to the co-pilots chair and strapped in, her patience ever more growing thinner. She watched as the blue blur that was hyperspace reverted back to pinpoints of light. Before her was a beautiful world of green and blue. Not a large world but a lush one. She had no idea where she was.

She looked over at Kyp and took a deep breath. "Okay, what is going on?"

Kyp glanced over at her and smiled but before he could respond the comm buzzed to life.

"Unidentified ship," came an impassive voice from the comm, "immediately identify yourself and send transponder codes."

Kyp raised an eyebrow and shrugged, "Sorry, Goddess, I suppose your question will have to wait a little while longer." Then he turned to the comm and keyed the mike, "Naboo control, this is Fate's Folly, Jedi Master Kyp Durron piloting. Sending codes now."

"Naboo?" Jaina stared at him then turned to the viewport and looked out over the verdant planet.

"Welcome to Naboo, Fate's Folly, sending landing instructions and coordinates now."

"Thanks," Kyp keyed off and watched as the landing information came onto the monitor.
"Now, will you finally tell me what's going on," Jaina's voice was almost pleading.

Kyp looked at her and simply said, "Your father and I decided that you needed a vacation. He told me that you've been a bit glum lately and I agreed to be your escort."

"My father?" Jaina was baffled.

Kyp turned and looked straight ahead and ran his hand through his hair. Kyp wondered how much he wanted to tip his hand. "Yes, he and I were discussing something one day and he suggested that I take you for a vacation. And I thought what better time than for your lifeday?"

"But did you have to stun me?"

"Would you have come otherwise?"

She thought about it momentarily and quietly admitted a sly smile breaking her features, "Probably not."

Kyp nodded and grinned, "So, now you know why I stunned you. Your father actually gave me the idea." That wasn't exactly the truth but it was from Han's story of how he convinced Leia not to marry Prince Isolder that the idea sprang. Actually, the whole idea of abducting Jaina came into being. Kyp was only hoping to end up with the same results as Jaina's parents. He had made the vow to himself a long time ago that if Jaina wasn't married by the time she was thirty, he intended to do whatever he could to make her fall in love with him. He didn't want to face another lifeday himself without her by his side.

She stared at him incredulously, "My father told you to stun me?" She shook her head and went on to answer her on question, "Sounds like something he'd say, considering he did that to Mom." She chuckled and Kyp let out a sigh of relief he could feel her anger dissipate.

She looked at him and found his green eyes boring into hers. "Of course, I'm not engaged and I…" Jaina let her voice trail off and looked away. She was going to say I'm not in love with you but she couldn't, she instead said, "…emm, we aren't attached, so what do you stand to gain in this?"

Kyp continued to gaze at her. She finally met his eyes again and he said quietly, "I only have everything to gain and everything to loose. We will just have to see what happens. We have four days at a resort in the Lake Country." He was grinning but his eyes spoke volumes of anything but just mirth.

X

Kyp sat the ship down in the spaceport in the capital of Theed. Kyp made sure Fate's Folly was secure and then hired a taxi. He, of course, had packed for the journey but Jaina was a different matter. After he had brought her on board and made sure the stun blast hadn't harmed her, he went back to her quarters and grabbed a few items for her, mostly personal things. He was planning to allow her to buy a completely new wardrobe once they reached Naboo for the days they were to be there.

Jaina got into the speeder while Kyp placed the bags into the storage compartment. Jaina instantly recognized her duffle. As Kyp entered the cab to sit beside her on the back seat, she glared at him, "You went back to my quarters and packed my clothes?"

"Whoa! Take it easy, Goddess." Kyp held out his hands as if that would halt the confrontation. "I only packed what I thought you would like to have with you."

"And what would that be, Durron?" She was getting angry again and she didn't care. He had no right to go into her personal belongings.

Kyp looked at her and evenly said, "Your personal stuff. I didn't think you'd want to go without underwear or your hairbrush, Goddess."

Jaina blushed a deep shade of red and seethed, "You went through my personal items. My underwear!"

Before Kyp could respond the human driver couldn't hold back any longer he let out a chuckle that only caused Jaina to become even redder, if that was possible. Kyp wasn't sure if it was from anger or embarrassment, but more likely both.

Kyp looked straight ahead and took a deep breath. He did not want to argue with her; so, quietly said between gritted teeth, "I don't believe this is the time or place to discuss this. I was only doing you a favor." He turned to her and added his voice softening, "I intended to let you get whatever else you needed here as a gift and as a reminder of Naboo."

Jaina stared at him knowing that he was only trying to be helpful, considering he had kidnapped her. She took a deep breath and let her anger go as the taxi left the spaceport. Within minutes she was overwhelmed by the utter beauty of the capital of Theed.

The taxi first stopped at the landing dock at the lake from where they would take a water speeder to the resort on the other side of the lake. They left their bags with the attendant, explaining that they wished to do some shopping in the capital first before heading out to the resort. The young brunette female batted her eyes at Kyp and easily agreed. She merely sent Jaina a look that could have killed.

After they left the office to return to the waiting taxi, Jaina snickered, "Well, Durron, I think she would have just about done anything for you." Then she batted her eyes at him as she folded her hands before her under her chin and in a super sweet voice she mimicked, "Oh, yes, Master Durron, I will personally make sure your items are well taken care of and await your return later today." Kyp only scowled at her but couldn't help but laugh as she went on to add in the same voice with the fluttering eye lashes, "And if you want I'll be waiting here for you too."

"Oh, Jaina, that is bad." Kyp laughed deepened as he helped her into the cab. Jaina looked at him her own laughter tickling away. Kyp's laugh had a deep rich sound that warmed her heart. She had always loved his laugh, and as she looked at his face, she enjoyed how it lit up and softened as he laughed. She remembered a time his principal expression was a scowl. It was a nice and delightful change from those days. She found herself gazing into his eyes and he into hers, his own laughter faded away and for a heart beat they only stared at each other. The sound of the driver clearing his throat brought them back from wherever they seemed to go.

Jaina couldn't help the blush that seemed to find its way to her cheeks she wasn't sure if it was due to the naked emotion she thought she saw in Kyp's eyes, her own fluttery feelings, or the driver's clearing of his throat.

Kyp crawled into the speeder and glanced at her from the side. He had seen and felt the tinge of something in Jaina and he smiled. Maybe his dream could become a reality. The goddess could love the mortal rogue. He couldn't help the smile that spread over his features as the taxi headed towards the Market District of the enchantingly beautiful city of Theed.

X

Naboo somehow had been blessed with the good fortune of having been avoided by the Yuuzhan Vong during the invasion. A small planet with a population of just over a half billion beings and it's beauty of grasslands, lake country, hills and forests attracted the attention of tourists from all over the Galaxy who may not have been so fortunate. Theed became a mecca for shopping and commerce.

Jaina found herself enjoying the shopping spree Kyp allowed her. At first she was hesitant to spend his credits but after his continued insistence and the fact she needed clothes for four days, she relented and began to have fun. They went from shop to boutique and she found several outfits including swimwear that Kyp insisted she would need for the lake.

Kyp never had been more enthralled then as he watched Jaina emerge from dressing room after dressing room dressed in the beautiful creations of Naboo. The Naboo still, after all these years, dressed in a classic and romantic style of the Old Republic.

Jaina stepped out of the last dressing stall and was smoothing the skirt of the latest dress. She needed at least three dresses for dinner at the resort Kyp had told her. She had picked two up earlier at another store but they were not as revealing as this one. She was unsure about the gown the sales woman insisted she try on. It was a long flowing sleeveless gown of red shimmerslik with a low bodice and an exposed back.

"Oh, my," the proprietress who was easily in her eighties nearly gushed, her hand going to her mouth. "You remind me of Queen Amidala. You are ever bit as beautiful as she had been."

Jaina snapped her head up and stared at the woman. "You knew her?" She asked her tone astonished.

The woman smiled, rearranging the wrinkles on her face, "Why, yes, she used to buy gowns from me, but that was nearly a lifetime ago and when she was a Senator. Why do you ask?"

Jaina thought about it but shook her head, "Oh, no reason. I—I heard she was rather young when she died." Jaina's head reeled. She knew my grandmother?

The woman sadly nodded, "Yes, and she was pregnant. Such a sad, sad event. The local HoloNet had a field day trying to figure out who the father may have been, until the Queen put a stop to the probes at the Naberrie family's request." Her nod turned into a slow shake of her white head. "Some even gossiped she was secretly married. Others I've heard said that the baby may have even belonged to a Jedi."

Jaina stared at the woman and tried to cover her astonishment. She wondered what the old business woman would say if Jaina not only confirmed that indeed Padme Amidala was married to a Jedi but to the one who had become Darth Vader and that Jaina was her granddaughter. That the "baby" had not died with her but were born twins who later became Galactic heroes. But Jaina only smiled sadly and said instead, "That sounds like such a sad story."

She suddenly wanted to be away from the old woman. She stepped out of the chamber and into the store room. Kyp who was idly looking at the various trinkets and jewelry in the cases either heard her, or more likely sensed her, and turned around.

Kyp's eyes fell on Jaina and he lost his breath. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She lifted her head and met his eyes and for a moment they just gazed at each other.

Jaina finally broke the silence by saying, "What do you think?"

Kyp swallowed hard, his mouth dry, "Y-you are a vision," he managed. Then he took a deep breath to calm himself and added, "That dress is beautiful, Goddess. You are beautiful." He watched as the red of a blush crept up onto her cheeks and she lowered her head. He went on to say, "I think you should wear that tonight."

She met his eyes again and shook her head. "I don't know, Kyp, I almost think this dress is as bad if not worse than that thing Ta'a Chume had me wear on Hapes."

Kyp smiled, his eyes danced, "Yeah, but I never said I didn't like that dress, I just said you couldn't channel the Force while wearing it."

She sent him a glare but then smiled, "Okay, I'll humor you. Since it's your credits doing the buying."

They left the shop and went to a small open air café and got lunch. After the service droid served their meals Jaina said, "You did know that my grandmother was from Naboo, didn't you?"

Kyp looked up from his meal of local broiled fish and steamed vegetables, "I may have." He thought about it and then said, "I'm not sure."

Jaina laid her fork down and leaned onto the table with her arms crossed. "My maternal grandmother, Padme Amidala was queen of Naboo and then became a Senator during the Clone Wars. She died giving birth to my mother and uncle after she was attacked by my grandfather, Darth Vader."

Kyp stared at her. "I seem to remember Luke saying something about finally learning who his mother was. The information came from R2-D2, correct?"

She nodded. "Yeah, seems he had belonged to Anakin Skywalker and secretly recorded things or at least remembered them. I only know what I've been told. I was with the Killiks when he malfunctioned and began giving up information about their life.

"And she was from Naboo?" Kyp said almost to himself as he looked around. He honestly could not explain why he picked Naboo for their vacation. The idea came to him out of the blue one evening while surfing the HoloNet as he wondered where he would whisk Jaina off to. He knew it had become a hot vacation spot but so had other worlds.

"Yeah, interesting," Jaina said disbelievingly and watched him. This whole abduction thing was beginning to feel a little too familiar especially since it was supposedly her father who suggested Kyp take her on a vacation. She was still wondering what Kyp meant by saying 'he had everything to gain and everything to loose.'

"Honest, Jaina, I did not know she was from Naboo. He searched her face as if trying to see why it mattered, "I found Naboo and the Naberrie Lake House Resort on the HoloNet and it looked like a nice quiet place to…" Jaina let out a gasp and Kyp quickly added, concern etched deep on his face. "Jaina, what is it?"

"Did you say, Naberrie?"

"Yes. What's going on?"

"Kyp,that was my grandmother's name, Amidala was her Regnal name, Naberrie was her birth name."

Kyp looked at her and shook his head, "So, what's the problem?"

"I'm not sure I—" She smiled as she realized how silly it must seem to Kyp that she was concerned about a woman who died nearly sixty years before. "I guess I just wasn't expecting to be this close to my family history. It is just more than a little overwhelming. That's all."

Kyp sighed relief and said as he picked up his fork, "Well, lets eat and we can go on over to the Lake House. I would like to get settled in and have a look around."

Jaina nodded and as she looked down at her plate had to admit she was famished. She ate the local fare with relish but still wondered about the woman who gave life to her mother.

X

They made it back to the dock from which they would board a water speeder to be ferried cross the lake to the resort on the opposite shore. The dark haired girl who had flirted with Kyp when they dropped off their luggage was still on duty and true to her word their things were still intact and were placed on the speeder as soon as they arrived.

They arrived at the resort side dock several minutes later. Kyp watched as Jaina seemed to mull over something. He knew it probably had something to do with her grandmother and being so close to her history. Kyp really hoped Jaina wouldn't be too distracted by the information she found. He silently cursed himself for ever picking Naboo. The last thing he wanted was for Jaina to be haunted by the quest to dig up information about her grandmother. If she wanted to go on the quest to discover her roots, he would support her wholeheartedly, but not until he had won her heart wholly.

They made their way up the permacrete and native stone stairs to the main entrance of the large stone and stucco structure. The architecture was old and very open and airy, fitting for the area's warm climate and the wonderful view of the lake and surrounding hill country. Jaina was immediately fascinated with the place.

After entering the lobby, she looked around while Kyp checked them in. She walked around the large area where several old fashioned overstuffed chairs sat in conversation groups. Other couples were loitering in the area and Jaina quickly realized that most of them seemed to be young lovers. She looked back to where Kyp was discussing something with the protocol droid that acted as desk clerk and smiled. She had to admit he was trying.

But before she could think too much on that thought, she discovered a large painting on the wall above a large open old fashioned wood fireplace. The ancient form of artwork was of a family of seven individuals. Something drew her to it and she stepped closer to look at it. Below the frame was a shiny metal engraved plaque which she read—

The Naberrie family:
Ruwee his wife Jobal, daughters: Sola and Padme Amidala,former Queen and Senator, Sola's husband Darred Janren Naberrie and their daughters Ryoo and Pooja, future Imperil Senator until its dissolution by the Emperor.

—And then sharply inhaled. This was her family.

Kyp came up beside her and looked up at the painting. Then gazed at her, he could feel her surprise and curiosity. "She was a beautiful woman. I see her in you."

Jaina turned to meet his eyes, "She was beautiful, wasn't she? No wonder my grandfather fell for her." Then she went on to say, "That must have been hard."

"What?" He asked as he watched her as she stared at the images of the people who were her ancestors.

She looked at him again and quietly said, "Not to be allowed to marry. I mean—well, just think—if the New Order Jedi were not allowed to marry there would be so few of us."

Kyp chuckled, "True, but there are people who still think the Jedi should not marry because of the fear that it could lead to Dark Side behavior if something should happen to the marriage."

"Well, I don't think there have been any Jedi who turned down that path because of a woman or a man in the New Order." She reiterated.

Kyp didn't say anything. He found himself staring up into the brown eyes of Jaina's grandmother. They seemed to be staring back at him with an intensity he could not explain. He suddenly he felt a chill. It unnerved him slightly but he shook the feeling off and turned instead to Jaina.

"If you want, we can go back into Theed tomorrow and see what we can dig up on them. Maybe even one of the little girls still lives in the area." Kyp said brightly, but was dreading her answer. The last thing he wanted to do was spend his four days in an archive somewhere.

Jaina seemed to be lost in thought as she stared at the beautiful face of Padme Amidala and he honestly was beginning to think she hadn't heard him when she slowly shook her head, "No, not this trip." She turned back to him and smiled weakly, "Maybe someday I'll come back but I'm not going to pursue researching them now. Maybe, Mom and Uncle Luke can come the next time too. I had my mother to raise me, they didn't."

Kyp let out the breath he was holding and smiled, "Well then, let's go to our rooms. Our things have already been taken there."

He instinctively put his arm around her shoulders and she let him. For some reason it felt comforting and reminded her of how things used to be between them. As they turned to leave she stole a glance back at the painting—and felt a chill as she looked up into her grandmother's deep brandy brown eyes.

Kyp felt her shiver and looked down at her, "Are you cold?" He asked, concerned because the temperature was pleasant and even a bit on the warm side.

She met his intense green gaze and shook her head. "No—I—I don't know what caused that. I just felt a chill, that's all." She smiled and added, "I'm fine now."

"Okay." He responded as they moved through the lobby and sitting area.

Jaina then grinned, "So, by the way, this resort just wouldn't happen to cater to newly weds and couples, would it? There is so much love in the Force it's almost unnerving."

Kyp gaped at her, Was she figuring him out? "If it does, I didn't know that before booking the suite." They rounded the corner and were outside their joint door that led into a shared sitting room. Kyp keyed in the code and the door slid open.

"Huh-huh." She didn't sound at all convinced but before any other comment could be afforded they stepped into the lavishly, yet beautifully decorated room. She completely forgot what she was even talking about.

The sitting room of the only suite the resort had to offer was in the center with a bedroom to either side. All three opened onto the private balcony that overlooked the lake. The thin gauzy cream colored curtains moved ever so slightly in the gentle breeze that came through the open glass doors that were situated on either side of a large brown and white stone wood burning fireplace. The cream and gold colored richly upholstered overstuffed furniture was placed before the fireplace and the doors, allowing for easy comfort whether one wished to sit before the fireplace and relax or take in the wonderful view from outside.

Kyp watched Jaina as she walked over to rub her hand along the rich velvet of the couch. She then stepped over to look out the window and then looked back at him. The light flowing in from it seemed to give her supernatural glow and the smile she gave him nearly melted him. She was so breathtakingly beautiful in that moment.

She said, "Well, which room is mine?"

Kyp had to swallow hard to answer her, his eyes never leaving hers, "Whichever one you want. I don't care."

Jaina stared at him; his voice had a huskiness to it that she suddenly found alluring and there was something that passed over his dark moss green eyes that intrigued her. She felt the old flutter in the pit of her stomach as she studied his strong handsome face. She knew he had once harbored feelings for her. She wondered suddenly if he still did and what her own feelings for him were. Of course, she found him attractive, a woman would have to be dead not to. But there was more to a relationship then that. Kyp had been her friend—her best friend, other than Zekk, for years. But she was cautious to feel any more than friendship for her old mentor, because it hurt too much when things didn't work out. She and Zekk barely spoke to each other these days. The memories of their failed attempt at love was still a bitter pill neither of them could swallow.

Not liking where those thoughts were taking her, she cleared her throat and looked back out the window. "It truly is beautiful here." Kyp had moved to stand beside her and she looked up at him and smiled, "Thanks. I guess I really did need to get away from Ossus for a while and it not be Jedi related."

Kyp gazed into her eyes, he could feel that there was a conflict behind the deep brandy colored pools, but he could not determine what it possibly could be. "Yes, it is," he said softly his eyes never leaving hers. He knew he was losing himself as he often did when he had the chance to gaze into her eyes. But Jaina broke the magic by looking away, Kyp then went on to say, "Well, let's get some rest and unpacked. The desk droid said dinner begins being served at 1800. So, we have about two hours before then." He turned to walk away and then turned back, "Oh, which room did you want?"

She smiled and said, "I guess I'll take the one on the right."

X

Kyp and Jaina found themselves walking through the garden of the resort. They shared a wonderful dinner of spiced nerf and fresh local fruits and vegetables, washed down with the delightful locally produced lavender colored berry wine. The garden was quiet and they only passed one other couple who were oblivious to their presence.

Jaina spared a glance back at the young lovers and felt the jab in her own heart. She wished again she could find someone who she could completely give her heart too.

They came to a stone bench and sat down. She was wearing the red dress she had bought in Theed and Kyp was dashingly dressed in black: tight pants, high boots and laced up black shirt. She had to admit she was having as much trouble keeping her eyes off him as he was her. Why did he have to be so kriffin' handsome?

The conversation of the evening was mostly small talk and they both knew they were dancing around deeper issues that really neither of them was ready to talk about or admit to. But somehow in the intimacy of the garden Jaina couldn't dance any longer.

"Have you ever considered settling down, Kyp," she asked quietly as she intently studied a leaf of the large shrub that grew up beside the bench.

Kyp started. That was the last thing he had expected from her. He bent over his lap, resting his forearms on his legs and stared down at his hands. His heart sang, Yes, nearly everyday for the past twelve years! But only if it could be with you. However, he quietly said instead, "Yeah, I guess at one time I did but I don't think of it much any more." Liar! "I'm happy with my position on the Council." Then he took a deep breath and looked back at her to find her eyes. He couldn't lie to her on this last, "Then again, who would want me, the killer of worlds?" He found himself mesmerized by her eyes. He watched as she seemed to study his face. He found himself wanting to kiss her but before he could even move, she quickly looked away. He took a deep breath and asked instead, "How about you? Have you thought about settling down?"

Jaina met his gaze and suddenly found herself looking into the soul of Kyp Durron. Her whole world seemed to tilt. Her mouth went dry and she felt her heart sped up. What was it about his eyes that cause me to feel like I'm falling? She wondered. She pulled her eyes from his and studied his face, the strong lines and plains, cheeks and jaw slightly shadowed, full lips…She quickly snapped her eyes away from his face. Did I just wonder what it would be like to be kissed by those lips?

"Ah, I guess. I mean, what girl hasn't wanted to settle down, raise a family, but I'm the Sword of the Jedi. It's not for me," she said in a stronger voice than she felt. Liar! her heart screamed at her, Of course, I want a family. Of course, I want to be loved. But you'll never know how much…

Kyp sat up and took a deep breath. He wondered if she could ever love him as much as he loved her. "Jaina, I…"

"You did what? You—you nerfherder," a loud female voice sounded through the garden from the direction of the young lovers they had passed further up the path. A clap of a hand hitting skin thundered loudly.

Kyp and Jaina had their attention immediately diverted.

"What the kriff was that for, Shiri," the pained male voice rang.

"You figure it out," came the angry response. Soon the couple was only a meter before Kyp and Jaina's bench. They seemed just as oblivious of Kyp's and Jaina's presence now as they were when they were holding hands and kissing only minutes before.

"Shiri? I only told you because I didn't want it hanging over our heads." pleaded the sandy haired man.

The redhead, who must have had a temper to match, turned sharply and nearly screamed, "And you thought if you brought me here it would make up for what you did back home. But your bold declarations and loving gestures don't make up for the fact you cheated on me, Fohn! With my sister! And now you want me to forgive you and forget that it ever happened? Do you think I can trust you ever again? That I could marry you?" She then turned on her heel and stalked off leaving a stunned and bewildered expression on the young lover's face.

"But, I love you…" He said as he moved quickly to follow her, calling, "Shiri…it was a mistake…"

Kyp and Jaina stared after them for a long moment until they could no longer hear them. Then they turned to look at each other. And burst out laughing.

Jaina said between the giggles, "Well, that certainly was interesting."

Kyp chuckled and put his arm around Jaina's shoulders. The moment for them lost. "Yes, it certainly was. I wonder if they'll make up."

Jaina looked at him incredulously, "Why do men think that they can lose their paints with another and simply ask to be forgiven?"

He shook his head; he did not have an answer to that. He chuckled more as he repeated, "'Lose their pants?'"

"You know what I mean. But seriously if a man who told me that he loved me and then did that to me…" she pointed in the direction the couple fled.

Kyp squeezed her shoulders and laughed harder, "Trust me, Jaina, when I say this, no man in his right mind would ever cheat on you. If he did he either did not know what you or your dad would do to him. Or, more importantly, he would not be worth your time anyway because he obviously had no idea what he would be losing," he said the last very seriously.

Jaina just looked at him. Kyp stood and held out his hand, "Let's head back, it's late and I need my beauty sleep. Planning an abduction takes a lot out of a guy."

She laughed again as she stood and took his hand; they started walking back towards the house hand in hand. After they were about half way there she looked up at him and quietly said, "But I'm glad you did."

Kyp only smiled.

--------------------------------

All reviews are welcome...

Hope that you enjoy...