For
every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth
there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart
somewhere to receive it.
Ivan Panin
Just to feel normal for a little while, Kyp Durron drew his dark cloak around himself, hiding the silver hilt of his lightsaber as he slowly walked along a high bridge that connected two towers to one another. It was mid day on Coruscant and as he turned to gaze through the transparasteel that encompassed the bridge, he took in various forms of transportation hovering within the traffic lanes.
Coruscant was busy, as usual.
He walked on, hands linked together beneath his cloak, his mind wandering further into the depths of his consciousness with every step he took.
Recently knighted, Kyp had decided on a private vacation for himself, without any of his Jedi colleagues and friends to accompany him. His life had taken a drastic change when he was admitted to the academy and at the beginning of his training, Kyp had felt as if he could be someone special, someone who could make a difference, if given the chance.
But as life could throw huge stones in ones way, things didn't go exactly according to what Kyp had planned.
Still he was proud of himself to have come this far, to now finally have the right to call himself a Jedi Knight. But it had been a hard and difficult road and all he craved at this very moment was a few days of peace and quiet.
He walked on, the hood of his robe covering his chin length dark hair. Only few people crossed his way as he slowly moved towards a large gathering area. Within one of the towers, there was a large glass plateau where anyone and everyone could mingle; there were a few cafés and various restaurants, ranging from native Coruscanti food to interesting and yet unappetizing alien meals.
A large, beautiful silver and crystal fountain stood within the middle of the plateau, its water splashing into a large, oval and intricately designed basin of the most beautiful material Kyp had ever seen. The surface gleamed with drops of cool water and the surroundings were reflected as if the stone were a mirror in itself. Plants of all forms and sizes stood around the plateau and it smelled of caf and various food stuffs.
Kyp liked coming here; the normality was soothing.
He walked on and sat down on the ledge of the basin, one hand gently touching the surface of the cool, clear water. He closed his green eyes as he focused his senses, moving his hand back and forth, relishing the feel of the liquid enveloping his hand.
With a quiet sigh he pulled back, sweeping his gaze around the plateau and watching humans as well as aliens pass him by. There were no familiar faces; the only few people he knew that lived in the capitol were Han Solo and his family. Kyp smiled as he thought about the older man. He'd have to visit Han before leaving for Yavin 4 again; Han had become a second father to Kyp and Kyp had the
feeling Han considered him to be a sort of son. The man was protective of Kyp, keeping in touch whenever he could and always asking when he'd be back to see him.
Kyp hadn't told Han about his little vacation. He'd surprise the old smuggler.
Slowly he got to his feet, wanting to get a bite to eat and indulge in a hot cup of caf, when suddenly someone knocked into him from behind.
Kyp pivoted around with a blank expression on his face, surprised to see a young woman holding up her hands as if fending him off, "I'm sorry." She stammered, a forced smile on her face, "I wasn't paying attention."
Kyp nodded, "Don't worry about it."
As if a great weight had been lifted off her chest, the girl took a deep yet quivering breath and smiled shyly, "This happens to me a lot." She explained holding up a handheld computer, "I get caught up with my data pad and I don't pay attention."
Her voice was magnificent to his ears. The words she spoke touched him in a way he had never felt before and he wanted her to continue, to listen to her beautiful angelic voice.
"What's your name?" he asked, willing to say almost anything just to hear her speak again.
She seemed taken aback for a moment, her dark brown eyes widening a fracture but then her shy smile returned, "Liz."
Dark wavy hair surrounded a round face, her complexion a shade darker than Kyp's. She wore average civilian clothing that hugged her feminine body perfectly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Liz." Kyp said and he meant exactly that. As the young woman stood before him, her presence made him feel awkward. It was a sensation he didn't know, his heartbeat faster than usual and he suddenly felt warmer than before, "I'm Kyp."
He held out his rough, calloused hand and as her soft skin touched his, a shiver ran down his spine.
Kyp felt as if the world around him had silenced; the people were unimportant suddenly, the smells and noises around them faded into the background. All that his eyes now took in was the young woman standing before him.
"Would you join me for a cup of caf?" he asked, surprised at himself for even asking the question. He wasn't one to take the initiative but a feeling told him that if he wanted to see her again, he'd have to take the first step.
Liz's shy smile grew wider and she nodded, a lock of wavy dark brown hair falling into her face, "I'd love to."
They talked for what seemed like hours, sitting across from one another, each holding on to their third round of drinks with both hands. Kyp enjoyed listening to her, asking questions concerning her life but always making sure never to pry too much.
Liz told him about her job; she was a social worker in training and her job was extraordinarily important to her. With a chuckle she pointed to the data pad laying on the table, "I was reading through a file of one of the children who need my help. I get carried away." She shrugged and took a sip of her sweet smelling hot chocolate. "I just don't like the idea of kids living on the streets, you know? Who knows what might become of them one day if they're given the chance to evolve away from the life they're being forced to lead now?"
Kyp understood every word Liz was saying. He knew what it was like to grow up alone, to have to fend for himself at so young an age and he was stunned at her willingness to help other children in similar situations.
"Enough about me." She said as her dark eyes touched his face. "I've been prattling on about myself this whole time we've been here. I'd like to know about you now."
Kyp leaned back in the padded chair and swept the café with his green eyes. The interior was lighted with candles, either standing in large vases on the tables or attached to the walls. The colors were held in a dark brown, making the atmosphere feel elegant and yet comfortable at the same time. Soft music came from hidden speakers in the background.
"There isn't much to tell." He said, finishing off his caf and shifting his gaze back to the woman opposite him. She had propped her elbows onto the table, her hands folded beneath her chin, as she watched him.
His heart began beating harder as she smiled slyly, one dark brow raised as she waited for a more elaborate answer. Kyp chuckled, "Honestly. There isn't that much to tell."
But she wasn't having it. "That's just an excuse." She waved to the waitress, ordering another round of hot chocolate and caf and as the waitress moved away, she pinned Kyp with her eyes.
He heaved a sigh, dragging one hand through his hair, "I'm a Jedi Knight." He said and as the words left his mouth, he focused on her every move.
Her brows lifted in surprise. The waitress returned with their drinks and when she left, Liz leaned forward, "I'd never have guessed." The candle on the table illuminated her skin, her eyes twinkling with the small flame.
They grew quiet for a moment as Liz looked around the café this time and Kyp watched her. His eyes trailed the line of her jaw to her full lips that were slightly turned upward in a captivating smile. High cheekbones connected with a straight nose and her dark eyes were just slightly slanted.
She turned back to him, straightening in her chair as long strands of wavy hair fell over her shoulder. Kyp wondered what her hair would feel like between his fingers.
"What do the Jedi actually do around here?" she asked, no doubt to get him talking some more. Kyp would have loved to listen to her beautiful voice but he answered her question as detailed as he could, without giving away too much information.
After a while Liz cleared her throat and took a quick glimpse at the time on her data pad. A shadow seemed to cross her face as she glanced up, "It's getting late. I should get going."
Kyp nodded, watching Liz slowly get to her feet. She was of average height he noticed, just a few centimeters shorter than himself. And as he realized she'd be leaving, he suddenly felt the urge to make her stay.
He was mesmerized by this person.
"Hold on a moment." Kyp said hurrying to his feet and making his way to the waitress at the counter. He dug through the pockets of his pants, paying both tabs with his credit chit.
Liz walked up to stand beside him, "Thank you, Kyp. But it wasn't necessary." Her voice was low, almost only a whisper and it made his insides flutter.
He waved her remark away, "Well, since I paid I get to walk you home. Deal?"
She laughed lightly; music to his ears. "Alright."
Kyp felt lucky as Liz told him that she lived on the other side of the inner most city. They walked the way he had come, across the bridge to the nearest public transportation and boarded a small city liner. They stood side by side, Kyp holding on to a pole, while Liz leaned against the metal wall, grabbing at something whenever the turbulences were too great.
"I didn't know the Jedi had a temple here." Liz said quietly, moving a little closer for him to hear her better. A shiver ran down his spine; if he raised his hand he could run his fingers through her hair.
He swallowed back the impulse, "We don't. Well, at least not yet. The academy is on Yavin 4. I'm here on my own."
"Ah." She looked around the full liner, the seats filled with all sorts of people. "If you don't mind me asking, how come you're here alone?"
"I guess you could call it a vacation. I have a friend here who I promised I'd visit."
The liner shuddered beneath their feet and suddenly lurched forward. Not being able to grab onto the pole on time, Liz almost fell backwards but Kyp caught her just in time. His arms encircled her waist as he helped her back onto her feet.
He let go as a slight blush covered her rosy cheeks and she tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear, "Thank you." She whispered and Kyp grinned as she reached out and held on to the pole as tightly as she could.
The liner stopped after another few minutes of silence. They got out and Liz nodded towards a row of high buildings to their right, "It's another twenty minutes down that way."
Side by side they walked on and Kyp observed the color change in the sky. Coruscant's sun was setting, the once light blue sky now a beautiful mixture of reds, oranges and light pinks.
A slight breeze danced with his hair and he pulled his robe around himself. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Liz crossing her arms in front of her chest, her small data pad in her left hand.
"Your accent is a little different. Are you originally from Coruscant?" she asked, her voice low as their steady footsteps echoed through the almost deserted streets.
He shook his head, wondering how much he could tell her about himself, without scaring her. His past was a book he wanted to close forever and never let anyone see. But he knew it wasn't possible; his past would always come back to haunt him but he would put it off as long as possible and concentrate on his future.
"I'm from Deyer colony in the Anoat system."
Liz nodded, "I've actually heard of the place before." She laughed lightly, "I've never been off planet myself. As a Jedi, you must have already seen a lot of things I could only dream of."
Her voice had taken on a dreamy tone and Kyp stopped in mid walk, his gaze lingering on her face. There was a longing in her dark eyes, a longing to leave the confines of the planet she had grown up on and explore the unknown.
"Some things aren't worth seeing." Kyp said, his tone low, "Other things are magnificent." Inwardly he smiled at his own statement. Liz was truly a magnificent person.
She walked on, hugging herself as a cold wind swept the streets. Kyp shook off his robe as he watched her tremble slightly and laid the heavy cloth around her shoulders. She looked up to him in surprise but thanked him all the same, pulling the robe tighter around herself.
"Won't you be cold?" she asked as she eyed him.
Kyp shook his head as he dug his hands into the pockets of his trousers, "If I get too cold, I can use the Force to warm myself if I have to."
"You can honestly do that?" He nodded and she shifted her gaze back towards the street, "Wow. That's something I could use frequently."
A few teenaged kids came running their way, laughing loudly and Kyp spotted that Liz cringed a little. He frowned at her reaction but said nothing. There was a sweet scent of smoke and alcohol in the cool air as the kids passed by.
"I wish they'd stay away from drugs and alcohol." Liz breathed, shaking her head sadly, "I wonder if they know how easy it is to ruin their life that way."
"Why is it you care so much?" Kyp asked softly, noting that Liz had gotten a little closer, if only a few inches.
Her eyes were trained on the ground as she answered, "My youngest brother got involved with the wrong crowd. Seeing what he did to himself I made up my mind that I would help out as much as I could."
The breeze around them picked up, a few strands of Liz's hair jumping with the wind. Her cheeks were red from the cold and as she drew the robe tighter around her slim form, Kyp had the urge to take her into his arms and hold her close.
They reached the entrance to her apartment building, a huge mass of stone that seemed to reach to the sky above.
"Thank you so very much for walking me home." Liz said, slipping the robe off her shoulders and handing it back to Kyp, "I enjoyed the caf." It seemed she wanted to say more but instead her dark eyes brushed his features and that flutter returned to Kyp's insides.
"I enjoyed it as well." He said slowly, "I'd like to see you again."
Liz's face lit up with a smile and Kyp's heart beat faster as she nodded, "I'd like that."
He touched her cheek then, gently stroking along the line of her jaw, "Are you free tomorrow morning?" When she nodded curtly he smiled, "I'll come pick you up."
"Alright."
She stepped closer, both her hands settling on his shoulders as she leaned towards him and planted a small kiss on his cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow. Last name's Thompson, by the way." With a breathtaking smile on her beautiful face, she turned on her heel and entered her home.
Kyp stood there another moment before deciding he needed to visit Han. He had no idea about women, and he hoped Han could give him the advice he needed.
Han Solo, former smuggler and General, sat down on the overly large sofa in the living area, a tray with snacks and a large bottle of beer on the table before him.
His children were sleeping soundlessly in their rooms and Leia was still off in a meeting with idiotic politicians. He made a face as he grabbed the remote sensor to the entertainment system. Although he honestly missed his wife, during the times she was gone, he could catch up on Smashball tournaments.
The Corellian Dreadnaughts were doing well this season, having kicked the Infuriated Savages to hell and back.
Han leaned back as the game started, opening a bottle of fizzing beer and planting his naked feet on the table.
This was good. This was blissfully perfect.
He smirked as he took a long gulp of the bitter liquid, the sensation soothing as it ran down his throat.
He straightened up as the game began, hoping against hope that the Dreadnaughts would win this game as well. He had a bet running with Lando and it would put an enormous dent in his ego, if he'd lose.
Again.
Thirty minutes into the game the door buzzer sounded and Han frowned. It wasn't too late but hardly anyone came to his private lair at this time unless something was up. He jumped to his feet and palmed the lock.
As the door swished aside, Kyp Durron stood in front of him with a big, fat grin on his face. He raised his hand in a wave and without a second thought, Han gathered the younger man into a fierce Wookie hug.
"Han…" Kyp coughed, patting the older man's back, "Can't breathe."
Han let him go, a smile on his face as he moved aside to let Kyp enter.
The young man took a look about the apartment, arching a brow, "Did Leia decorate the place?" he asked, as his eyes darted around the room. A dark red rug beneath his booted feet made the room seem smaller; various paintings – no doubt Alderaanian – were attached to the walls and in the back Kyp caught sight of a small, extraordinarily ugly statue but he bit back a comment.
A long hallway branched off from the living area and Kyp knew from previous visits that the children's rooms and a huge refresher were back that way.
The last time Kyp had been to Han's place, the living area had been scarcely furnished. A large dark sofa stood beneath the viewport, pillows of the same color littering the area. A small table stood beside the sofa, a complex built lamp standing atop it.
Han motioned for Kyp to take a seat, "She has her moments." He cleared his throat, dialing down the volume of the Smashball game, "So kid, how long have you been here?"
"Just arrived this morning."
Han's eyes widened and he made a face of being hurt but kept the smirk in place, "And it took you until now to come see me?" He shook his head, "I am appalled."
Kyp laughed, "I had some things to do." He paused as Han's gaze swept towards the entertainment system. Kyp knew the game but hadn't been interested in sport activities too much. According to the announcer, the Corellian Dreadnaughts seemed to be in the lead and Kyp noted Han's stance stiffen as one of the players neared the goal.
"You betting again?"
Han nodded and suddenly jumped to his feet as the Dreadnaughts scored, "Sixty more minutes of this and I might actually win the bet this time." His grin reached his dark brown eyes as he plopped back down, "How long are you staying, kid?"
Kyp shrugged, "A few days. I needed to get away from the jungle a little while."
"Is Luke being too hard on you?"
Kyp waved the remark away, "Don't get me wrong, I'm completely grateful for the chance Master Skywalker's given me but…" he sighed, "I still feel like it's not enough. As if there's more inside me and I just can't let loose."
"You'll get the hang of it, kid. I know you will."
Kyp smiled and nodded at the older man. He considered Han to be more than just a very good friend; if life got rough, Han would be there to help Kyp out, to pick him back up. Han was the father Kyp hardly remembered.
"Can I ask you something?"
Han nodded, watching Kyp fiddle around with the pillow on his lap. It was on old piece Leia had scavenged at a flee market. It hurt Han's eyes to see this horrible yellow thing with dark blue embroidery amongst the dark colors in the living area but it had been to no use arguing with his wife. She loved the damned thing, saying it reminded her of her childhood rooms.
"Sure."
Kyp coughed lightly, his dark gaze dropping to the pillow. The nervousness the younger man was emitting was palpable and Han leaned back, wondering what this was all about.
"I met someone this afternoon."
Han's eyes widened just a fraction and he was all ears. He'd thought he had a few more years before he'd have the father/son conversation with Jacen or Anakin but Han could see that Kyp was uncomfortable and he'd do his best to ease his misgivings.
"I'm guessing a young lady?"
Kyp nodded, a few strands of his dark hair falling into his face, "Her name's Liz." As he uttered her name, Han saw a slight smile creep onto Kyp's face, "And she's great."
"Well, good for you, kid!"
Kyp squirmed a little in the armchair, scrunching the pillow with one hand, the other sweeping his hair out of his face, "I…" he cleared his throat, "I have no experience with this, Han." His voice was low and Han caught a blush on the younger man's face, "I honestly don't know what to do."
Han turned to face his friend, "Well, Kyp. I don't know what to tell you. If it feels right, do whatever you think is okay."
It was a funny picture watching Kyp sit in the armchair, extremely insecure and having trouble asking questions about women. Han could understand the younger man's fear of doing something wrong and he tried to calm his growing unease, "Don't worry, kid. You'll do alright. How about you tell me about her?"
Kyp looked up from the pillow that seemed to grow more fascinating with every passing minute, the light in his dark eyes returning. He smiled shyly, "Intelligent and beautiful. Dark hair, dark eyes." His grin widened a bit, "And a great curvy body."
"You meeting her again?"
Kyp nodded, "Tomorrow." He focused his attention back to the pillow, his long fingers delicately tracing the lines of the stitching and Han fought the urge to laugh. Kyp lifted his gaze, supposedly feeling the shift of amusement within the Force and narrowed his eyes as he saw Han tighten his jaw.
With a swift movement Kyp threw the pillow across the room, hitting Han in the chest, "You're making fun of me."
Han shook his head, raising his hands in defense but still laughter bubbled out of his mouth, "I swear, kid, I'm not making fun of you."
"Stop laughing. It's not funny."
"I know it's not funny." Han straightened and took a sip from the beer bottle, "You want a beer?"
"Yeah."
As Han got to his feet and came back with another bottle, Kyp shrugged off his robe and leaned back with a sigh on his lips. He hadn't even realized how much he had missed Han and he was glad to have come to Coruscant for his little trip.
For a moment they watched the Smashball tournament in silence; the announcers voice grew louder and high pitched as the Dreadnaughts seemed to be winning the game and Han's expression brightened when they scored another goal.
Kyp relaxed after a few more minutes of watching the tournament and as Han turned towards him, offering pointers and asking for more information on this mystery lady, Kyp was more than glad to oblige and tell him everything about her.
Liz closed the door behind her, leaning against the frame for a few moments, before letting herself fall onto one of the chairs in her living area. A small smile surfaced on her features as she closed her eyes, sweeping yet another wayward strand of hair out of her face.
When she had left her apartment that morning, she'd expected the day to go on as usual. She'd get a cup of caf, hurry down to the social services center, pick up a few files on her next case and then she'd go back home, ending the day with a long bath.
But instead she had run into Kyp.
Something about him simply fascinated her. He had hardly talked but the way he held himself, the way he watched her, the way he had asked questions – she could hardly wait until morning to see him again. Bringing his dark voice back to mind, a shiver ran down her spine and she blew out a breath.
She touched her throat, closing her eyes as she remembered his lingering gaze on her face. She had noticed his eyes on her and she had liked it. She'd wondered what it would have felt like if he had touched her instead of eyeing her so.
With a sigh, Liz got back to her feet, undressed and left the clothes where they fell. Instead of a bath, she decided on a long and hot shower. The pellets of water caressed her tense muscles, running down the hollow of her neck as she bent her head down, soothing away a tiny bit of the stiffness around her shoulders.
Her thoughts revolved around her current case and she brought the picture of the young girl back to mind, the anger she had felt previously surfacing again. The little girl was barely five years old and had gone through a living hell no one deserved in a lifetime.
Social services had taken her from her family just in time and had moved her to a safe house. Her father had abused her and her mother had looked away, claiming she hadn't known.
Dark bruises on arms and legs and scratches on torso and face were a dead give away, but the mother was adamant. She hadn't seen or heard a thing. Not even a broken arm had given the woman cause to worry.
Liz leaned her head against the tiled wall, dialing up the heat of the water. She couldn't comprehend how a parent, who had vowed to protect their child from any harm, could look away while the child was being hurt. It was a fact Liz would never understand and it made her inside boil with anger.
She shut the hot water off and grabbed a towel, tying it around her chest. As she stepped out, she wiped the large floor-to-ceiling mirror clean of mist and took a look at herself.
Her dark hair was plastered to her head, droplets of water dripping to the floor and onto her naked feet. She cocked her head to one side, narrowing her eyes; back when she was still younger, it seemed she had been happier. But maybe it was just her imagination playing tricks on her, because she thought she remembered a soft light behind her eyes.
She toweled her hair dry, pinning the long tresses to the back of her head. The towel around her chest dropped to the floor and Liz winced as she caught sight of a long scar down the right side her ribcage. Her fingers trailed along the healed flesh but she couldn't feel the touch.
The skin was numb, as numb as she sometimes wished she could feel.
It had been her choice to not have the scar removed; it reminded her of her past, of why she walked the path to help others in need. To have it removed felt like betrayal.
Liz shifted her gaze away from the mirror, hurrying to throw on a long shirt. For tonight she would forget about the scar, forget about her work. Tonight was only about herself and she would think about Kyp and hopefully have beautiful dreams about him as well.
