This is one of my favorite conversations from the game and I wanted to post my version of it with a slight change. Bioware owns all.

Apology Accepted

"I am not going to betray you! I am not Saul!"

"Well we will just see about that won't we!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

The night air was cool and crisp as Nina leaned over the wooden railing, listening to the lullaby of the forest leaves rustling in the breeze. Around her, wookies carried on with their plans for revolting against their Czerka captives. Nina wished they could stay long enough to help them completely reclaim their world but finding the Star Maps was more important. She sighed again and tried to enjoy the brief respite while she had it. This was the first planet her and her rag tag band of companions had been to and already she was exhausted. The mission was stressful enough without the endless onslaught of visions and the constant lecturing from Bastila about the evils of the dark side. But nothing had proven nearly as challenging or as frustrating as Carth Onasi.

They had not spoken to each other since their fight almost two weeks prior. The pilot had serious paranoia issues and it was driving her crazy. He was watching her at every turn waiting for her to stumble. Though she knew she was somewhat at fault. Annoying him to the point of exasperation had become a favorite past time of hers. But nothing was amusing about the childish game of silent treatment they had been playing since their explosive argument before departing Dantooine. Both were simply too stubborn to admit they were wrong.

Nina had even considered leaving him behind while they explored the Shadowlands, but a part of her felt…lost without him by her side. No matter how angry she was at him, Nina had grown used to his flirtatious banter and well meaning advice. They worked well together, fought well together and damn it if she wasn't furious at him for making her this upset!

"Nice night isn't it?"

Nina jumped at the low voice and looked over to see the infuriating pilot with his arms crossed, smirking at her. She bristled at letting him catch her unawares and his throaty chuckle served only to irritate her further. Nina inwardly recited the Code and threw a polite smile towards the roughish Commander.

"It is very peaceful."

"Makes me wish we could stay here forever," Carth murmured as he joined her by the railing, their arms touching lightly. Nina was stunned by his comment. Normally Carth was in a constant state of restlessness and anxiety, always ready to get onto the next assignment; eager for the next opportunity to go into battle hoping that the enemy might be Saul. To hear him even speak of resting was surprising. Nina glanced over at her companion and really studied him as if for the first time. His auburn hair was slightly tussled from his habit of constantly running his fingers through it. His beard was growing in thick, evidence that he had been too distracted to trim it. As she took in his appearance she realized how all of his physical features, from his chiseled jaw to his broad shoulders and muscled torso, drew her to him. He could be the most infuriating man in the entire galaxy but she could not deny the strong attraction she felt towards him.

Carth turned his brandy brown gaze towards her and her breath caught in her throat. The lantern's light danced in his eyes and she felt overwhelmed by the intenseness of his stare. Nina averted her eyes back to the moon and the forest around them. He shifted slightly, and was it just her or did he move even closer? His hand accidently brushed against hers and she surpassed a shiver. All of her previous anger towards him evaporated like the morning mist at sunrise. It was time for their fight to end.

"We didn't end our last…discussion very well," She started gently. Carth sighed audibly and shot her a shy, apologetic smile.

"I know; I'm not very good at this. I know I owe you an apology, more than one probably."

His hand lifted of its own accord and traveled through his thick strands, pushing his bangs back into place where they refused to stay.

"I was just so desperate to finally face Saul directly and then he eluded me once again. Now the Jedi have us looking for these Star Maps."

"This mission is important, Carth," Nina pointed out softly.

"I know it is, I just feel a bit…useless." She had never seen him look so defeated or so vulnerable. "I can fight sure, but I'm no Jedi. All of this feels completely out of my league."

"That's not my fault, Carth. Believe it or not I am in as much of the dark as you are. The council keeps me on a short leash and a need-to-know basis."

Carth nodded in understanding.

"There is no excuse for my actions. I just hate not knowing what is going on and feeling this…helpless. But I shouldn't have taken that out on you. I've been a royal pain in the ass, haven't I?"

Nina grinned widely and nudged him with her elbow.

"You sure have!"

They both laughed and Carth shook his head.

"Well I should at least be glad I haven't lost my touch." They both chuckled again and after a moment Carth turned serious and leaned in closer. "So I'm sorry. Will you accept my apology?"

Nina pretended to consider it and rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

"I don't know, Carth, maybe I should make you work for it."

Carth's brow crinkled and he narrowed his eyes.

"I don't know if I like the sound of that."

Nina turned so she was directly facing him. Her hand moved on its own accord to trace the seams on one of his sleeves. She had never been this bold before; it was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. Carth watched her closely, his face unreadable.

"Come on, Carth. Don't you want me to accept your apology?" She fairly purred and she felt him tense under her light touch. Nina was afraid she had gone too far but she was reassured when he leaned casually against the railing, a coy smiled danced on his lips.

"I don't know, Nina. What am I going to have to do for it?"

Nina took a deep breath and the words spewed off her tongue before she could stop them.

"How about a kiss?"

A blush spread like wildfire across both their cheeks and Carth chuckled nervously. She had pushed him too far.

"Relax Carth," she tried to recover from her embarrassing request. "I was just teasing you."

Before he could respond, Mission called out to them.

"There you guys are! Bastila says it's time to go."

Grateful for the chance to leave the wholly awkward situation, Nina pushed herself away from the railing and turned to her young friend.

"Thanks Mission. Go collect Zaalbar and we'll head back to the port."

Mission waved and headed off to find her best friend, leaving them totally alone. Nina exchanged a smile with Carth and shrugged.

"I guess we better get going."

Carth nodded and they walked side by side with her for a few moments in silence. He finally cleared his throat and Nina looked up at him.

"You know, you aren't so bad to have around."

Nina laughed, her cheeks heated under his compliment. It was probably the best she was going to get from him.

"I know, I'm charming, I've been told."

"More than that," he murmured distractedly as they passed a dark alcove. Nina suppressed a shriek as Carth tugged on her arm and pulled her into the darkness. She landed with her back against the wall with a resounding thud.

"Carth what are you-"

She was cut off by his mouth pressing firmly against hers. She was paralyzed from shock but quickly recovered and eagerly responded by moving her own pliable lips against his. One of his hands cupped her face while the other traveled down the length of her side and rested on the supple swell of her hip. She did not know how long they stood there, gripping onto each other with a powerful passion but she eventually broke away gasping for air. His face was flushed and his eyes were closed. Nina panicked for a moment, afraid he regretted kissing her but he leaned his forehead against hers and the panic dissolved instantly.

"Apology accepted?" He asked, his breath warm on her heated cheeks.

"Apology accepted," she whispered and smiled. She started to lean up to kiss him again but Mission's voice startled them both.

"Nina? Carth?" There was a brief pause. "Where did they go?"

The handsome Commander chuckled and moved away from her.

"We should get going," he suggested and they both stepped out into the nightfall.

The walk back to the ship was quiet except for the chattering between Mission and Zaalbar as they talked about the time spent apart during Zaalbar's captivity. Nina and Carth lagged behind, occasionally brushing up against each other as they walked; his fingers casually caressed her own. Nina was floating on clouds and even the appearance of Darth Malak himself could not ruin her mood. As long as Carth was by her side, she could take on the whole universe.

Hope you liked :)