PLEASE READ!

There is in this chapter a SPOILER if you didn't get to Corellia. I'm actually realizing that all my chapters are somewhat spoilers… But this one is even more so, so read at your own risk.

Also, I have changed the age of the LI to make it closer to that of my characters. I have nothing against couples with large age different and I am not judging anyone or anything. I just wanted to let you guys know. So if you read 'young man' when Malavai is supposed to be 37, you don't be surprised. I have done it for Malavai, Andronikos, Aric, Felix, and Zenith.

So here, we are: Malavai and Naricia! Enjoy!

He knew he was in love with her when… Malavai

He knew he was in love with her when he chose not to tell the truth to Darth Baras after the events on Hutta.

She had let him go. Malavai did not have any proof of it but he knew his Lord had let Nomen Karr live. He had been by her side long enough to know her. She probably even sent the man back to the Jedi, and he was sure that the girl had not been turned to the dark side. Naricia had lied during her conversation with Darth Baras. As his pawn, he should have informed the Darth, yet he had been staring at his holocomm for hours, unable to bring himself to call. He knew what would happen: they would be called back to Dromund Kaas and his master would torture her and the girl before killing them. He felt his heart clench at the thought. 'No!' he thought, ire filling him as images of the bloodied body of his Lord on the Darth's torture table invaded his mind. 'I can't let that happen! I don't care if it's for the sake of Baras!' The young man immediately stopped his trail of thoughts. Since when did he start putting her before his master? He owed everything to the Sith and it would not be the first time he denounced someone. So, why was he hesitating?

The Imperial leaned on his desk chair and thought back about all his interactions with his Lord to figure out what was happening: the time on Balmorra where he first witnessed the strength of her passion; the time she took a shot protecting him, that almost made him lose his mind when he realized it had pierced her lung; her terrible sense of direction, that got them lost more than once; their heated discussions about the Empire, where she never stopped amazing him with her vision of the galaxy; the respect she had for all imperials, even those Force-blind; her confidence that could rapidly turn into stubbornness; her teasing that never failed to make him blush; her smile that always illuminated his day, her… His eyes widened when he realized he could go on for some time. Could it be? He loved her? He… did. Strangely, the realization did not bring him any peace of mind; it only served to fuel his frustration about his situation with Darth Baras. He had dealt with the Sith long enough to know he would use his feelings for his own plan, possibly to hurt Naricia. And trying to break their tie was as foolish as useless. If he stayed, he would be used. He had to leave.

Yet, he could not imagine leaving her. The young man buried his head in his hands, going through strategies, searching for a way to stay with her without endangering the both of them. After what felt like eternity, only one suitable solution came out: he would have to bury his feelings so deep that neither his Lord nor his master would be able to reach them. But could he? He knew he sometimes stared at her instead of working, even the Twi'lek girl had noticed. And would he be able to resist to Naricia's teasing? He would have to, for both of their sakes. 'Even if I love her, as long as no one notices, I should be able to stay by her side.' he decided. 'If things get too difficult, I will ask to be reassigned. I will not let my situation put Naricia in danger.'

Malavai took a deep breath, put the holocomm back on his desk, and returned to the conference room, ready to be by his Lord's side - like he would always be as long as - the Force and Baras allow it.