Author's Note: This is set several months after the betrayal that occurred in chapter one.

The Point Of No Return

Chapter Four

"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime."

"Malavai, have you ever pondered about the future? I mean clearly you have, you are the ever ambitious sort, but in regard to where you wish to see yourself..." I trip up, sigh, and lean back against him.

Despite our rekindled romance and the rebuilding of trust, I find myself vulnerable and heavy in his arms. This man, who has seen the entire spectrum of my emotions, is the only one who knows the patience and mercy of the Emperor's Wrath.

"Are you asking if I ever thought about our future?" I nod. "Quit often, actually. After we began our courtship, I plotted the mental course, a timeline if you will, of what I personally hoped to see from our coupling beyond the physical and emotional."

"That's so Quinny of you.

"Perhaps, my dear Yvie." His laughter rumbles in my ears. Once it fades, his tone sobers, and I feel remorse wash over him. "Those dreams, I fear, were finished when I learned of Baras' looming betrayal, and I realized what I needed to do."

"Baras is dead, Malavai." I don't like discussing the bastard, and I hate how despite the old Sith's death, he still haunts our conversations too frequently after all this time.

"Yes, I know."

I reach up and touch his chin, then brush my fingers over his lips as we stare out the starboard observatory. The emptiness of space is soothing; it is like being cradled by two lovers, with the physical coldness of space and the living breathing contrast sitting behind me with his arms around my frame, loosely holding.

After silence passes and settles, I ask, "And now? What of your hopes?"

"It is difficult to say. I would truly enjoy staying by your side as your Captain in whatever capacity you see fit."

I hum thoughtfully. I close my eyes and tilt my head in order to lay a kiss on his cheek. "I do believe we were married quietly on Alderaan by an agent of House Thul." I smirk. "Surely you remember?"

"Of course. It was the happiest moment of my life." He pauses. "Baras made sure to ruin the afterglow of our joining. He contacted me while you slept."

I frown and narrow my brows. To think that wretched man dared to impede upon my wedding night!

"That was when he told me of his vile plans."

"I should've crushed his thick skull beneath my boot."

"While I concur with the sentiment, in the long-term it did not ruin a moment of my time spent with you. Every day, every second, you are an inspiration for me, and I wouldn't let Baras impinge upon that."

I smile and it grows wider as my thoughts drift back to that night on Alderaan.

"What a night it was, Quinn."

"I can set a course for Alderaan again, if you'd like."

"And what, what do you have in mind exactly?" I pause for dramatic effect. "Don't tell me you've finally conceded into going sledding with me."

"My Lord, you know I don't do well with snow and frigid temperatures."

"Only because you're afraid I'll start a war with a snow ball to your handsome face."

He laughs and squeezes me. "I was teasing the possibility that we may enjoy a second wedding, if you will. A fresh start without interference completely."

My body shifts and turns in order to face him. "Are you proposing to me again, Malavai?"

"Will you marry me again, Yvie Aurell?"

My hand reaches up and scratches my chin, playfully tormenting him with the feigned semblance of amused contemplation. "I suppose I'll have to marry you again, Captain Malavai Quinn, in spite of the long line of suitors begging for my hand."

He pulls me flush against his body, and though he knows my comment was stated in jest, he plays along and I revel in the passion and aggression in his tone, "I look forward to being the object of their envy, for you are mine and I am wholly yours."