Okay so what is Christmas without some family drama?
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Ch 9 Let's Go To The Movies
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REC DEC 6
Kate is nervous walking to Rec Dec 6. So far the two groups of kids aren't blending as well as she had hoped. Kate can't assign the blame to one group or the other. The Jedi kids are experiencing a whole new way of life that is so polar opposite from home. Many of the comments the Solo kids have made, have been are taken as rude or snide by the Enterprise kids. Kate knows they are rude but merely making observances. Looking at it from the Enterprise side the comments are simply digs at their home. The Solo kid's don't understand why the Enterprise kids are so against anything Jedi. The Solo's have heard the Enterprise kids refer to them as aloof and trying to control Kate. Everyone needs to understand that the Solos' were all Kate had for most of her life. She looks up to the Solo's as role models. Kate is feeling the exhaustion of always being the mediator. If she hadn't promised Joanna, and her Dad did not demand it, Kate would not be here now. "Hey guys," Kate says walking up to the main TP.
"Oh great she brought the dynamic trio," Cameron quips receiving a sharp elbow in the ribs from Joanna.
"I told you to be nice no matter what. That wasn't nice and you know it," Joanna chastises Cameron sternly. Cameron rubs his side rolling his eyes at his girlfriend. Everyone thinks Joanna is so sweet but Cam has seen the trademark McCoy grumpiness emerges and it isn't pretty.
"Wonder if we will be able to talk to Kate," John fires back watching how they surround her even walking.
Ronin dislikes the Jedi as much as everyone else but did promise to behave. "Stow it little brother. You of all people should be trying to make this easier for Kate," Ronin warns giving him a nipple twist for effect.
"Damn," John yells punching his brother hard in the shoulder. "I'm telling mom," John threatens with a huge smile on his face. Telling their mom is a private joke between the boys. Neither has run to Samantha O'Neill about the other since they were five years old. Ronin grins back rubbing his shoulder.
"Take a seat anywhere," Joanna gestures to the couches and bean bag chairs. Kate notices that Erika is curled up Ronin's chest with his arm around her. Jo has taken a seat with her legs strewn over Cameron's lap. Cameron is rubbing her knees and legs. Jacen and Jaina sit on the other end of the couch while Anakin flops in a bean bag chair.
Kate looks for a place to sit. If her siblings weren't here Kate would be next to John but they are here. He pats the open seat next to him with a half grin. Kate smiles back deciding to sit next to him. She takes a step but Anakin grabs her arm pulling her over into the bean bag next to him. "Sit down you. Are holding up the show," Anakin says.
John knows it is Anakin's first attempt to screw with him tonight. John promised to behave but plans to let Anakin know he is not going to take his shit all night long. "She can sit where she wants Anakin," John politely informs him looking at Kate.
"Okay who wants popcorn," Ronin says trying to defuse the situation. "Jaina…Jacen…Anakin…what do want to drink?"
"Whatever you are having," Jaina smiles getting a look from Erika. "I mean since you don't have Blue Fizz whatever works. I am still trying to remember the names of stuff here." Jaina giggles pushing up from the seat. "I'll help you," she offers walking across the room with Ronin.
"I'll help you," Erika imitates snidely watching the pair get drinks and popcorn. "Ouch," she squeals as Joanna pushes her back with a foot. "Cameron, control your girlfriend," Erika orders in a huff.
John pats the seat next to him. "Come on…I dare you," John jokes trying to get Kate to move from the floor to beside him.
Kate bursts out in a giggle that she quickly stops feeling Anakin and Jacen staring at her. "Umm, it's okay I can sit here," Kate says in a forced neutral tone. Kate wants to scream. Why she is so worried about what her brothers and sister thinks about the Enterprise kids is making her crazy. She never cared before but now it is different. She knows why it is making her crazy. She wants the Solo's to like the Enterprise kids as much as she does. Kate is just alienating everyone in her attempts to do this.
"Sure Kate," John says disappointed. "Whatever floats your boat." Kate's heart sinks seeing John sad.
"So what is this movie about," Jaina asks handing drinks to her brothers. Kate looks up at Ronin who is only holding popcorn.
"Hello forgot someone," Kate squawks.
"Quit your whining have mine," John and Anakin say simultaneously handing their glasses to Kate. If the tension was no so great on whose drink Kate would take, the situation would be amusing. Kate feels the pressure of everyone's eyes. "I am not really thirsty," Kate decides is the best response possible.
"Fine it's here if you want it," Anakin sets the drink between them.
"I'm not going to beg. You want mine…move up here," John says in a huff embarrassed that Kate has again sided with Anakin over him.
"The movie is called A Christmas Story. It is a about a kid who wants a present the adults don't want him to get." Joanna saves the day again breaking the tension. "Computer play movie." Joanna sees John is upset. She leans over the piles of bodies to whisper, "don't worry john... their only here for a short time."
"Too long for me," John says a bit too loudly.
"Have some popcorn dude," Ronin slams the bucket into John's chest.
"Is the present a dog," Jacen laughs shoving Kate's shoulder playfully. "Because if it is we have seen the live version of this movie at home every year for four years." Everyone laughs or snickers. Kate's obsession with getting a dog is the only thing they can all agree on.
"Kark mo Jacen (fuck off Jacen)," Kate shoots back playfully throwing a handful of popcorn at him.
"Hey none of that Huttese stuff," Erika yells. "You could be saying anything Kate. Good or bad."
"I'd never say anything bad about you," Kate replies shocked that the Enterprise kids would think the conversations in Huttese would be about them.
"Then use standard and we won't have these issues then Kate," John shoves popcorn in his mouth not looking at Kate.
Jacen places Kate in a head lock giving her a nuggie. "Can't you relax for a minute? What happened to my happy go lucky sister that never gave a second thought to anything," Jacen teases.
"You showed up," Ronin mumbles under his breath getting a high five from John. Kate glares at John and his brother. If she heard it so did Jacen. If the Enterprise kids force her to chose they should not be shocked at which side Kate ends up on.
"Does your Santa really do that," Anakin asks pointing to the screen. "I mean kick you in the face and push you down a slide after you sit on his lap. I'd hate to see what he does to the naughty kids. Got any experience with that John. Being an asshole I mean. "
Before john can speak Cameron fires off a comment. "No but Kate is a dead ringer for Ralphie except asking for a light saber. I want a blue, double barreled, snap-hiss free light saber please," Cameron does his best imitation of Kate getting chuckles from everyone in the room.
Kate throws a handful of popcorn at Cameron. "Shut up," she laughs, "and it was a living, breathing, barking, howling, slobbering everywhere dog I asked for. Not a light saber. I already have one of those."
"Yeah locked in storage for safety," Ronin laughs. John and Ronin burst out laughing remembering the day Dawson tired to use one. Their normally calm father ranted for an hour at dinner about Dawson destroying floor tiles, deck plates, and his desk.
Jacen misconstrues their laughter as a dig at Kate's limited skills. "You don't have your saber?" Kate is laughing with John and Ronin. She remembers her Dad approving all the maintenance reports. "Katherine where is your light saber," Jacen presses concerned laced in his voice. Jacen's sharp tone snaps Kate's attention from John to Jacen. "Light sabers are not a toy or a joke. Where is it?"
"In the security storage locker," Ronin says realizing Jacen is getting angry with Kate. "Dude its locked away safe and sound with yours. You'll get it back. Chill."
Kate can see the horror on her sibling's faces. She knows they thought theirs was only taken until Kirk understood they were friendly. The thought of Kate not having access to it unless they wanted her to rankles Jacen. "It is not locked away per se but only stored there for when I need it," she glares at John.
"She doesn't need it on this ship. The Enterprise is a safe place to live," Joanna thinks she is being helpful. Her comment is taken by the Solo's as just a way to control their sister. To take another piece of home away forcing her to conform to their way of life.
"Well why don't you just go kick the Rancor Joanna," Anakin can't control the frustration he feels with the Enterprises lack of trust in Kate. "Just another example of you all being scared of what you don't know. Pathetic."
Kate instantly jumps to Joanna's defense. "They aren't scared but cautious. And kicking the Rancor is equivalent…"
"Got that one Kate. You guys are not as clever with the insults as you think," Cameron jumps to Joanna's defense.
"It wasn't an insult no more than when we say 'screw the pooch'. It is just how we talk." Kate tries to make everyone see that not EVERY comment is a slur. "We had three Sith aboard and I had just learned that Kirk was my father. Who were they going to ask for help? Their first experience with a light saber was when Rogan bounced a phaser blast back at their heads. They had no idea how to use it so we lost a few tables, ceiling panels, floor plates," she lists.
"Maybe if they were more competent," Anakin chews a large mouthful of popcorn immediately after his comment. If he didn't, Anakin was going to say something he regretted.
"But their sabers were not drawn the second after beaming over," Jaina asks. Kate shakes her head no in response. "So were you in danger. That is why your Dad shot at them. Why the Sith drew their sabers on your Dad?"
The mouthful of popcorn is eaten too quick and Anakin's temper gets the better of him. Anakin sees Kate is in the hot seat for this conversation and wants her out of it. The next comment he makes deflects all comments to him. "Deactivated sabers don't cut tables by themselves without an idiot behind it. Who's the idiot that is head of security?" Anakin knows it is John's father.
"My dad is not an idiot you punk ass piece of shit. The Enterprise is safe because we don't have every Tom, Dick, and Harry, or in the is case Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin, roaming freely with live weapons. You are a guest on this ship. I suggest you act like one," Ronin's tone is icy.
Kate has never heard Ronin so intense. Anakin crossed the line calling Jack and idiot. "Anakin, Jack in a great guy. That was shitty thing to say because you don't like their protocols here. Enough about the sabers and let's finish the movie." Kate snaps punching him hard in the shoulder.
John is happy that Kate punched Anakin. For a girl she really hits hard and Kate did not hold back when she punched Anakin's shoulder. "Yes honey," John snickers. He knows the personal endearment will annoy Anakin more than an insult.
"Honey," Anakin imitates rolling his eyes. Kate elbows him again as John smiles and eats his popcorn. He has found a new way to torment Kate's youngest brother. John just needs to show Kate affection. Any snarky comment by Anakin so far has resulted in Kate beating the crap out of Anakin. The evening might just be improving. The movie finishes without interruption by either side. Kate actually enjoyed it. Maybe she will ask her dad to watch it with her so she can see the parts she missed.
Kate gets up to get a soda while they start next movie. John takes opportunity to speak to Kate alone. "So having a good time?" John regrets his choice of words the second they left his mouth. How can she possibly be having a good time?
"You promised John," Kate takes his words as a jab. "At the tree you said you could handle it."
"I'm sorry Kate, Ani is just getting to me," he says getting more popcorn. John orders a second bowl for Kate remembering the extra butter.
"Give me a break and stop taunting him," Kate requests taking the offered bowl of popcorn.
"I'm trying Kate really I am," John's voice lacks the conviction he feels in trying to be friends with Ani Solo. "Just tell him to do the same."
"You are better than that. Don't let him get to you," Kate orders not sure who she is mad at anymore.
"True," John smirks throwing a piece of popcorn in the air and catching it in his mouth. "Sit with me this movie and stop ignoring me Kate please. I really miss you." John doesn't wait for her answer walking off with his popcorn. "If you don't I may have to take drastic actions honey."
"Stop saying that. John they will see me if I sit with you," Kate yells in a hushed whisper.
"And," he taunts walking backwards. He throws another piece of popcorn in the air catching it on the way down deftly with his mouth. Kate smirks at him. John sees the old Kate coming back. He winks at her causing her to blush.
"I am not allowed to date anyone yet," Kate comes up with an excuse that is pathetic even to her.
"Says who," John starts but Ronin comes up behind his brother tripping him. John falls losing his popcorn. "You dork," John tosses the bowl aside placing Ronin in a head lock. The brothers begin to wrestle on the floor. The match goes on for only a minute before Ronin illegally pins John. "You cheated," John kicks Ronin pointing out the illegal move before offering him a hand up.
"No I adapted, overcame, and won," Ronin grins patting his brothers back. Kate laughs at the bickering between the brothers. Although no one wants to see it, Jacen and Anakin are as close as John and Ronin.
"You think this is funny," John fakes being mad at Kate with wide gestures and over pronounced facial expressions. "It is funny that my oaf of a brother won by cheating?" Kate can't stop laughing. Right now she has forgotten that anyone else is in the room. It is just her and John having fun. In a swift move John throws Kate over his shoulder. Her popcorn spills to the floor where she has stood. "For punishment you are going to sit right by me so I can keep an eye on you. Siding with the evil O'Neill. How could you?" John carries her past Anakin. He swings her off his shoulder depositing her snugly in his lap. "Now sit still and behave," John commands paternally. His brash actions took the choice from her of where to sit. She lays her head on his shoulder next to his chin. John kisses the top of her head. Before Kate comments he announces, "I don't care who sees us even if you do."
"Hey shut up the Grinch is on," Cameron orders loudly. "This is the only movie worth watching today." Cameron begins to tickle the frown off his girlfriend. Kate and her family may be trying to ruin the day but he won't let it ruin Joanna's.
"John," she whispers, "I don't care either but today was a mistake and I am sorry. We shouldn't have come.
"No it wasn't Kate. You are part of our family here. Families fight. Get over it and watch the movie," John lays his head on the top of hers. She feels so good in his arms. He wonders how much better Christmas would have been if the Solo's never showed up. John lets his mind wander to what he is going to get her for Christmas.
Kate wiggles in his arms so much that John questions her comfort. "My neck hurts from stress I guess," she confides.
"I can fix that at least," John smiles. "Here," he pats the seat in front of him offering to rub her shoulders.
"Um that would be great but,"
"Opps sorry," John playfully dumps her on the ground in the exact spot he indicated. "Here let me make it up to you," he adjusts her until Kate is firmly seated between his knees. He begins to rub her shoulders. John is no masseuse but Kate has knots everywhere. "I told you I don't care if they see us." John rubs her shoulders for the rest of the movie.
Ronin leans over to Cameron whispering, "Wonder if they know this song at that temple of theirs." Cameron snickers remembering how each time they use the Force they hold hands and close their eyes. It does match the scene in Whoville except the Jedi have not burst out in song yet.
Anakin gets the reference plain and clear watching the image flash on the screen. "No di'kut we don't sing songs like your brother and little blonde friend there thinks."
"So no Cumbya my lord. What a bummer," John snaps fingers like he missed something good. "And don't call my brother an asshole." Kate looks up at John surprised he knows the word Mandalorian word for asshole. "I'm not so bad with languages either Kate."
"Anakin don't blame them for not understanding something so remarkable as the Force. They are a young galaxy," Jaina is finally getting tired of the snips, snarks, and pointless comments made by all.
Once again Joann tries to make amends in the group. "Well all you guys have totally dorked up my movie so we are watching Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby in peace. Computer play," Cameron slaps a hand over Jo's mouth before she can finish speaking.
"Oh hell no," John protests.
"I love ya but no way babe. No musicals except Valentines or your birthday," Cameron lays the rules for when he will watch chick flicks.
"We need action after this one. How about Stargate?" Ronin suggests. The boys give hoots and claps of approval over the girl's whines and pleas.
"Perfect. All this fluff is making me gag," Cameron laughs defending his face from the pillow onslaught unleashed by Joanna.
"You are so going to pay for this," Joanna threatens as Cameron pulls her weapon away and grabs her wrists.
Cameron pulls her gently forward to whisper in her ear, "promise," before kissing her.
"Finally a decent movie, "John pretends to have hated everything before. Kate crawls up beside John laying her head in his lap. Her hair is finally growing long enough that John can play with it. John knows it relaxes Kate completely. Five minutes into the movie Kate is yawning. John pulls a blanket off the back of the couch covering her. Three minutes later Kate is asleep. Kate sleeps almost the entire movie. She is jarred awake by the blaze of gun fire as the heroes storm the alien pyramid. "Feel better," John asks seeing her awake. Kate nods but stays in his lap. She is so warms and comfortable. She watches the end of the movie half interested.
"Now that would be great. A planet to planet wormhole," Cameron declares as the credits roll. "Think of the things you could do with that. It would be like transporters on steroids. If you made one big enough I bet ships could pass through it."
"If we ever use the Holocron we can build a gate like that," Kate replies coming out of her sleepy daze.
"That would make you faster than even us," Jaina says wistfully.
"Yeah yeah I am on the slowest ship ever don't rub it in," Kate winks at her older sister.
"The Enterprise is not slow Kate by any means," John admonishes her. It is really irking him Kate never defends the Enterprise.
"Oh come on John. I mean it takes forever to get anywhere," Kate defends her statement finally waking up.
John's annoyance with his girlfriend is peaking. "Not as long as you make it out to be," he replies curtly.
"Damn flight form Deneva to Deneb was almost as long as their trip from Skyriver," Kate points out.
"500 thousand light years in 3 weeks. That would take you what. Cam like a billion years," Anakin defends his sister's stance.
"Katie the Enterprise isn't slow," Jaina reprimands. "Think of the Enterprise as a ship that has nowhere to go but all day to get there." Her sister's dig makes Kate snicker.
"Keep them coming," John fake laughs with over pronounced gestures. "It's just so great in Skyriver."
Ronin is losing his cool also. "Now hold on sister. The Enterprise is far better than you think."
"And where did you come up with that logic laser brain," Jaina is ready for hand out some of what she has been taking.
"John control your brother," Kate snaps turning an icy gaze on him.
"Don't let my dad hear your insult his baby," Cameron warns Jaina over the fight starting between John and Kate. "Might find yourself doing the zero g dance in the hangar bay but that shouldn't be a problem for you guys. You walk on air now as it is?"
"Why?" John demands shouting over Cameron who is now fighting with Jaina.
"Because he is being an asshole to MY sister," Kate can't believe John is not taking her side.
"Oh like they aren't dissing us every damn chance they get. Come off it Kate you are not that blind," John says what all the other kids are feeling. "Go sit with them then. I'm tired of you downing us. We aren't a back water galaxy. The federation is every bit as powerful as your precious New Republic. You haven't seen a 10th of their power."
Kate looks like she is ready to cry. "I told you I didn't want to come, but wouldn't take no for an answer. You said you would help me. It would be alright. You'd make it okay," Kate bites her bottom lip holding her tears in check.
"Kate I'm sorry," John apologizes. Regardless who is wrong he did break his promise to Kate.
"Forget it John. It doesn't matter anymore," Kate moves off the couch and towards the safety of the Solos.
"Dammit Kate," John curses. No one said a word while Kate was sleeping but now it is game on with her being the ball.
Anakin puts his arm out and Kate lays her head on his shoulder. "Kate I told you John was not right for you. I knew it the second I met him," Anakin soothes her patting her on the back.
John flies up ready to punch Anakin in that smart ass mouth of his. "When did this become about Kate and I?" John demands loudly but not losing control. "This is all about whose dick is bigger. So we have different technologies. Big deal. We both have our strong points and weak points, but that don't make one better than the other. One-up-men-ship will get us nowhere. We're here together for a short time… so we just got to deal." John's speech makes everyone feel guilty about the day. Each one of them in the room has done something to make the day a mess. John turns to Kate ready to make amends specifically with her. He gives a shit less what the Jedi will think about him apologizing. If apologizing will make it easier on Kate then so be it. Everyone in this room, who knows John, will see his apology is solely for Kate's benefit. If it wasn't for her, John wouldn't say a word.
"Excellent point after making Katie cry," Anakin shreds the tentative peace like a knife through paper. "Nice stepping up as a boyfriend. Timing is off but maybe you can work on that."
"Ani your mouth is the majority of the problem so shut it or I will," John fires back hotly. Kate can't expect John to just sit back as Anakin runs his mouth sowing seeds of discourse. It is tearing Kate apart and John won't allow it to continue any longer. If she thinks John will, Kate is going to be rudely disappointed.
Jacen could care less right now who Kate is kissing or whose tech is better. He sees Kate is not lying about having a Stargate of sorts. That could turn the tide of battle back home. "Enough both of you. Kate where is this Stargate."
"It is not built but I have a Holocron with specs to build it," Kate tries to pull herself together.
"A what?" Cameron asks. He does not believe Kate's galaxy has star gate tech. If they did, Cameron is sure that Kate would not be the first visitor from there to the Milky Way; however, she said she had specs. He dad has always told him if something as specs, someone is designing a prototype.
The realization that the Stargate could be used as a weapon like in the movie snaps Kate into reality. "Oh my god Jacen. It could be our Hail Mary. We wouldn't have to engage the Vong. Just overwhelm them with firepower from a safe distance. I am so fucking stupid. How did I not see that before?"
"Because you are not an evil weapons designer bent on galaxy wide destruction," Ronin jokes not sure if this conversation Kate is having with Jacen is real or not. "Kate it was just a movie."
"No it is not," Kate insists. "We can blow them up or ship the Vong into oblivion. My mom is keeper of the Holocron. It has been passed down for generations. I'm next so I can control it if she won't. I can build the Stargate."
"Wonder Trio powers activate," Cameron rolls his eyes. "Jedi powers to the rescue. Another thing only they can do that us mere mortals must stand in envy of."
"Shut the fuck up you ass hole," Kate emphasizes almost each word.
"Is it here," Jacen focuses Kate's attention to him.
"Yeah but my dad has it," Kate knows Kirk is not going to hand it over to Jacen of all people.
John turns to Cameron knowing in his gut Kate is telling the truth. "Stow it," he says loudly to Cameron. "Kate what are you talking about?"
Kate was so focused on talking to Jaina and her brothers she missed the John was talking to Cameron. "John I am done with you and you stupid narrow minded ideas. We are over. Go get bent."
"What the hell did I say?" John looks to the others for an explanation.
"Don't ever say stow it when you have no idea about anything," Kate hisses.
"I told Cam to stow it. Not you," John tries to clarify the miscommunication but Kate wants no part of it.
During Kate's verbal battle with John the three Jedi walk out to find Lauren. Kate begins to look for them so they can all leave. "Really that's where you're going with this. Nice cover John. Ronin could have come up with something better."
John is totally confused at why all of Kate's hostility is directed squarely on him. Yeah he made his fair share of snarky comments but so did everyone else tonight. "What are you going on about?" John demands trying to figure out what Kate wants to fight about now.
Kate's eye brim with tears. She is so angry she can barely speak. "Anakin is right. I am a fool. This can never be home."
John is stunned that Kate has been brought to tears. He has only seen her cry once and even then it was because he found her hiding out in the classroom alone. "No he's wrong. You're not a fool. You are just going through a,"
"Good bye John," Kate says sharply. She doesn't run but walks with purpose. Crying as she runs from the room will only add to the spectacle that has played out before her friends.
Kate's haughty attitude sends John over the edge. "You don't get to walk out on me Kate," John fires back anger lacing each word.
"Watch me," Kate says over her shoulder palming the door open.
John exits Rec Dec 6 looking down the hall for Kate. He sees her just before she turns the corner for the turbo. John sprints down the hall catching up to her as she waits for the turbo. "Kate stop." John says but the turbo doors slide open. Kate takes a step in side as John walks with long strides quickly closing the distance between them. "I said stop!" John's voice carries a hint of authority to it causing Kate to spin around exiting the waiting turbo.
"What did you say to me?" Kate asks stunned. She has never been commanded to do anything except adults. John grabs her arm pulling her into a maintenance locker for privacy.
"What are we fighting over?" John asks her hoping she will see this is simply a situation out of control.
"Us," she responds quickly and with venom in her voice.
"Us…you've lost me Kate," John says thoroughly confused. Up until now it has been about the Solos or Skyriver but never has it been about them.
"John look it is over. This silly, little, pointless, game is over," Kate belittles their relationship.
"Are you on something? First you were talking about star gates in space. Then you demeanor our feelings to a pointless silly game. Whatever is going on in that your pretty little head or your needs to get fixed. We are not pointless or stupid," John works to keep his tone neutral like his dad does when he is angry with his mom. Since this happens so rarely John has little experience to draw from. Jack always told him flying off the handle doesn't solve anything. Rational minds are the only things that solve problems. John just can't get Kate to think rationally.
"Well now I am talking about us and I am sorry but we are not good together," Kate announces shocked she went there. She doesn't want to break up but she has said it and can't take it back.
"Says who? Your prick of a brother. We are and you know it," John now knows the reason Kate is breaking up with him. He paces a few steps hating Anakin with each stride.
"No me. I say we are not good together," Kate bites her lip unconsciously. John knows Kate only does that when lying. "Find a new girlfriend because I don't want to be yours anymore."
"That is Ani talking not you," John stabs a finger at her chest. "And I am not finding a new girlfriend so get that thought out of your mind right now."
"Yes you will because I am not it anymore," Kate refuses to back down even though her heart is breaking. She has to keep the anger up. If she doesn't stay mad she will cry. No one sees Kate cry except her dad.
"You are just a quitter. Something gets hard or doesn't go your way and you quit. Well not this time Katherine Kirk. You are NOT going to dictate terms to me like I am some servant from you grand life with the Solo's."
Bringing the Solo's into their fight hits a nerve in Kate. "Fuck off we are over," Kate says trying to get to the door of the maintenance locker they are standing in.
John pins her back against a wall by placing both his palms on either side of her head. "Say it to my face. Don't look around but look me in the eye and tell me this is what you want."
Kate's anger takes over. She pretends she is speaking to anyone but John. "I don't' like you and I am breaking up with you." She trembles slightly after speaking. John's gaze doesn't waver from her eyes. He reminds her so much of her dad.
"Well I am not breaking up with you. When you really decide you don't like me and want out fine but not now. Not just to run from something you can't control. If I gave in to you every time you wanted it…we'd never stay together," John explains softly but firmly his reason for not taking her answer.
Kate is confused that John is not getting what she said. "I said we are over you need to walk away," Kate repeats.
"Oh I heard you the last five times you have said it. I am just not listening. You are being irrational and spoiled. You think that when you speak the world is going to jump…not this time honey. You are not breaking up with me for any valid reason except that you are scared and that's not good enough." John presses his lips to hers softly at first but then with more pressure. He doesn't try to take the kiss deeper but remains only on her lips.
"You can't do that now. We are broken up," Kate says weakly. Her legs feel like jelly.
"Uh yes I can and I can do it again. Watch me," John leans in pressing his lips to Kate's once more. "Now take five and think logically. You are under an tremendous amount of stress. So we break up now. Then what? When they are gone in two days things will be back to normal. You just have to lean on me instead of fight me until then."
"You are impossible O'Neill," Kate tries to keep a fire in her tone but melts in his arms. "This conversation is not over." Kate ducks out from his arm blockade slipping out into the hall. She may want to stay with John but Kate has to find Jacen before he does something rash. John watches her leave not knowing if he did the right thing.
