1 Ch. 6 ~ And in Between I'll Miss You
"Pack up Tycho." Wedge's voice was loud and intrusive, causing Tycho's head to jerk around to find the source of the interruption. "We have orders…its time to pick up some new pilots." Wedge waved a data pad at his second in command. "I need to brief you before we leave planet…" He trailed off, as if noticing for the first time that Tycho was not alone.
Tycho stood stiffly, regretting Wedge's intrusion. Winter shifted on the bench as he moved, her face a mask of perfect collection. If she was uncomfortable at having Wedge finding them together on the small bench alone in one of the few arboretums on Tattoine, she didn't show it.
"What time are we leaving?" Tycho asked, trying to remain nonchalant, as if it was no big deal that Wedge had interrupted something that both men had not expected to happen so soon, if at all, between Winter and Tycho.
"You have about an hour," Wedge said, drawing closer to Tycho. "I'm sorry to…" his voice was a whisper. Tycho made a small hand motion to stop him, knowing full well that neither of them were hiding anything from Winter, who had probably heard Wedge's whisper and easily noticed Tycho's discreet movement.
"I'll meet you in the hangar in fifteen and you can explain things while I do a pre-flight. Ok?"
"No rush buddy…but I'll see you there." Wedge touched Tycho lightly on the arm and smiled at the man he considered as close as a brother. Finally Tycho was getting something that he deserved. Tycho smiled back and gave him a typical "I've-got-it-made" Tycho look. Wedge turned away and left his younger companion.
As Wedge strode away, Tycho turned back to Winter, smiling widely.
"Guess I'm shipping out."
"Well, what did you think, you'd get a vacation?" Winter asked coyly, smirking at Tycho, who had raised an eyebrow.
"I do believe you want me to go. That's alright though. I know you were just using me." He replied brashly, striding towards the window and glancing out onto the sand.
"Me? Use you? Of course! High Command thought it would be a good idea if I made a friend in Rogue Squadron that I could rely on. When I needed help, all I would have to do is offer a kiss and some poor idiot…erm….I mean pilot, would come running to my aid, thinking he was some great hero like Luke Skywalker or something."
"Oh now I understand. You're in love with Luke!" Tycho laughed, turning back to face her, and almost lost his composure when he found her standing right there instead of being seated on the bench. "You can't win his affection, so you find a substitute. Very cruel Lady Winter. To twist a poor pilots heart…" Tycho watched as her features went from a grin to serious. Uh-oh Tycho. Watch it, its not like you're dating or you love each other. Don't use the word heart…it doesn't apply. He chatstised himself when his consious added, Yet.
"You know Tycho…"
Afraid of what she had to say, Tycho cut her off "I know I know…I should be a comedian. You know, I always had a crush on the Princess…She was always very kind to me, I assume because we have what we lost in common. As do you and I. But let me tell you, she is a wonderful kisser…" Tycho heard Winter gasp as he turned away with a satisfied grin. "But seriously, why do we speak of relationships at all? After all, its pointless to love in a time like this…" He waited with baited breath to hear how Winter would respond. I expect that she'll agree. That's the Winter I know.
"Well, not necessarily." Tycho almost choked as she spoke and had to stop himself from turning to face her. "After all, Han and Leia are in love and they make it work…" She trailed off and touched his arm, gently turning him to face her. Tycho shivered at her touch and soon found himself staring into her eyes. "Tycho…I…"
"Where does all of this leave us Winter? Do you really care about me? Or is this just…was it all for the mission? I'm a pilot, its not like I'm going to be around, and you're a spy…who knows if we'll be alive tomorrow?" He searched her face. Am I crazy? Why am I asking her these things? I'm just going to scare her away.
"Tycho, I really…" Winter never had the chance to finish. Kapp came running in.
"Winter! Trouble on Daressh. The Princess calls you immedietly! Code 13." Kapp's voice was desperate. Winter jerked away from Tycho, grabbing her jacket from the bench and sprinting for the door, following Kapp. Tycho stood perfectly still watching her go, but was surprised when she stopped at the door. She turned back to him.
"Tycho…I…." She seemed to have no words as she looked at the handsome pilot framed by the sunlight. "I have to go. I won't forget you…and in between, I'll miss you!" She forced the words out, surprised at how much she wanted to say them. With that, she turned away and ran out the door.
"And I you…and I you." Tycho said slowly, picking up his own jacket and heading to the door, sighing heavily.
A short time later, Winter managed to settle into her chair on the her small transport. Here she was safe and comfortable. This ship was her home and her very own domain. Kapp was busy setting coordinates for their destination. Winter tried to push away the apprehension she had. Another mission, another job. Leia needs me.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Kapp. "Ready Winter."
"Lets go then." She turned to the view screen as they began lift off. Winter glanced around the small hangar and her breath caught as she spotted two orange clad figures standing by an X-Wing lost in conversation. No, its not them. However, Winter could not tear her eyes away and was pleasantly surprised when both figures stopped speaking and turned to watch the ship take off. It is them…goodbye Tycho. Moments later, Winter's ship was exiting the atmosphere, leaving Tattoine and Tycho behind.
Well, I guess its time to face the music… No matter how hard I tried, I feel for him. I don't know him well enough to say I'm in love with him, but in time, I doubt that will be a problem. And he seems to care for me… Winter let her thoughts drift back to the moment she had left him standing in the arboretum. The last few parts of their conversation had been completed in a matter of seconds, but her keen senses, tuned from being a spy, remembered every bit of it. I ran for the door and he didn't try to stop me. He didn't even say a word. He knew I had to go. I had to stop to say goodbye…and he was watching me, not in the way most men do, but with a look that said clearly he would…die for me. His handsome face still held that air of seriousness that Admiral Akbar would recognize as the face of Lieutenant Tycho Clechu, second in command of Rogue Squadron. His whole body was framed by the sunlight, and underneath his clothing, the typical black flight pants, tan henly, and black vest, I could almost make out his well defined muscles, a testimony to his dedication to training. His eyes held a calm intesity. In those deep blue oceans, I could see understanding, and regret, but regret only that at that moment we had to say goodbye and he didn't know what I was thinking. Surprisingly enough, beyond that, I had no clue was he was thinking. I spoke those words, painfully at first because my brain is still telling me how foolish it is to even think of love. And as I turned to leave, I guess I could almost imagine him saying softly that he would miss me also…I could almost here his voice…and I also…
Winter sighed audibly, and fought to focus on the task at hand.
"Love is a curious thing." Kapp said suddenly. Winter could practically feel her eyes widen.
"What???"
"I said love is a curious thing."
"I know what you said. But why did you say it?"
"Lady Winter, we've been friends for a long time. We've been co- workers even longer than we have been friends. I'm older than you can imagine. I've been in the intelligence business for a while and the first lesson that I learned was to know your partner. I know you as well as you know me. I would be remiss if I had not noticed that you have fallen in love with a pilot of Rogue Squadron."
"You're mad!" Winter practically yelped.
"Winter, are you telling me that you had not just resigned yourself to the fact that you really do love him?"
"Argh!" Winter growled, jumping out of her chair. After pacing around for some time, she turned back to Kapp. "Is it wrong? Am I crazy? Sith! Who knew love was so confusing!"
"Is it wrong? No Winter. Love is hardly ever wrong. But this is war, and remember, your job is dangerous."
"I know."
"And his job is just as dangerous, if not more. You know the statistics on death in Rogue Squadron. Not to mention just how high profile…"
"Kapp. I thought you were in favor of this."
"I am dear Lady…its just…"
"What?" Winter felt a chill as she asked her horned companion.
"I just think that this relationship will be long and full of hardship and it won't be for a very long time until the two of you are very happy."
"Kapp…you know me…that's almost a sign that I should pursue this! I never want anything to be easy! The challenge is worth more than anything!"
"Good luck Winter, the two of you deserve happiness." With those final words, said with a smile, Kapp turned to go check on the engines and Winter sat back down to muse.
Wedge grinned widely as Tycho strode into the hangar, already dressed in his orange flight suit. Tycho's helmet swung back and forth as his left arm moved with his slight swagger. A confidant smile played across Tycho's lips as he caught the eye of his best friend. Wedge was more than happy to see Tycho in such a good mood. Tycho had always been one for a good joke, but lately both of them had been weighed down by irksome and difficult missions. Akbar relied heavily on Rogue Squadron and trusted few but Wedge and Tycho. Often times their youth was lost to the mass destruction they were used to doing.
Tycho winked at Wedge as he approached his X-Wing, feeling light in spirit. He glanced appreciatively at his ship. The ship was as much a part of him as the way he smiled.
"Time to go Wedge?"
"Run your preflight and I'll talk."
"Yes, sir."
"And wipe that grin off your face," Wedge said, his voice betraying his own smile. "Are you two engaged or what?"
"That would be moving a little fast, don't you think?" Tycho replied as he climbed up the ladder and dropped into his cockpit.
"I guess I was mixing you up with Hobbie. I forgot. Tycho Clechu does nothing quickly."
"Darn right Antilles. Unless its shooting down an Imp, and any day I'm faster at doing that than you are." Tycho peered out of the cockpit, grinning at Wedge. He ducked his head back in and barely missed being hit by a grease rag. "That's the reason why Wedge. You couldn't hit the broad side of a Star Destroyer."
"That's enough Clechu or you'll be on report. Now shut your mouth and listen. Seems we're getting some new pilots."
Wedge talked and Tycho listened, mostly there. For a few moments, he was with Winter, especially when Wedge's voice stopped and both men watched as her transport took off. At that moment, Tycho stood next to Wedge and let out a soft sigh. I will see her again…and maybe then we can finish our conversation…maybe then we can decide if we are…together? I don't like that word. Forget it. I'll leave it until then… When her transport was gone, Tycho turned back to Wedge, this time his full attention was on the matters at hand. Wedge seemed relieved that he was now responding and they went back to work, doing what they knew best…and that was flying and shooting.
"Pack up Tycho." Wedge's voice was loud and intrusive, causing Tycho's head to jerk around to find the source of the interruption. "We have orders…its time to pick up some new pilots." Wedge waved a data pad at his second in command. "I need to brief you before we leave planet…" He trailed off, as if noticing for the first time that Tycho was not alone.
Tycho stood stiffly, regretting Wedge's intrusion. Winter shifted on the bench as he moved, her face a mask of perfect collection. If she was uncomfortable at having Wedge finding them together on the small bench alone in one of the few arboretums on Tattoine, she didn't show it.
"What time are we leaving?" Tycho asked, trying to remain nonchalant, as if it was no big deal that Wedge had interrupted something that both men had not expected to happen so soon, if at all, between Winter and Tycho.
"You have about an hour," Wedge said, drawing closer to Tycho. "I'm sorry to…" his voice was a whisper. Tycho made a small hand motion to stop him, knowing full well that neither of them were hiding anything from Winter, who had probably heard Wedge's whisper and easily noticed Tycho's discreet movement.
"I'll meet you in the hangar in fifteen and you can explain things while I do a pre-flight. Ok?"
"No rush buddy…but I'll see you there." Wedge touched Tycho lightly on the arm and smiled at the man he considered as close as a brother. Finally Tycho was getting something that he deserved. Tycho smiled back and gave him a typical "I've-got-it-made" Tycho look. Wedge turned away and left his younger companion.
As Wedge strode away, Tycho turned back to Winter, smiling widely.
"Guess I'm shipping out."
"Well, what did you think, you'd get a vacation?" Winter asked coyly, smirking at Tycho, who had raised an eyebrow.
"I do believe you want me to go. That's alright though. I know you were just using me." He replied brashly, striding towards the window and glancing out onto the sand.
"Me? Use you? Of course! High Command thought it would be a good idea if I made a friend in Rogue Squadron that I could rely on. When I needed help, all I would have to do is offer a kiss and some poor idiot…erm….I mean pilot, would come running to my aid, thinking he was some great hero like Luke Skywalker or something."
"Oh now I understand. You're in love with Luke!" Tycho laughed, turning back to face her, and almost lost his composure when he found her standing right there instead of being seated on the bench. "You can't win his affection, so you find a substitute. Very cruel Lady Winter. To twist a poor pilots heart…" Tycho watched as her features went from a grin to serious. Uh-oh Tycho. Watch it, its not like you're dating or you love each other. Don't use the word heart…it doesn't apply. He chatstised himself when his consious added, Yet.
"You know Tycho…"
Afraid of what she had to say, Tycho cut her off "I know I know…I should be a comedian. You know, I always had a crush on the Princess…She was always very kind to me, I assume because we have what we lost in common. As do you and I. But let me tell you, she is a wonderful kisser…" Tycho heard Winter gasp as he turned away with a satisfied grin. "But seriously, why do we speak of relationships at all? After all, its pointless to love in a time like this…" He waited with baited breath to hear how Winter would respond. I expect that she'll agree. That's the Winter I know.
"Well, not necessarily." Tycho almost choked as she spoke and had to stop himself from turning to face her. "After all, Han and Leia are in love and they make it work…" She trailed off and touched his arm, gently turning him to face her. Tycho shivered at her touch and soon found himself staring into her eyes. "Tycho…I…"
"Where does all of this leave us Winter? Do you really care about me? Or is this just…was it all for the mission? I'm a pilot, its not like I'm going to be around, and you're a spy…who knows if we'll be alive tomorrow?" He searched her face. Am I crazy? Why am I asking her these things? I'm just going to scare her away.
"Tycho, I really…" Winter never had the chance to finish. Kapp came running in.
"Winter! Trouble on Daressh. The Princess calls you immedietly! Code 13." Kapp's voice was desperate. Winter jerked away from Tycho, grabbing her jacket from the bench and sprinting for the door, following Kapp. Tycho stood perfectly still watching her go, but was surprised when she stopped at the door. She turned back to him.
"Tycho…I…." She seemed to have no words as she looked at the handsome pilot framed by the sunlight. "I have to go. I won't forget you…and in between, I'll miss you!" She forced the words out, surprised at how much she wanted to say them. With that, she turned away and ran out the door.
"And I you…and I you." Tycho said slowly, picking up his own jacket and heading to the door, sighing heavily.
A short time later, Winter managed to settle into her chair on the her small transport. Here she was safe and comfortable. This ship was her home and her very own domain. Kapp was busy setting coordinates for their destination. Winter tried to push away the apprehension she had. Another mission, another job. Leia needs me.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Kapp. "Ready Winter."
"Lets go then." She turned to the view screen as they began lift off. Winter glanced around the small hangar and her breath caught as she spotted two orange clad figures standing by an X-Wing lost in conversation. No, its not them. However, Winter could not tear her eyes away and was pleasantly surprised when both figures stopped speaking and turned to watch the ship take off. It is them…goodbye Tycho. Moments later, Winter's ship was exiting the atmosphere, leaving Tattoine and Tycho behind.
Well, I guess its time to face the music… No matter how hard I tried, I feel for him. I don't know him well enough to say I'm in love with him, but in time, I doubt that will be a problem. And he seems to care for me… Winter let her thoughts drift back to the moment she had left him standing in the arboretum. The last few parts of their conversation had been completed in a matter of seconds, but her keen senses, tuned from being a spy, remembered every bit of it. I ran for the door and he didn't try to stop me. He didn't even say a word. He knew I had to go. I had to stop to say goodbye…and he was watching me, not in the way most men do, but with a look that said clearly he would…die for me. His handsome face still held that air of seriousness that Admiral Akbar would recognize as the face of Lieutenant Tycho Clechu, second in command of Rogue Squadron. His whole body was framed by the sunlight, and underneath his clothing, the typical black flight pants, tan henly, and black vest, I could almost make out his well defined muscles, a testimony to his dedication to training. His eyes held a calm intesity. In those deep blue oceans, I could see understanding, and regret, but regret only that at that moment we had to say goodbye and he didn't know what I was thinking. Surprisingly enough, beyond that, I had no clue was he was thinking. I spoke those words, painfully at first because my brain is still telling me how foolish it is to even think of love. And as I turned to leave, I guess I could almost imagine him saying softly that he would miss me also…I could almost here his voice…and I also…
Winter sighed audibly, and fought to focus on the task at hand.
"Love is a curious thing." Kapp said suddenly. Winter could practically feel her eyes widen.
"What???"
"I said love is a curious thing."
"I know what you said. But why did you say it?"
"Lady Winter, we've been friends for a long time. We've been co- workers even longer than we have been friends. I'm older than you can imagine. I've been in the intelligence business for a while and the first lesson that I learned was to know your partner. I know you as well as you know me. I would be remiss if I had not noticed that you have fallen in love with a pilot of Rogue Squadron."
"You're mad!" Winter practically yelped.
"Winter, are you telling me that you had not just resigned yourself to the fact that you really do love him?"
"Argh!" Winter growled, jumping out of her chair. After pacing around for some time, she turned back to Kapp. "Is it wrong? Am I crazy? Sith! Who knew love was so confusing!"
"Is it wrong? No Winter. Love is hardly ever wrong. But this is war, and remember, your job is dangerous."
"I know."
"And his job is just as dangerous, if not more. You know the statistics on death in Rogue Squadron. Not to mention just how high profile…"
"Kapp. I thought you were in favor of this."
"I am dear Lady…its just…"
"What?" Winter felt a chill as she asked her horned companion.
"I just think that this relationship will be long and full of hardship and it won't be for a very long time until the two of you are very happy."
"Kapp…you know me…that's almost a sign that I should pursue this! I never want anything to be easy! The challenge is worth more than anything!"
"Good luck Winter, the two of you deserve happiness." With those final words, said with a smile, Kapp turned to go check on the engines and Winter sat back down to muse.
Wedge grinned widely as Tycho strode into the hangar, already dressed in his orange flight suit. Tycho's helmet swung back and forth as his left arm moved with his slight swagger. A confidant smile played across Tycho's lips as he caught the eye of his best friend. Wedge was more than happy to see Tycho in such a good mood. Tycho had always been one for a good joke, but lately both of them had been weighed down by irksome and difficult missions. Akbar relied heavily on Rogue Squadron and trusted few but Wedge and Tycho. Often times their youth was lost to the mass destruction they were used to doing.
Tycho winked at Wedge as he approached his X-Wing, feeling light in spirit. He glanced appreciatively at his ship. The ship was as much a part of him as the way he smiled.
"Time to go Wedge?"
"Run your preflight and I'll talk."
"Yes, sir."
"And wipe that grin off your face," Wedge said, his voice betraying his own smile. "Are you two engaged or what?"
"That would be moving a little fast, don't you think?" Tycho replied as he climbed up the ladder and dropped into his cockpit.
"I guess I was mixing you up with Hobbie. I forgot. Tycho Clechu does nothing quickly."
"Darn right Antilles. Unless its shooting down an Imp, and any day I'm faster at doing that than you are." Tycho peered out of the cockpit, grinning at Wedge. He ducked his head back in and barely missed being hit by a grease rag. "That's the reason why Wedge. You couldn't hit the broad side of a Star Destroyer."
"That's enough Clechu or you'll be on report. Now shut your mouth and listen. Seems we're getting some new pilots."
Wedge talked and Tycho listened, mostly there. For a few moments, he was with Winter, especially when Wedge's voice stopped and both men watched as her transport took off. At that moment, Tycho stood next to Wedge and let out a soft sigh. I will see her again…and maybe then we can finish our conversation…maybe then we can decide if we are…together? I don't like that word. Forget it. I'll leave it until then… When her transport was gone, Tycho turned back to Wedge, this time his full attention was on the matters at hand. Wedge seemed relieved that he was now responding and they went back to work, doing what they knew best…and that was flying and shooting.