Disclaimer:  Same old one, none of these characters belong to me.  I am making no money off of this.  If you have any questions, or want to see the complete disclaimer and list of characters, see the Prologue

A Complicated Friendship:

The Story of Jag Fel and Jaina Solo

Chapter 22: Confessions

On their way to Naboo, the group stopped at the 'Errant Venture' to pick up some clothes and personal items.

Jaina had finally awakened.  Her injuries still remained, that worried her family immensely.  They helped her off of the 'Jade Flame' and got her settled in the pilots lounge.

As Jaina sat she sensed someone hiding in the Shadows.

"What do you want Kyp?" she asked tiredly

As the dark figure clad in black emerged from the shadows, he removed his hood.  At one point in time Kyp had been very close to the Solos and Skywalkers, almost like an overprotective older brother to Jaina.  Even though he's distanced himself after taking more aggressive views, he still cared about them.

"Jay, you look terrible!" he exclaimed.  "What happened to you?"

"Gee, thanks Kyp," she said sarcastically, then added seriously, "It's called the Vong attacking me on a Forceless planet.  It was worse."

"It's been at least a week, how come it's taking you so long to heal?"  There was something else wrong, he knew it.

"I had venom in my system, so it's taking longer."  She hoped he didn't pick up on her lie, but judging from the look on his face, he knew.  'Sithspawn!'

"Jay, that's a lie, and you know it.  It's like you're missing something…or someone."

'Stang, how does he do that?'  She started to cry, "He left me," was all that she said.

"Jay, he doesn't deserve you!  Just walk away before you get hurt worse."

"Why would you say something like that Kyp?"  she was a little upset now, how could he say this about Jag.  If anything, she didn't deserve him.

"Because Zekk is an idiot," Kyp stated bluntly.

"Zekk!  You think I was…that's hilarious!" she said hysterically.  "I was through with him years ago."

Kyp was confused.  "Then who, preytell, are you talking about?"

"Jag," she said, suddenly sad again.

"Jag?  Jag Fel!  That Imperial pilot!  Jaina Solo, you can do much better than that."  As soon as he said that he was immediately sorry.  And if the glare Jay gave him was any indication of her temper, he was about to get a serious tongue–lashing.  He braced himself.

"I'd like to see how you came to that conclusion.  Who should I fall for, a king, prince, another Jedi?  Well sorry, I've fallen for my best friend and he loves me.  Exactly how much better can I do?!"  He just looked away.  "No," Jaina said, "Please tell me, I'd just love to know!"  When she got done yelling, she quickly sat down, dizzy again.

"Jay, calm down, you're not well yet."  He paused for a moment, then continued, "I just want you to be happy.  I know we're not as close as we used to be, but I still consider you guys family."

They say in silence for a few moments.  Then Kyp finally spoke up.

"So what are you all doing now?"

"We're heading to Naboo," Jaina replied.

"To see Padme?"

"And to find Jag, Ben thinks that's where he went."

"What happened between you two?" Kyp asked, wanting to help.

"Well, after we were rescued, I was immediately put in the medcenter on Jag's ship.  Jag looked over me, took care of me.  I thought he said something, but he said he just thought it.  It really confused me, it had happened before, but he said to rest and we'd figure it out later.  He told me how Anakin was and then stayed with me and stroked me hair until I fell back asleep.  They took me to Grandpa Horn's on Corellia to recover.  All I know after that is when I woke up, Jag was leaving.  He said he was going to get a shower and he'd be back later.  He very lightly kissed me on the lips, almost like a good bye now that I think back on it.  I was very confused.  After he left I realized that Zekk was in the room.  He said he wanted to be friends and date again.  Then I told him I'd moved on with my life.  He then proceeded to tell me that I was wasting my life with the Rogues and Jag.  I proceeded to yell at him and told him to get out.  He then forced me to kiss him."  By now Kyp was furious with Zekk, but keeping his composure and cool.  "Ben ran up as soon as he felt I was in trouble."

"Your partner in crime," Kyp added playfully.

"Yeah, anyway, he and Corran threw him out.  In the meantime, Wedge found a holo outside the door with a yellow rose."

"Your favorite.  From Jag, I presume."

"Yeah, let me play it for you."

"Jaina, I want to tell you how sorry I am for leaving so abruptly, hopefully after this message you will understand why.  It's funny to think that two years ago I was grim and serious.  I hardly had any friends.  I became so serious and closed off after what happened to Valin and Zena.  I was so close to them, I didn't think I' ever be able to go on.  Then I made that stupid promise to myself; never get close to anyone else."  He paused, but then continued, "But you changed all of that Sticks.  I'd even refused to let myself get close to Neeja.  You helped me realize how stupid I'd been.  You helped me open up and do things I would've never done otherwise.  You and your happiness mean so much to me.  I realize though that your heart belongs to another, so I am  putting aside my feelings so you can be happy.  I love you so much Jaina, I think I always have, this hurts so much but I wish you all the happiness in the galaxy.  I am sorry to leave you like this and hope that one day you'll forgive me.  It just hurts so much to be near you right now.  Maybe one day we can become best friends again.  Until then I'll miss you very much.  Farewell my dear friend Sticks."

When it finished all Kyp said was "Wow."

"Yeah, so now we're heading off to find him, let him know what happened, and hopefully so I can have a chance with him."

"So Zekk caused all of this," he stated more that asked.  "I'm coming with you all.  I feel that I need to be there."

"Ok, we're leaving in 30 min.  Be ready."  She said her thoughts then going to Jag.  She hoped he would listen to her.

"Don't worry Jay, he'll come around."  Kyp said patting her shoulder.  He then grinned and added, "If not, I'm sure Ben, Jace and myself can bring him around."

Jaina just shook her head and laughed as Kyp left the room.

On the planet Naboo:

Jag finished telling Padme the whole story about Zekk.

"Jag, are you sure that's what happened?  I mean, you two were so close when you were here.  I could've sworn that you two would've ended up together."

"Ms. Padme, I assure you, that is exactly what happened.  It kills me, I feel like my other half is gone.  But if she's happy, that's all that matters.  I can only hope that this empty feeling dulls over time."

"Even though you seem more connected to Jaina that I was to Ani, I can tell you, it will fade."  'They seem as close as Luke and Mara.  How that's possible I don't know.  All that I know is that we've got to reunite these two.'  "Jag, I think you should talk to her.  Something just doesn't seem right."

"I will one…"

"No," Padme interrupted, "you will the next chance you get, soon."

"Yes ma'am," he said, not to happy but knowing she wouldn't have it any other way.

Suddenly Padme's comlink went off.  "My queen, your family just called saying they are on their way."  She caught the look of betrayal on Jag's face.

"You said you wouldn't tell them!  You lied to me!" Jag felt as if salt had been poured into an open wound.  "I can't believe you did this to me, I trusted you."

"Jag, you must calm down.  I didn't tell them, you can check the outgoing calls.  I haven't spoken to any of them since before you got here."  She pleaded with him, he couldn't leave yet.

"Ok, I believe you," he said walking from his room.  They were passing through the hanger bay.  "You know," he said gesturing towards a Nubian, "Jaina loves those things.  I wanted to get one for her one day."

"One day you will Jag, one day.  For now though, we need to find somewhere for you to go until I can talk to them."

"I'll be in my favorite room.  I won't tell you where, that way I can't blame you if I am found."

"Jag you need to speak to her."

"I know, but I just need to think right now.  If you'll excuse me."

And with that Jag was off, left alone to ponder his future.