Disclaimer: All characters or part thereof are property of George Lucas,
Timothy Zahn and
Lucasfilm. Don't sue me cos I ain't making any money from this. It's written for the
pure joy of writing. I don't own Addicted by Simple Plan as well.
Don't know why I did this, must be cos of the boredom on this godforsaken country. I hate Singapore. Anyways enjoy the fic.
Danni really screwed things up in the last chapter and it's gonna get worse but for you people out there who think I'm a heartless moron, just chill. I'm gonna let Jaina and Kyp have some happiness. Enjoy people. ____________________________________________________________________________ _
"Shut up Danni! You have nothing to say to me. Now get out of my way!"
Jacen could still remember his words when he screamed at Danni at the dinner party, feeling her despair through the Force after his words. Feeling his heart break at the sight of her weeping alone when he had snuck back into the party. He wanted to hold her in his arms and murmur words of apologies.
The tried to push back the memory of him shouting to the back of his mind but it would not go back. No matter how hard he tried his words came back to haunt him. Even now, two weeks after his outburst, his words just would not leave him be.
He had secluded himself from everyone only appearing out of his quarters on the Venture to take his food. He would take his food into his quarters and eat alone and only when he had to train as a Jedi would he come out. He had ignored the disgusted looks of his family and Aunt Mara and the only person who had pitied him was Luke Skywalker.
He was deep in thought when his door opened to reveal an angry Jaina and Kyp Durron. Jacen knew that Jaina was now with Kyp despite their age difference, much to the disapproval of his mother. Jacen had learned to trust Jaina's judgement and if she thought that Kyp could bring her happiness then so be it. However, he swore if Kyp did anything to hurt his sister, no power in the world would stop Jacen from hunting him down.
"Jacen? We need to talk," his sister said glaring at Jacen.
"I have other things to do, so if you'll excuse me," he told Jaina. He knew what this talk would be about. His mother and father had already confronted him. They had told him to apologize to Danni and he had argued that a forced apology meant nothing. He had not seen the scientist lately and his brain did not want to see her at all. His heart though, told him otherwise.
"Will you stop thinking that the galaxy revolves around you Jacen. Stop acting like a boy and grow up for once!" she screamed back entering his room and dragging Kyp in with her.
"I could do that but what's Blondie doing here? What's he got to do with this?" he jerked his thumb at Jaina's boyfriend.
"I didn't even want to come but your sister dragged me here in case you get angry," Kyp answered and chuckled at Jacen.
Jacen bristled but he sat on his bed and leaned against the wall while Jaina sat next to him on the bed. Kyp was sitting on the floor cross-legged and looked rather unconcerned. He turned to face Jaina probing her face. She looked different now, happier. It was different from the mournful Jaina he had been reunited with on the Venture when she was still mourning Jag's death. As much as he hated to admit it, Kyp really brought a good degree of happiness to his twin.
"So what are you going to say that will make me change my mind about Danni?" he bit out.
Both Jaina and Kyp rolled their eyes as he listened to what Jaina was about to say.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
"Danni could you pass me the hydrospanner?" Mara asked pointing at the tool. Mara was checking on her ship, Jade Shadow along with Leia and Danni. She felt a cool metal object near her hand and looked up to see Danni's pale face smiling down on her.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
Leia and Mara exchanged concerned looks as their gaze fell upon Danni once again who was tinkling with the Jade Shadow's repulsorlifts. Ever since, Jacen's blasting at her during the dinner party, she had lost weight and her skin was pale. Her green eyes which always blazed with tenacity, was now replaced by a dull sadness and longing. She never lost her pretty features however.
Leia had tried many times, unsuccessfully, to get Jacen to apologize to Danni. He would not even listen to his father or uncle when they ordered him to apologize. Mara had tried talking Danni into forgetting about Jacen, much to Leia, Luke and Han's dismay, and find another man. She had politely turned down Mara's advice.
"Shut up Danni. You have nothing to say to me," Leia remembered her son's words. Leia was extremely disappointed with her son's behavior for she never taught Jacen to speak like that even if Anakin had been involved. He humiliated Danni in front of thousands of dignitaries.
Danni had been full of remorse after since the outburst and she had apologized to everyone emotionally or physically linked to Anakin. She even went as far as to offer her services in kitchen and drudge work. If she was willing to do that, her remorse must have ran deep. Even after being told she did not have to, she had insisted on making it up to the Solos and Skywalkers one way or another. Mara had accepted her offer so she could lose her state of penance.
"Why don't you take a rest Danni? Mara and me can finish up the cleaning," Leia smiled at the woman, motioning to the exit.
"Thanks Princess," she smiled back.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
"Are you serious? She hasn't been eating? Sithspit Danni" Jacen exclaimed, his exclamation of shock easily picked up from his tone and the Force. Jaina had told him that Danni had not been eating well ever since the party. As a result, she had lost a lot of weight and her health was deteriorating at an astounding rate. She also had secluded herself just like Jacen had done.
"It's not ALL her fault. You had a big part to play in this too, so for once, please! Stop putting the blame on other people," she said back, sensing her brother was about to say that it was Danni's fault since she insulted Anakin.
"Anakin is beyond insults, Jacen. All of us were hurt when Danni said what she said but it's no reason to run your mouth at her. The females on this ship now have a very bad impression of you and I'm not sure it will go up even though you apologize. Still you can apologize," she said crossing her arms over her chest staring at her twin.
"Do as she says Jacen. Believe me, I experienced firsthand what happens when females neglect a person they really don't like," Kyp interjected and grinned at Jaina putting on arm around her.
He sighed in defeat and said, "Okay I'll apologize."
"That's my little brother," Jaina replied.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Danni was in the Venture's recreation room bent over a game of holopinball. She had virtually helped out in all her free time to atone for her mistake on insulting Jacen about not saving Anakin. She had bumbled big time when she mentioned that resulting in Jacen's hostility towards her.
She mentally berated herself for thinking about when she was supposed to be relaxing. She knew that everyone was worried for her, especially when she neglected her food eating only when she felt like it. Jacen did not seem to care however, he had avoided her for the two weeks after his outburst at her.
"Sithspit! Stop thinking about him and focus on your game. You're supposed to be relaxing," she chided herself. She was so engrossed in her game that she did not feel Jacen approach her from behind.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Jacen found Danni in the Venture's recreation room playing a game of holopinball. She was focusing so much on the game that she did not hear his footsteps or feel his presence in the Force, approaching her. Jacen decided to wait in the doorway until she finished her game so he would talk to her.
His thoughts however soon ceased as he found himself staring at Danni. She was bent over the machine and he could see her behind quite clearly. Even though she was wearing a Jedi robe, her body's curves could be seen easily. Still she looked terrible with her skin all pale. He just could not tear his eyes of her, part of him excited and part of him sad.
"See something you like?" he heard. Danni had stopped playing and was now facing him fully, her arms dangling by her side. Her voice was bitter but soft and he felt rather embarrassed that she had caught him staring, or rather, ogling at her.
His sister was right. Now that he was able to see her face, his heart split into two when he saw what he had done to the woman he held so dear in his life. She had definitely lost a lot of weight and he skin was even paler than he had envisioned earlier. Her green eyes that always burned bright were now very dull.
"Stop ogling at me and tell me what you want to say. I don't have time to waste," she snapped at Jacen, who in turn was snapped out of his thoughts. He flashed a lopsided grin and expected her to smile back but she was unperturbed.
"I just came to say I'm sorry Danni," Jacen replied looking straight in her eyes to show that he was sincere.
"A forced apology means nothing to me Jacen," she said and turned her back to him and started to walk away.
"It's not a forced apology Danni. I sincerely mean it," he said back.
She stopped for a while as if considering his words but she carried on walking away from him again. Taking small, slow steps to antagonize Jacen. He watched her in confusion for a while before running up to her and grabbing her by the shoulders. He turned her around and looked straight into her eyes. She tried to squirm out of Jacen's grip but Jacen held fast.
"Sithspit! Let me go!" she screamed out.
"Danni I said I was sorry, believe me. Please!" he told her, never looking away from her eyes.
"Sorry? You expect me to forgive you after what you did? You know I never meant to insult you. You think it's easy for me to forgive for humiliating me like that? For speaking of me in your sexual dreams? Do you go around bars speaking of my starring in your sexual dreams?" she bit out. She had stopped squirming and was now glaring at Jacen.
"I was drunk!" he said back, grimacing as he heard the defensiveness in his tone.
"There you go again blaming your mistakes on others! It was your fault that you got drunk in the first place. If you don't have anything better to say to me, you can get out of my sight Jacen Solo!" she said. Jacen was getting desperate to gain Danni's friendship again but at this rate he would not be able to win her back as his friend, much less his girlfriend.
"Sithspawn Danni! What can I do to make you believe me? I'd do anything Danni, just to show I'm sincere of this apology," he offered. Danni had averted her gaze from his eyes to the floor and she was twiddling with her thumbs thinking hard of his offer.
Danni's silence stretched for a long two minutes, each second ticking by tediously for Jacen. The silence, so intense that a thin line of sweat formed on Jacen's brow.
"You could take me out for dinner tonight and bring me to see that new holodrama with Sharon Crystal and Arnold Stallone the Fifth," she finally said, looking up to Jacen. "But you're going to have to pay for all the expenses," she added in quickly.
"It's that your way of asking me out on a date?" he grinned.
"Don't get any ideas Jacen Solo. This is just for your penance, it's not a date," she bit out and was rewarded to see Jacen flinching at her tone.
"Deal," he agreed and moved to hug her when he remembered the incident that happened on Jade Shadow when he had hugged Danni from behind. He winced at the memory. So he held out his hand instead. She took it and shook his hand firmly.
"Meet me at the docking bay at seven?" he asked.
"Eight would be better, it'd be more roman-er, more convenient."
He grinned at her again and watched her leave when she released his hand. He turned and headed back to his quarters to get ready.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
The Venture had been orbiting the waterworld of Mon Calamari ever since the crew of the Jade Shadow had returned from their jaunt in the Unknown Regions. Jacen found it ironic that the Mon Calamari government had allowed Booster and his ship to even put a foot in their space given their dislike for smugglers. Maybe it was just appreciation by the Mon Calamaris since Booster played a big part in the war.
He focused his thoughts back to the present. He was waiting for Danni Quee at the Venture's main docking bay. He had decided to forgo his Jedi robes and was now wearing a dark blue shirt and a pair of black pants. He took a look at his chrono and saw that it said eight thirty five. He swore silently, thinking about how girls would always be late for an appointment.
And then he saw her and his jaw dropped. Danni was wearing an off shoulder dress, white in dark green in color matching her green eyes. Her hair that measured till her waist was piled up in an intricate bun on her head. She grinned at him and twirled once in a full circle. Jacen visibly swallowed as he noted that the dress was also backless.
"Rancor got your tongue?" she asked teasingly.
"You look perfect," he replied, tossing a wink at her. He grinned when he saw her cheeks reddening.
Danni thought she was on cloud nine when she heard Jacen made the remark. She had been told by many that she was beautiful but never once had said she looked perfect. Jacen Solo definitely knew how to make a woman feel appreciated.
"Well shall we? I don't think the restaurant would keep our reservations if we're late which we are," he said to her, offering his hand and bowing politely.
"You made reservations? How gentlemanly of you. I didn't think you had in you," she replied and grinned when he scowled. Nevertheless she took his hand and he led toward the shuttle he had managed to borrow from Booster. He had to bribe the man so he would not tell Leia or anybody else that he was going out with Danni Quee.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked, squeezing his hand briefly. He shook his head and squeezed her hand back.
"It's nothing. Come on," he said dragging onto the shuttle. "We're fashionably late as it is."
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Thirty minutes later, Jacen and Danni were seated at a table for two in a private booth. The restaurant was called Al Dente', a highly expensive restaurant since it was built on the Mon Calamari's land surface. He had spared no expenses for this dinner, just to show that he was sincere.
"Certainly Miss. Your food will be ready in half an hour," said the server droid. He had placed his order before Danni and he was now looking into her dazzling green eyes. They were seated across each other and the room was filled with aromatic candles setting a very romantic mood.
"I'm impressed Jacen Solo. Nice to place to have dinner too," she said.
"Thanks. I wanted everything to be perfect. To show how sincere I really am," he smiled.
"Well, you're forgiven," she said back, flashing a dazzling smile.
At that moment, both of them leaned across the table looking in each other's eyes. Jacen was looking into her eyes and noticed that Danni's eyes were not all green but outlined with brown at the pupil. He had thought that all eye colors were single toned but now that their face were centimeters apart, he could see her features much clearer.
Being alone in the room with Danni, his mind was racing, her presence invaded his mind cleansing it. He never felt so pure with anyone else, not even his mother or father. He leaned in even closer and saw that Danni had advanced as well.
Their faces came closer and their lips parted a bit as their faces came closer for a kiss but just as their lips were about to meet, Jacen's comlink snapped to life.
"Jacen?" his uncle's voice came out of the comlink. Silently cursing his Uncle Luke for ruining the moment with Danni yet again, he tossed a look at Danni who had now retreated blushing furiously.
"Yes Uncle Luke?" he said into the comlink.
"Is everything okay? Where are you?"
"I'm on the planet with Danni, we came using one of the Venture's shuttles. Don't worry. We're fine."
"Oh...I see. Oh! Sorry, I didn't realize-"
"It's okay Uncle Luke," he cut off his uncle.
"Well your mom is worried but I'll pass on the message. Have a nice time with Danni," he commented as he cut the connection.
During the conversation with Luke, the server droid had brought their orders but Jacen was a bit disheartened as he knew that his moment with Danni earlier could not be recaptured. So the two ate in silence, making the odd comment whenever the silence grew unbearable.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Five hours later, Jacen and Danni were finally on their way back to the Errant Venture. It was probably around one forty five in the morning and Danni had already fallen asleep en route. They had taken about one and half-hours to finish dinner and head to the holoplex to watch the movie with Sharon Crystal and Arnold Stallone.
The movie was something about Sith vampires that sucked on people's blood. Jacen had found it boring and uninteresting but Danni had been spooked out from the show. The fingernail marks on his right arm proved it. Whenever Danni was scared, she dug her fingernails into his arm and it hurt too. He finally had enough and had put his arm around Danni's shoulder and was gratified when she melted into his side and rested her head on his chest.
They had walked back to the shuttle, hand in hand talking about their past and future. He looked at the sleeping form of Danni Quee. His one big hope was that Danni would be part of his future, a major part and from their experience on Mon Calamari, he hoped that his hope could be realized.
(15 minutes later)
They had finally docked with the Venture but not before Booster had made a few snide comments about his coming back late with Danni. He glanced to his right and saw that Danni was still sleeping peacefully.
He gently scooped her up into his arms and headed in the direction of Danni's room. He stopped for a while when Danni wrapped her arms around his neck before he finally headed of to her room. He was flustered upon reaching that Danni's room was password protected, meaning that he could not enter her room unless he keyed in the right password. He tried five times unsuccessfully and considered waking Danni up to ask for her password but thought better of it. It was late night and he did not want to wake her up. She also had not let go of his neck.
He headed to his room instead and gently laid Danni on his bed. She finally let go of his neck and she settled her head on his pillow. Jacen drew up the blanket around her and smiled in satisfaction on seeing her content smile. He brushed back her bangs on her forehead and placed a small kiss on it. Then he stretched out and found a comfortable spot on the floor and slept.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Lucasfilm. Don't sue me cos I ain't making any money from this. It's written for the
pure joy of writing. I don't own Addicted by Simple Plan as well.
Don't know why I did this, must be cos of the boredom on this godforsaken country. I hate Singapore. Anyways enjoy the fic.
Danni really screwed things up in the last chapter and it's gonna get worse but for you people out there who think I'm a heartless moron, just chill. I'm gonna let Jaina and Kyp have some happiness. Enjoy people. ____________________________________________________________________________ _
"Shut up Danni! You have nothing to say to me. Now get out of my way!"
Jacen could still remember his words when he screamed at Danni at the dinner party, feeling her despair through the Force after his words. Feeling his heart break at the sight of her weeping alone when he had snuck back into the party. He wanted to hold her in his arms and murmur words of apologies.
The tried to push back the memory of him shouting to the back of his mind but it would not go back. No matter how hard he tried his words came back to haunt him. Even now, two weeks after his outburst, his words just would not leave him be.
He had secluded himself from everyone only appearing out of his quarters on the Venture to take his food. He would take his food into his quarters and eat alone and only when he had to train as a Jedi would he come out. He had ignored the disgusted looks of his family and Aunt Mara and the only person who had pitied him was Luke Skywalker.
He was deep in thought when his door opened to reveal an angry Jaina and Kyp Durron. Jacen knew that Jaina was now with Kyp despite their age difference, much to the disapproval of his mother. Jacen had learned to trust Jaina's judgement and if she thought that Kyp could bring her happiness then so be it. However, he swore if Kyp did anything to hurt his sister, no power in the world would stop Jacen from hunting him down.
"Jacen? We need to talk," his sister said glaring at Jacen.
"I have other things to do, so if you'll excuse me," he told Jaina. He knew what this talk would be about. His mother and father had already confronted him. They had told him to apologize to Danni and he had argued that a forced apology meant nothing. He had not seen the scientist lately and his brain did not want to see her at all. His heart though, told him otherwise.
"Will you stop thinking that the galaxy revolves around you Jacen. Stop acting like a boy and grow up for once!" she screamed back entering his room and dragging Kyp in with her.
"I could do that but what's Blondie doing here? What's he got to do with this?" he jerked his thumb at Jaina's boyfriend.
"I didn't even want to come but your sister dragged me here in case you get angry," Kyp answered and chuckled at Jacen.
Jacen bristled but he sat on his bed and leaned against the wall while Jaina sat next to him on the bed. Kyp was sitting on the floor cross-legged and looked rather unconcerned. He turned to face Jaina probing her face. She looked different now, happier. It was different from the mournful Jaina he had been reunited with on the Venture when she was still mourning Jag's death. As much as he hated to admit it, Kyp really brought a good degree of happiness to his twin.
"So what are you going to say that will make me change my mind about Danni?" he bit out.
Both Jaina and Kyp rolled their eyes as he listened to what Jaina was about to say.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
"Danni could you pass me the hydrospanner?" Mara asked pointing at the tool. Mara was checking on her ship, Jade Shadow along with Leia and Danni. She felt a cool metal object near her hand and looked up to see Danni's pale face smiling down on her.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
Leia and Mara exchanged concerned looks as their gaze fell upon Danni once again who was tinkling with the Jade Shadow's repulsorlifts. Ever since, Jacen's blasting at her during the dinner party, she had lost weight and her skin was pale. Her green eyes which always blazed with tenacity, was now replaced by a dull sadness and longing. She never lost her pretty features however.
Leia had tried many times, unsuccessfully, to get Jacen to apologize to Danni. He would not even listen to his father or uncle when they ordered him to apologize. Mara had tried talking Danni into forgetting about Jacen, much to Leia, Luke and Han's dismay, and find another man. She had politely turned down Mara's advice.
"Shut up Danni. You have nothing to say to me," Leia remembered her son's words. Leia was extremely disappointed with her son's behavior for she never taught Jacen to speak like that even if Anakin had been involved. He humiliated Danni in front of thousands of dignitaries.
Danni had been full of remorse after since the outburst and she had apologized to everyone emotionally or physically linked to Anakin. She even went as far as to offer her services in kitchen and drudge work. If she was willing to do that, her remorse must have ran deep. Even after being told she did not have to, she had insisted on making it up to the Solos and Skywalkers one way or another. Mara had accepted her offer so she could lose her state of penance.
"Why don't you take a rest Danni? Mara and me can finish up the cleaning," Leia smiled at the woman, motioning to the exit.
"Thanks Princess," she smiled back.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
"Are you serious? She hasn't been eating? Sithspit Danni" Jacen exclaimed, his exclamation of shock easily picked up from his tone and the Force. Jaina had told him that Danni had not been eating well ever since the party. As a result, she had lost a lot of weight and her health was deteriorating at an astounding rate. She also had secluded herself just like Jacen had done.
"It's not ALL her fault. You had a big part to play in this too, so for once, please! Stop putting the blame on other people," she said back, sensing her brother was about to say that it was Danni's fault since she insulted Anakin.
"Anakin is beyond insults, Jacen. All of us were hurt when Danni said what she said but it's no reason to run your mouth at her. The females on this ship now have a very bad impression of you and I'm not sure it will go up even though you apologize. Still you can apologize," she said crossing her arms over her chest staring at her twin.
"Do as she says Jacen. Believe me, I experienced firsthand what happens when females neglect a person they really don't like," Kyp interjected and grinned at Jaina putting on arm around her.
He sighed in defeat and said, "Okay I'll apologize."
"That's my little brother," Jaina replied.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Danni was in the Venture's recreation room bent over a game of holopinball. She had virtually helped out in all her free time to atone for her mistake on insulting Jacen about not saving Anakin. She had bumbled big time when she mentioned that resulting in Jacen's hostility towards her.
She mentally berated herself for thinking about when she was supposed to be relaxing. She knew that everyone was worried for her, especially when she neglected her food eating only when she felt like it. Jacen did not seem to care however, he had avoided her for the two weeks after his outburst at her.
"Sithspit! Stop thinking about him and focus on your game. You're supposed to be relaxing," she chided herself. She was so engrossed in her game that she did not feel Jacen approach her from behind.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Jacen found Danni in the Venture's recreation room playing a game of holopinball. She was focusing so much on the game that she did not hear his footsteps or feel his presence in the Force, approaching her. Jacen decided to wait in the doorway until she finished her game so he would talk to her.
His thoughts however soon ceased as he found himself staring at Danni. She was bent over the machine and he could see her behind quite clearly. Even though she was wearing a Jedi robe, her body's curves could be seen easily. Still she looked terrible with her skin all pale. He just could not tear his eyes of her, part of him excited and part of him sad.
"See something you like?" he heard. Danni had stopped playing and was now facing him fully, her arms dangling by her side. Her voice was bitter but soft and he felt rather embarrassed that she had caught him staring, or rather, ogling at her.
His sister was right. Now that he was able to see her face, his heart split into two when he saw what he had done to the woman he held so dear in his life. She had definitely lost a lot of weight and he skin was even paler than he had envisioned earlier. Her green eyes that always burned bright were now very dull.
"Stop ogling at me and tell me what you want to say. I don't have time to waste," she snapped at Jacen, who in turn was snapped out of his thoughts. He flashed a lopsided grin and expected her to smile back but she was unperturbed.
"I just came to say I'm sorry Danni," Jacen replied looking straight in her eyes to show that he was sincere.
"A forced apology means nothing to me Jacen," she said and turned her back to him and started to walk away.
"It's not a forced apology Danni. I sincerely mean it," he said back.
She stopped for a while as if considering his words but she carried on walking away from him again. Taking small, slow steps to antagonize Jacen. He watched her in confusion for a while before running up to her and grabbing her by the shoulders. He turned her around and looked straight into her eyes. She tried to squirm out of Jacen's grip but Jacen held fast.
"Sithspit! Let me go!" she screamed out.
"Danni I said I was sorry, believe me. Please!" he told her, never looking away from her eyes.
"Sorry? You expect me to forgive you after what you did? You know I never meant to insult you. You think it's easy for me to forgive for humiliating me like that? For speaking of me in your sexual dreams? Do you go around bars speaking of my starring in your sexual dreams?" she bit out. She had stopped squirming and was now glaring at Jacen.
"I was drunk!" he said back, grimacing as he heard the defensiveness in his tone.
"There you go again blaming your mistakes on others! It was your fault that you got drunk in the first place. If you don't have anything better to say to me, you can get out of my sight Jacen Solo!" she said. Jacen was getting desperate to gain Danni's friendship again but at this rate he would not be able to win her back as his friend, much less his girlfriend.
"Sithspawn Danni! What can I do to make you believe me? I'd do anything Danni, just to show I'm sincere of this apology," he offered. Danni had averted her gaze from his eyes to the floor and she was twiddling with her thumbs thinking hard of his offer.
Danni's silence stretched for a long two minutes, each second ticking by tediously for Jacen. The silence, so intense that a thin line of sweat formed on Jacen's brow.
"You could take me out for dinner tonight and bring me to see that new holodrama with Sharon Crystal and Arnold Stallone the Fifth," she finally said, looking up to Jacen. "But you're going to have to pay for all the expenses," she added in quickly.
"It's that your way of asking me out on a date?" he grinned.
"Don't get any ideas Jacen Solo. This is just for your penance, it's not a date," she bit out and was rewarded to see Jacen flinching at her tone.
"Deal," he agreed and moved to hug her when he remembered the incident that happened on Jade Shadow when he had hugged Danni from behind. He winced at the memory. So he held out his hand instead. She took it and shook his hand firmly.
"Meet me at the docking bay at seven?" he asked.
"Eight would be better, it'd be more roman-er, more convenient."
He grinned at her again and watched her leave when she released his hand. He turned and headed back to his quarters to get ready.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
The Venture had been orbiting the waterworld of Mon Calamari ever since the crew of the Jade Shadow had returned from their jaunt in the Unknown Regions. Jacen found it ironic that the Mon Calamari government had allowed Booster and his ship to even put a foot in their space given their dislike for smugglers. Maybe it was just appreciation by the Mon Calamaris since Booster played a big part in the war.
He focused his thoughts back to the present. He was waiting for Danni Quee at the Venture's main docking bay. He had decided to forgo his Jedi robes and was now wearing a dark blue shirt and a pair of black pants. He took a look at his chrono and saw that it said eight thirty five. He swore silently, thinking about how girls would always be late for an appointment.
And then he saw her and his jaw dropped. Danni was wearing an off shoulder dress, white in dark green in color matching her green eyes. Her hair that measured till her waist was piled up in an intricate bun on her head. She grinned at him and twirled once in a full circle. Jacen visibly swallowed as he noted that the dress was also backless.
"Rancor got your tongue?" she asked teasingly.
"You look perfect," he replied, tossing a wink at her. He grinned when he saw her cheeks reddening.
Danni thought she was on cloud nine when she heard Jacen made the remark. She had been told by many that she was beautiful but never once had said she looked perfect. Jacen Solo definitely knew how to make a woman feel appreciated.
"Well shall we? I don't think the restaurant would keep our reservations if we're late which we are," he said to her, offering his hand and bowing politely.
"You made reservations? How gentlemanly of you. I didn't think you had in you," she replied and grinned when he scowled. Nevertheless she took his hand and he led toward the shuttle he had managed to borrow from Booster. He had to bribe the man so he would not tell Leia or anybody else that he was going out with Danni Quee.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked, squeezing his hand briefly. He shook his head and squeezed her hand back.
"It's nothing. Come on," he said dragging onto the shuttle. "We're fashionably late as it is."
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Thirty minutes later, Jacen and Danni were seated at a table for two in a private booth. The restaurant was called Al Dente', a highly expensive restaurant since it was built on the Mon Calamari's land surface. He had spared no expenses for this dinner, just to show that he was sincere.
"Certainly Miss. Your food will be ready in half an hour," said the server droid. He had placed his order before Danni and he was now looking into her dazzling green eyes. They were seated across each other and the room was filled with aromatic candles setting a very romantic mood.
"I'm impressed Jacen Solo. Nice to place to have dinner too," she said.
"Thanks. I wanted everything to be perfect. To show how sincere I really am," he smiled.
"Well, you're forgiven," she said back, flashing a dazzling smile.
At that moment, both of them leaned across the table looking in each other's eyes. Jacen was looking into her eyes and noticed that Danni's eyes were not all green but outlined with brown at the pupil. He had thought that all eye colors were single toned but now that their face were centimeters apart, he could see her features much clearer.
Being alone in the room with Danni, his mind was racing, her presence invaded his mind cleansing it. He never felt so pure with anyone else, not even his mother or father. He leaned in even closer and saw that Danni had advanced as well.
Their faces came closer and their lips parted a bit as their faces came closer for a kiss but just as their lips were about to meet, Jacen's comlink snapped to life.
"Jacen?" his uncle's voice came out of the comlink. Silently cursing his Uncle Luke for ruining the moment with Danni yet again, he tossed a look at Danni who had now retreated blushing furiously.
"Yes Uncle Luke?" he said into the comlink.
"Is everything okay? Where are you?"
"I'm on the planet with Danni, we came using one of the Venture's shuttles. Don't worry. We're fine."
"Oh...I see. Oh! Sorry, I didn't realize-"
"It's okay Uncle Luke," he cut off his uncle.
"Well your mom is worried but I'll pass on the message. Have a nice time with Danni," he commented as he cut the connection.
During the conversation with Luke, the server droid had brought their orders but Jacen was a bit disheartened as he knew that his moment with Danni earlier could not be recaptured. So the two ate in silence, making the odd comment whenever the silence grew unbearable.
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Five hours later, Jacen and Danni were finally on their way back to the Errant Venture. It was probably around one forty five in the morning and Danni had already fallen asleep en route. They had taken about one and half-hours to finish dinner and head to the holoplex to watch the movie with Sharon Crystal and Arnold Stallone.
The movie was something about Sith vampires that sucked on people's blood. Jacen had found it boring and uninteresting but Danni had been spooked out from the show. The fingernail marks on his right arm proved it. Whenever Danni was scared, she dug her fingernails into his arm and it hurt too. He finally had enough and had put his arm around Danni's shoulder and was gratified when she melted into his side and rested her head on his chest.
They had walked back to the shuttle, hand in hand talking about their past and future. He looked at the sleeping form of Danni Quee. His one big hope was that Danni would be part of his future, a major part and from their experience on Mon Calamari, he hoped that his hope could be realized.
(15 minutes later)
They had finally docked with the Venture but not before Booster had made a few snide comments about his coming back late with Danni. He glanced to his right and saw that Danni was still sleeping peacefully.
He gently scooped her up into his arms and headed in the direction of Danni's room. He stopped for a while when Danni wrapped her arms around his neck before he finally headed of to her room. He was flustered upon reaching that Danni's room was password protected, meaning that he could not enter her room unless he keyed in the right password. He tried five times unsuccessfully and considered waking Danni up to ask for her password but thought better of it. It was late night and he did not want to wake her up. She also had not let go of his neck.
He headed to his room instead and gently laid Danni on his bed. She finally let go of his neck and she settled her head on his pillow. Jacen drew up the blanket around her and smiled in satisfaction on seeing her content smile. He brushed back her bangs on her forehead and placed a small kiss on it. Then he stretched out and found a comfortable spot on the floor and slept.
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