The Sweetest Thing
by obi's girl
Chapter 10
"Durron," Kyp heard a sharp voice say behind him as he sat at the bar in the lounge, waiting for his fiancé. The Jedi Master barely turned to the voice, knowing it wasn't Jaina come to see him but Corran Horn, Sera's former Master and teacher.
Corran sat beside Durron and ordered a beer for himself, "I heard some interesting news about you and Sera; that you're engaged,"
"To answer your question, no, I didn't use a Jedi-Mind-Trick on her; she proposed to me and I accepted,"
Corran grinned, "Glad to hear it. I had suspicion that maybe you did but then I thought, it's Sera Fey`lina, she's smart and more disciplined to fall for a stunt like that,"
Kyp frowned, annoyed by the criticism he was getting. Corran or anyone else that knew of him, never liked him. The fact that he had a serious girlfriend and was going to merry her, was big news. But he deserved happiness too like everyone else. Who cared about his past? Sera didn't care. Her past was probably just as dark and mysterious as his was before she became a Jedi. "Anything else you want to add Horn?"
"No more criticism," he said and smiled sincerely at Kyp, "Congratulations. I know you and Sera will be happy together,"
"Only a congratulations?" Kyp asked, his eyebrow raised, "Who are you and what have you done with Corran Horn?"
Corran smiled again, "Look Kyp, I used to train Sera so I know what she's like. I know her personality and have seen her with many different guys during the years I have known her. I remember when she was with Miko; she'd told me once it was good to be loved by someone but I knew deep down, she didn't love Miko in return," he paused, "She loved you then Kyp. Sera loved you very much but was scared you'd break her heart. So, I'm warning you now Durron, if you ever hurt Sera in any way, I'll make your life hell,"
Kyp suddenly felt a growing fear inside of him for Corran and gulped. Corran's smile returned and he slapped his shoulder, "Congratulations again, Durron." He grabbed his mug and left the lounge, passing Cherith and Valin on his way out.
Valin said something to Cherith and then went to grab their usual booth while Cherith met Kyp at the counter. "Good afternoon, Master Durron," Cherith said in a smooth voice.
Kyp smiled to himself; an important development in Cherith and Valin's relationship occurred last night and now, he was going to be the first to know about it. "Good afternoon, Cherith...What happened with you and Valin last night?"
Cherith hummed a little tune Kyp wasn't familiar with before answering, "Valin and I kissed,"
"Isn't that what you and Valin have been doing behind closed doors? Why would last night be any different?"
"Because, it was sweet and different somehow from all the other kisses Valin and I have shared..."
"I find it very sad I'm sitting here listening to what's happening in your pre-teen love life...I don't even remember being in love at your age," Kyp muttered.
Cherith ordered some blue milk and two steaks, for herself and Valin. "Actually, we were both wandering if you could not tell my father. He doesn't like Valin; he doesn't like the idea of me having a boyfriend this young. Just keep it a secret."
"Your dad, I can understand, Cherith but I don't think it's possible to keep this from everyone. Even your friends," Kyp added, "They already have this crazy idea you're already a couple, just hiding it from them,"
"Valin and I just aren't ready to tell anyone yet," she said and smiled at Kyp, "Please, don't say anything to anyone?" Cherith looked at him with her big green eyes, smiling like an angel.
Kyp groaned and nodded, "I won't say anything,"
Cherith's smile widened as she leapt from her chair and hugged him, "Oh thank, thank you, thank you!" The bartender returned with her food and drink, Cherith took the tray in her hands and carried it over to Valin and then came back for her blue milk.
Kyp nodded his heart; first he had been threatened by Sera's former Master and now, he had been asked by his apprentice to keep her relationship with her best friend a secret. If his relationship with Sera didn't work out, at least he had a job as the 'reluctant' confidant.
~~
Luke nearly jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder and then settled down once he realized it was only his niece. Jag was standing behind her, a concerned expression on his face too. They all turned their attention to the old woman resting in the next room. "She's going to die, isn't she?" Jaina asked her uncle. Luke nodded and then turned away from the room, leaning against the glass mirror.
"We're sorry, Luke," Jag said, "We're sorry for a lot of things,"
"There's no need to be sorry, Jag. You found Leia's mother and mine, you brought her to us," he said, "I just wish she didn't have to leave us so suddenly,"
Jaina sighed, looking again at her great grandmother's face. She had very few wrinkles and looked more beautiful, her brown hair turned silver with some hint of brown. Jaina never had any resemblance to her mother, growing up, but from looking at her grandmother, she could see herself in the old woman. "It isn't fair," she said.
Luke nodded and sat down finally, "No, it isn't fair," he glanced at the chrono, "Where's Cherith?"
"She's having breakfast with Valin," Jaina answered, "If you're thinking Cherith needs to say goodbye to her grandmother before she leaves us, I agree, but Cherith, she's been through so much lately."
"Everyone needs to be gathered, to say goodbye to her individually,"
Jag and Jaina nodded; Jaina suddenly feeling ill, ran to the nearest sink. Jag scurried over beside her but she motioned it was nothing to be concerned about. "I think I just need some rest, I'll be fine,"
"Come on, I'll walk you back to the apartment," Jag offered, rubbing her back soothingly in a circular motion. Jaina nodded, smiled goodbye to her uncle Luke and the two of them left the clinic.
The Sweetest Thing
Chapter 10, Post 2
Jaina felt his presence before she even turned to her ghostly mentor and smiled. She hadn't seen him in a long time, but she knew he had been keeping busy there, on the other side. Still months later after her resurrection, being there and about to have twins, it still felt odd to Jaina. The birth of her daughter was a miracle in itself. To this day, Jaina still didn't know how the Council was able to pull that off, making her age 14 years while mentally, Cherith was only two years old.
But with the arrival of her twins, Jaina knew she'd have the chance to experience, really experience the pains of labor and staying up late nights with Jag to hold them when they cried. When she and Jag first approached Cherith about her pregnancy and that she was expecting twins, Cherith was shocked. Twins?
Like herself, Cherith didn't hide that she was displeased with the situation. She told them about her worries, fears and concerns. But also like her father, after talking to them about the possible of baby brothers or sisters, Cherith kept her feelings to herself. But she knew, her attitude would change when she saw the beautiful faces of her siblings.
//Of course, her attitude will change!// she heard Qui-Gon whisper as he finally appeared. //I'm sorry I haven't been around...//
"Don't worry about it," Jaina said, "Do you know anything knew about grams' condition?"
Qui-Gon sadly nodded no and sat down on a rocking chair, //No, I'm afraid not. But you talked with your uncle Luke earlier. What did he say?//
"Maybe we should gather everyone to say goodbye to her," Jaina muttered and rested a hand on her stomach, "It's sad, really sad. She'll never see the faces of her great great grandchildren. I mean, she met Cherith but she'll never see them,"
The Jedi Master nodded and then smiled, //How are you doing, Jaina? How are they?//
Jaina shrugged, "They're not an active bunch, which is fine with me. I don't want to be staying up all night because they're moving and can't find a comfortable spot."
//careful, they might hear you and take your suggestions,//
"Doubtful," she said, "I'm excited about having two more children. I told Jag once I hoped they would be girls, but honestly, I think it would be better if Cherith had brothers. She already has two girlfriends who bother her constantly...I don't know about names though. I haven't decided on anything. Have any suggestions?"
Qui-Gon frowned and smiled wryly, //This should be something you and Jag decide on...//
"We both decided on Cherith for our first child, naming her after his sister,"
//All right. How about Lucas?//
Jaina made a face and nodded, "Lucas? You have to be kidding me? Lucas Fel Absolutely not!"
//The boys are taking Jag's last name?//
"We're not hyphenating," Jaina added nonchalantly, "Do you have any more suggestions?"
Qui-Gon huffed, he really wasn't too creative when it came to names. But he was still honored Jaina asked him for any suggestions. //What about Wade or Aidan?// He knew Jaina probably hated those names but strangely, Jaina smiled. //You actually like them?//
"Wade, I like. Aidan, I'm not too sure about," she paused, "Wade Fel. I like that, and I think Jag would like the name too."
//I'm happy to hear that,// Qui-Gon said, //Well, I'll leave the rest up to you and Jag. He probably has some ideas for what to name your boys...//
Jaina looked at him seriously, "You know then? I mean, you know I'm going to have sons?"
Qui-Gon shrugged, //Um, would you like to know or stay surprised?//
"To ease my mind a little bit and Jag's, I'd like to know,"
//All right, you have your wish. You will have twin boys,// He was surprised as Jaina screamed 'Yes!' and then settled down calmly on the bed, composing herself. //Well, you're welcome, Jaina,//
"Um, thanks Qui-Gon. Really, thank you so much for everything you've done for me."
The Jedi Master smiled wryly, //Your children, Jaina, they're going to be key players in the shaping of the galaxy's future...I'm not just saying that because your parents and uncle stopped the Empire.//
"Thank you again, Qui-Gon..and I think I know what you're talking about."
~
"Durron, Fey`lina!" Sera and Kyp heard as they both turned to find Wes Janson and some of his pilot buddies make their way towards them. It was possible they'd never get the chance to plan for their wedding, but instead listen to miscellaneous people congratulate them and offer to do something special for them, and knowing Wes Janson, a Bachelorette party was probably what he wanted to talk to Kyp and Sera about.
"Wes, it's good to see you," Sera greeted them, ignoring the scowl on her fiance's face.
Wes smirked and sat himself beside Sera to her right, "Sera, I was wandering about something. Now, i know you two probably haven't really had the chance to celebrate your engagement, so we were wandering if you would let us throw you an engagement party? All the Rogues and Twin Suns invited, of course!"
Kyp slapped his face, knowing one way or another, this party was going to be a disaster, especially if Wes was left in charge of arranging and preparing it.
Still, Sera didn't seem to pick up on her fiance's worry about the situation. "Sounds like fun, Wes!"
Wes's grin widened and he left the two of them alone, ordering some drinks. Sera ordered a drink for herself and turned to Kyp. "What? I couldn't say no. Wes is a good friend, and it'll be fun and entertaining..."
"...and a disaster waiting to happen..." Kyp finished.
"Maybe, but at least it will be a memorable engagement party,"
Chapter 10, Post 3
Leia Solo fidgeted as she walked slowly towards her mother's medical bed. Growing up, Leia had very few memories or her mother. The woman she thought who had raised her, the woman she called 'mommy' whenever she saw her, wasn't her mother. The woman, was in fact her mother's decoy. Of course, Leia had known she was adopted later in life and always remembered the beautiful woman she called 'mommy' to be her mother.
Now, the woman lying on the medical bed, the woman she thought had died years ago, was about to die (for real this time). Leia stopped fidgeting (her adopted father would say it wasn't a good habit for a princess and politician to fidget) and walked over quietly to her mother's bedside. Padmé turned slowly to her daughter and smiled, and Leia reluctantly returned the smile.
"I'm glad you came to see me first, Leia," Padmé said, "My daughter, my baby girl," she paused and coughed lightly, "Sorry, I wanted to talk to each one of you individually before I die." Leia nodded, fidgeting again.
Padmé looked down at her daughter's hands and smiled, "For a long time Leia, I wanted to reach out to you and be there for you and your brother, but the time, the darkness and Anakin, it wasn' t possible...Now, I would like to think before I die that you two didn't resent me for not being there for you..."
"Resent you?" Leia echoed, "Mother, no! Why would you think we resented you? I'm shocked you would even think we would hate you for not being there for us growing up,"
"You two were very young when you were separated, but I think, after the separation, somehow, through the bond you shared with your brother, somehow, I think you knew," Padmé sighed and leaned back on her pillow, "Life could have been very different for all of us, Leia, if Anakin hadn't been tempted by the Dark side."
"Don't worry about that now, mom," Leia cried, "We found you after all these years, that's all that matters,"
Padmé smiled and then frowned, "Believe me Leia, I wanted to stay with you on Alderaan but Ben wouldn't have it, saying it would be too dangerous. At the time, I didn't want to believe him but I think it's true now. Had I stayed on Alderaan with you and watched you grow up, it would be harder for me to keep my secret from you,"
Leia held her head downward, sobbing, "This isn't fair. I barely know you and suddenly, you're leaving us!"
"Leia please don't be angry," she pleaded, "This isn't the time to blame yourself. We all made mistakes but we can't do anything about it," Padmé smiled, and then frowned as she found herself coughing violently again. Padmé grabbed the glass of water beside her bed but Padmé waved it away as she breathed slowly, calming down her coughs. "Now, I want to talk to Luke, and then my grandchildren."