Strong Enough
Chapter 5
Jaina and Kyp spent the next few hours talking with Han in the Falcon's game room before Kyp excused himself with the excuse that his report to General Antilles was long over due. Jaina watched him go, a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach. She was technically still off duty until 0800, but the glass brandy she'd consumed was sitting uneasily in her stomach. With Kyp gone, she had the feeling she'd be in for something of a lecture.
Her father's first words didn't disappoint her.
"Jaina, about Kyp."
She placed her glass on the table, a half-inch of liquor still in the bottom. "Don't start dad. I know he's older than me, I know he's been reckless in the past, but he's not coercing me."
"Woah, easy there, kiddo," Han chuckled. "Why do I feel like I'm under attack for something I didn't do?"
"Sorry," she rubbed her forehead. "Nobody knows yet, I mean, Jag doesn't even know. I guess I'm a little defensive."
"From the strip you tore off your mom, I'm not surprise." Han chuckled. "Are you sure you know what you're doing, Jaina?"
She shook her head. "I haven't been sure about anything in a long time," she admitted softly. "But I know Jag and I don't belong together. Kyp showed me that; has been showing me that, I've just been to blind to understand it."
Han smiled, chuckling. "But you know how you feel about Kyp?"
She smiled, nodding, "It's funny, I've watched you and mom when I was given the chance and never realized how special your relationship is. I mean, you always support each other, but you fight and argue; yet it never comes between you. Jag and I didn't have that. I think I wanted to have that so much, I didn't realize what really drew you and mom together."
"Circumstance?" Han offered, his eyes glittering with amusement.
Jaina arched an eyebrow, "I was talking about something else, but now that you mention it..."
Han chuckled. "So what is it that you think brought your mom and I together?"
Jaina felt her cheeks flush. "Uh. Do you really want an answer to that?"
"I'm curious to know how you kids think your old man managed to convince a looker like your mom to stay with him."
She chuckled. "Honestly? I think it's the attraction. You two are pulled towards each other, physically, mentally, you challenge each other. I mean, I watch you two and it used to gross me out when you guys would kiss in front of us, but now..." she trailed off. "You guys have been together a long time and the fire is still there. That was never there with Jag and me. I mean, sure, we had some fun times and yes, there was a spark, but nothing like what you and mom share. Nothing like what's between Kyp and I." She stopped, folding her hands around her glass and staring at the amber liquid. "Is that wrong for me to want that when tomorrow I could die?"
Han leaned forward. "Jaina, look at me."
She lifted her head, meeting her father's eyes, so like her own.
"Your mother and I were thrown together during a desperate time. We fought, we argued, but we respected each other, if only grudgingly." He smiled wistfully, "We had very little time together, except for when we were thrown together by circumstance. You're lucky. I see you look at Kyp and a part of me wants to throttle him, and another part of me is bursting because I see in your eyes what I feel when I look at Leia."
Jaina blushed ducking her head.
"No, it's true." Han insisted, chuckling. "I don't normally get this way, so enjoy it while it lasts. You have a chance to grasp something special, here and now, with Kyp. Don't let yourself pass that up because of an opinion someone else has."
"Even mom?"
"Especially your mother," Han grinned roguishly. "Did you know she didn't even like me when we first met? Now look at us. Some twenty years later we have a grown daughter who's in a situation not unlike our own was. Or would have been under different circumstances. She'll come around to your way of thinking. After all, you two are a lot alike!"
Jaina shook her head. "I don't see how. Today's outburst should have proven we couldn't have more different thoughts."
"Really?" Han was almost laughing. "Last time I checked your mother went for scoundrels too."
Jaina sat up straight. "Scoundrels! Kyp's not... Oh I get it, the checkered past thing, right?"
Han nodded.
Jaina tapped her fingers against her chin and grinned. "You might have hit on something there, dad. I just don't get something. If mom's happy with you, why wouldn't she think I'd be happy with Kyp?"
"You'll have to ask her that," Han told her, taking another swig of his brandy. "But later. Wedge said I could keep you until 0800, and we've only got another five minutes. Drink up, we'll catch up with you later."
She downed the rest of her brandy, suddenly feeling much better than she had before. She'd still have to talk with her mother, but now she had some ammunition just in case things got ugly. She stood, wrapping her dad in a tight hug. "Thanks dad."
"Anytime, princess." He told her smiling as he returned the hug, "Now go, or you'll be late for your shift. And Solo's are never late."
"No," she replied grinning, "They're always in the nick of time. I'll see you when my shift is over."
Han yawned. "Why don't you go see Kyp instead?"
She stopped by the entryway into the corridor. "But, you and mom..."
"We'll make do. From the sound of it, you and he have quite a bit to talk about."
"It can wait-"
"No," Han shook his head. "It can't, Jaina. Go see him; we'll be around for a few days. Trust me."
She laughed. "Alright, thanks dad." She ducked out into the hallway and raced for the ramp. She'd have to run to get into her uniform. She didn't see Han settled back into his chair and pick up his half-full brandy glass. She didn't hear the smash as it connected with the bulkhead across the room. All she felt, all she could hear, was her father's acceptance. As Han settled back into his seat, he stared after her. His little girl had grown up. It was time he admitted it.
Kyp slammed open the door to his quarters later that night and stepped inside. Wedge was an idiot. That was it, that was all. Wedge was simply an idiot. Oh sure, he was a knowledgeable man when it came to the military but privately? Kyp slammed his fist into the bulkhead beside his door, just above the panel controlling the door's functions. Not that it was any good anymore. He'd removed the door from its track. Did he care? Not really. He was too pissed off to care.
"Idiot!" he hissed, spinning away from the wall. Judgmental, dictatorial, sentimental fool! he thought venomously. What right did Wedge have telling him to stay away from her? What right did he have to issue a warning, nothing short of an ultimatum, regarding Jaina? None! He slammed his fist into the wall again, cursing softly. Wedge had riled him something good. He managed a wry smile. It figured. Jaina was a topic that could always affect him.
"Is this a bad time? 'Cause I can come back later."
His head came up. Jaina stood in the doorway, watching him, her arms crossed over her chest as she leaned against the frame. "Jaina!"
"Don't sound so pleased," she told him dryly. "Look, if this is a bad time..."
"No, no," he reached out to grab her in case she turned to go. "Sorry, the General is on my back."
Jaina glanced out into the corridor and back to him. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Talk?" he demanded, "Talk?! No I don't want to talk about it, I-"
She lunged at him, knocking him back into the wall and he almost bit his tongue as his head snapped back. Jaina waved her hand at the door, concentrating as she clenched her fingers, and the door slid back into place, seeming to expand as she opened her hand. Kyp blinked, his anger momentarily forgotten. When had she learned to manipulate elements like that?
She looked back to him, offering him a smile before she stepped back, "Now that we have a semblance of privacy, what's wrong?"
"Where did you learn to do that?"
"Do what?"
"Expand elements." He waved one hand at the door.
"Oh." She grinned. "It comes in handy when I tinker. I just don't find much use for it beyond fixing things. No quit dodging the question. What's wrong?"
Kyp examined her. She had a smudge of what looked like oil on her cheek and he pulled a cloth from his pocket to gently brush at it. "Nothing I can't handle, Goddess."
"Don't give me that, I can feel your anger, remember?"
He grimaced. "And here I thought I could shield something from you."
She caught his hand, searching his face. "What is it, Kyp? What's wrong?"
He sighed. "General Antilles had a talk with me about our behavior today."
"You too, huh?" she sighed, moving to sit on the edge of his bunk and stretched her legs out in front of her. "What'd he tell you?"
"To stay away from you."
She straightened sharply. "He -what-?!"
Kyp nodded. "I was pretty much told to stay away or he'd ensure I was transferred to another ship for the duration of this assault."
"Of all the interfering, domineering, meddling, stuck up..." she sputtered. "How dare he!"
Kyp chuckled. "That was pretty much my line of thinking when you walked in."
Jaina took a deep breath, closing her eyes and counting quietly backwards from ten. When she opened them, Kyp was on his knees before her, watching her carefully. She sucked in a sharp breath. She hadn't heard or felt him move. He placed his arms on either side of her waist, looking her straight in the eyes, "We have to talk."
She smiled faintly. "Every time I hear those words I think of something terrible. I know we do, that's why I came."
"If Wedge catches you here..." he sighed. "I feel like a teenager with my first big crush," he told her wryly. "A crush neither of our parents agrees with. I don't want to have to sneak around with you, Jay."
"Neither do I, but..." she leaned back on her arms. "I still haven't fixed everything with Jag yet. I can't just jump into another relationship without having some kind of closure. What will he think of me if he comes back to find out I'm sleeping with you?"
"It's more than that."
"I know," she told him with a smile, "But he won't see it that way. Jag really thought this was going to be forever, Kyp. I broke his heart, or tried, before he got sent on maneuvers. What if he dies?" she tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling, her voice soft. "I'll never forgive myself."
"You're strong," he traced a gentle line down her back. "It's not your fault if something happens to him, Jay, he's a big boy; he can take care of himself."
"But what if this distracted him?" she shook her head, closing her eyes on the thought. "He has to come back so I can finish this."
"What's really bothering you?" he asked, echoing her earlier insistence, leaning forward to place a kiss on the smooth column of her throat. He couldn't resist with her head tilted back at such a submissive, inviting angle. He felt the slight shudder than ran through her frame as his lips touched her skin and nuzzled her neck. "Jay? What's really bugging you?"
She straightened slowly, forcing him back as she lifted her head to look him in the eyes. "This whole situation is insane." She replied honestly. "I mean, who am I kidding?"
His brows drew together. "Jaina, what-?"
She smiled, lifting her hands to frame his face, "I've been forced to do alot of thinking the last two days Kyp. I've come to the conclusion that I have to stay away from you."
His eyes widened and he shook his head. "No! You're mine. -Mine-!" he told her fiercely, "I won't let you do it."
She laughed softly. "Think you could stop me, Master Durron?"
He leaned into her, bending her back over his bed until she lay flat beneath him, trapped. "I think I might have an idea or two."
She sucked in a sharp breath as he grasped her hands, trapping them above her head, revealing the bruise he'd left on her wrist. He clucked his tongue. "Tsk, I marked you more than once." He lifted her marked wrist to his mouth and placed a tender kiss over the bruise, making her whimper softly.
"Kyp..." she squirmed, but didn't really feel like fighting him. "I thought you said we had to talk."
He settled, barely any of his weight on her as he braced himself. "So talk."
She blinked. "Like this?"
"Sure." He smirked. "I could get used to this."
She swallowed. "Alright, let's start with your declaration to my parents."
Kyp hung his head, his bangs brushing her flight suit, "I was hoping you wouldn't start there."
She tugged at her hands, but he didn't release her. "Why not? I think I deserve to know your intentions, don't you?"
He looked up at her through his bangs, "Now, Jay? When you're still reeling with the developments? When you still have yet to finish with Jag?" he tilted his head until he was looking her straight in the eyes. "I love you, it's not fair for me to put that kind of pressure on you when you're still trying to deal with the previous relationship. What kind of man would I be if I pressured you into something when you're not thinking straight?"
"You really mean that?"
He nodded. "Of course I mean that. I don't just sprout off devotions of affection and sacrifice for nothing you know."
She laughed softly. "Thank you, Kyp."
"Don't thank me, it's hard enough keeping my hands to myself when we're with other people," he dropped his head, nuzzling her neck, "but you isolated us in my room. Am I still under orders to behave, your greatness?" his last words were whispered as he placed a kiss where her jaw met her neck.
She closed her eyes. "I... Y-yes."
He sighed, resting his forehead against her neck. "Alright. What else is on your mind."
"Could..." she swallowed hard, trying again as her voice cracked. "Could you get off me?"
Kyp lifted his head, his familiar smirk showing itself. "Having a little trouble thinking?"
She nodded.
Kyp rolled away, unable to resist planting a kiss at the base of her throat before he got to his feet. He pulled her back into a sitting position before settling next to her on his bunk. She was flushed, her heart racing from his nearness, his teasing, and her breath catching in her throat. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the gentle touch he was brushing over the back of her hand. She turned her head. "What were we talking about?"
Kyp began to laugh, "Something about keeping this a secret, I think."
"Oh, right." She shook her head. "I was thinking we shouldn't be alone for awhile, I mean, by ourselves-"
"Too late, Goddess."
"Let me finish! As I was saying, there's alot to work through still, I mean, I have to find a way to convince Jag without it seeming as if I'm ditching him for you-"
"When in fact you are."
"-and then I have to make sure people know we're not a item." She shot him a look. "That'd be very bad for my Goddess cover to be seen going from a pilot to a Jedi Master."
"Oh I don't know," he brushed her hair off her neck, leaning in to kiss the smooth column again, "I'd say you're moving up in the ranks."
"Kyp!" she protested weakly. "I can't think when you... when..."
"Good," he murmured softly. "You think too much."
"You're supposed to behave!" she moaned, unable to help herself from leaning towards him.
"Are you sure you still want me to?" he asked softly. "We're stuck in here for the moment, Jay. Just you and me..."
She turned her head, her brown eyes almost black, "I... we shouldn't."
"We shouldn't do alot of things." He murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear. "That didn't stop us before."
"Kyp..." she protested softly, her eyes drifting shut.
"I'm waiting for your word, Jaina," he murmured, pulling back as she tilted her head to kiss him. "Am I free to misbehave?"
"The hell with discipline." She told him fiercely. "If you don't kiss me I'm going to go insane!"
"We can't have that, can we?" he placed a soft kiss on the edge of her lips, enjoying the way her head moved, her breath caught.
"Kyp. Please..."
"The words, Jay," his lips hovered barely above hers, "I want to hear them."
"Kiss me."
He closed the gap, her mouth opening immediately under his as she melted into his arms. Kyp pulled her onto his lap, his hands sliding up her back before one undid the two buttons at the front of her flight suit where it covered her stomach and slipped inside. She leaned into his touch as his warm hand connected with her skin. She sighed into his mouth as he laid her back, slowly breaking the kiss. The intensity of her response shocked him still.
She protested, her hands sliding into his hair to pull him back, "More," she told him, "I don't want to hide when I'm alone with you, Kyp. Not now, not ever. We might not get another chance to do this; tomorrow may never come. Please?"
His hands stilled. "Jaina, are you sure? You're the one who wanted to wait until everything is fixed."
She shook her head. "I wanted to play it safe. My dad told me, after you left, that if I know my heart I should follow it. It leads to you. Please, Kyp? Make love to me?"
It would have taken a stronger man than he to disappoint her. The General and his orders be damned! Jaina was his, and his alone. Nothing, not even a galaxy width between them, would have stopped him from obliging her at that moment. If it ended up with his banishment from the fleet, so be it.
Chapter 5
Jaina and Kyp spent the next few hours talking with Han in the Falcon's game room before Kyp excused himself with the excuse that his report to General Antilles was long over due. Jaina watched him go, a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach. She was technically still off duty until 0800, but the glass brandy she'd consumed was sitting uneasily in her stomach. With Kyp gone, she had the feeling she'd be in for something of a lecture.
Her father's first words didn't disappoint her.
"Jaina, about Kyp."
She placed her glass on the table, a half-inch of liquor still in the bottom. "Don't start dad. I know he's older than me, I know he's been reckless in the past, but he's not coercing me."
"Woah, easy there, kiddo," Han chuckled. "Why do I feel like I'm under attack for something I didn't do?"
"Sorry," she rubbed her forehead. "Nobody knows yet, I mean, Jag doesn't even know. I guess I'm a little defensive."
"From the strip you tore off your mom, I'm not surprise." Han chuckled. "Are you sure you know what you're doing, Jaina?"
She shook her head. "I haven't been sure about anything in a long time," she admitted softly. "But I know Jag and I don't belong together. Kyp showed me that; has been showing me that, I've just been to blind to understand it."
Han smiled, chuckling. "But you know how you feel about Kyp?"
She smiled, nodding, "It's funny, I've watched you and mom when I was given the chance and never realized how special your relationship is. I mean, you always support each other, but you fight and argue; yet it never comes between you. Jag and I didn't have that. I think I wanted to have that so much, I didn't realize what really drew you and mom together."
"Circumstance?" Han offered, his eyes glittering with amusement.
Jaina arched an eyebrow, "I was talking about something else, but now that you mention it..."
Han chuckled. "So what is it that you think brought your mom and I together?"
Jaina felt her cheeks flush. "Uh. Do you really want an answer to that?"
"I'm curious to know how you kids think your old man managed to convince a looker like your mom to stay with him."
She chuckled. "Honestly? I think it's the attraction. You two are pulled towards each other, physically, mentally, you challenge each other. I mean, I watch you two and it used to gross me out when you guys would kiss in front of us, but now..." she trailed off. "You guys have been together a long time and the fire is still there. That was never there with Jag and me. I mean, sure, we had some fun times and yes, there was a spark, but nothing like what you and mom share. Nothing like what's between Kyp and I." She stopped, folding her hands around her glass and staring at the amber liquid. "Is that wrong for me to want that when tomorrow I could die?"
Han leaned forward. "Jaina, look at me."
She lifted her head, meeting her father's eyes, so like her own.
"Your mother and I were thrown together during a desperate time. We fought, we argued, but we respected each other, if only grudgingly." He smiled wistfully, "We had very little time together, except for when we were thrown together by circumstance. You're lucky. I see you look at Kyp and a part of me wants to throttle him, and another part of me is bursting because I see in your eyes what I feel when I look at Leia."
Jaina blushed ducking her head.
"No, it's true." Han insisted, chuckling. "I don't normally get this way, so enjoy it while it lasts. You have a chance to grasp something special, here and now, with Kyp. Don't let yourself pass that up because of an opinion someone else has."
"Even mom?"
"Especially your mother," Han grinned roguishly. "Did you know she didn't even like me when we first met? Now look at us. Some twenty years later we have a grown daughter who's in a situation not unlike our own was. Or would have been under different circumstances. She'll come around to your way of thinking. After all, you two are a lot alike!"
Jaina shook her head. "I don't see how. Today's outburst should have proven we couldn't have more different thoughts."
"Really?" Han was almost laughing. "Last time I checked your mother went for scoundrels too."
Jaina sat up straight. "Scoundrels! Kyp's not... Oh I get it, the checkered past thing, right?"
Han nodded.
Jaina tapped her fingers against her chin and grinned. "You might have hit on something there, dad. I just don't get something. If mom's happy with you, why wouldn't she think I'd be happy with Kyp?"
"You'll have to ask her that," Han told her, taking another swig of his brandy. "But later. Wedge said I could keep you until 0800, and we've only got another five minutes. Drink up, we'll catch up with you later."
She downed the rest of her brandy, suddenly feeling much better than she had before. She'd still have to talk with her mother, but now she had some ammunition just in case things got ugly. She stood, wrapping her dad in a tight hug. "Thanks dad."
"Anytime, princess." He told her smiling as he returned the hug, "Now go, or you'll be late for your shift. And Solo's are never late."
"No," she replied grinning, "They're always in the nick of time. I'll see you when my shift is over."
Han yawned. "Why don't you go see Kyp instead?"
She stopped by the entryway into the corridor. "But, you and mom..."
"We'll make do. From the sound of it, you and he have quite a bit to talk about."
"It can wait-"
"No," Han shook his head. "It can't, Jaina. Go see him; we'll be around for a few days. Trust me."
She laughed. "Alright, thanks dad." She ducked out into the hallway and raced for the ramp. She'd have to run to get into her uniform. She didn't see Han settled back into his chair and pick up his half-full brandy glass. She didn't hear the smash as it connected with the bulkhead across the room. All she felt, all she could hear, was her father's acceptance. As Han settled back into his seat, he stared after her. His little girl had grown up. It was time he admitted it.
Kyp slammed open the door to his quarters later that night and stepped inside. Wedge was an idiot. That was it, that was all. Wedge was simply an idiot. Oh sure, he was a knowledgeable man when it came to the military but privately? Kyp slammed his fist into the bulkhead beside his door, just above the panel controlling the door's functions. Not that it was any good anymore. He'd removed the door from its track. Did he care? Not really. He was too pissed off to care.
"Idiot!" he hissed, spinning away from the wall. Judgmental, dictatorial, sentimental fool! he thought venomously. What right did Wedge have telling him to stay away from her? What right did he have to issue a warning, nothing short of an ultimatum, regarding Jaina? None! He slammed his fist into the wall again, cursing softly. Wedge had riled him something good. He managed a wry smile. It figured. Jaina was a topic that could always affect him.
"Is this a bad time? 'Cause I can come back later."
His head came up. Jaina stood in the doorway, watching him, her arms crossed over her chest as she leaned against the frame. "Jaina!"
"Don't sound so pleased," she told him dryly. "Look, if this is a bad time..."
"No, no," he reached out to grab her in case she turned to go. "Sorry, the General is on my back."
Jaina glanced out into the corridor and back to him. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Talk?" he demanded, "Talk?! No I don't want to talk about it, I-"
She lunged at him, knocking him back into the wall and he almost bit his tongue as his head snapped back. Jaina waved her hand at the door, concentrating as she clenched her fingers, and the door slid back into place, seeming to expand as she opened her hand. Kyp blinked, his anger momentarily forgotten. When had she learned to manipulate elements like that?
She looked back to him, offering him a smile before she stepped back, "Now that we have a semblance of privacy, what's wrong?"
"Where did you learn to do that?"
"Do what?"
"Expand elements." He waved one hand at the door.
"Oh." She grinned. "It comes in handy when I tinker. I just don't find much use for it beyond fixing things. No quit dodging the question. What's wrong?"
Kyp examined her. She had a smudge of what looked like oil on her cheek and he pulled a cloth from his pocket to gently brush at it. "Nothing I can't handle, Goddess."
"Don't give me that, I can feel your anger, remember?"
He grimaced. "And here I thought I could shield something from you."
She caught his hand, searching his face. "What is it, Kyp? What's wrong?"
He sighed. "General Antilles had a talk with me about our behavior today."
"You too, huh?" she sighed, moving to sit on the edge of his bunk and stretched her legs out in front of her. "What'd he tell you?"
"To stay away from you."
She straightened sharply. "He -what-?!"
Kyp nodded. "I was pretty much told to stay away or he'd ensure I was transferred to another ship for the duration of this assault."
"Of all the interfering, domineering, meddling, stuck up..." she sputtered. "How dare he!"
Kyp chuckled. "That was pretty much my line of thinking when you walked in."
Jaina took a deep breath, closing her eyes and counting quietly backwards from ten. When she opened them, Kyp was on his knees before her, watching her carefully. She sucked in a sharp breath. She hadn't heard or felt him move. He placed his arms on either side of her waist, looking her straight in the eyes, "We have to talk."
She smiled faintly. "Every time I hear those words I think of something terrible. I know we do, that's why I came."
"If Wedge catches you here..." he sighed. "I feel like a teenager with my first big crush," he told her wryly. "A crush neither of our parents agrees with. I don't want to have to sneak around with you, Jay."
"Neither do I, but..." she leaned back on her arms. "I still haven't fixed everything with Jag yet. I can't just jump into another relationship without having some kind of closure. What will he think of me if he comes back to find out I'm sleeping with you?"
"It's more than that."
"I know," she told him with a smile, "But he won't see it that way. Jag really thought this was going to be forever, Kyp. I broke his heart, or tried, before he got sent on maneuvers. What if he dies?" she tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling, her voice soft. "I'll never forgive myself."
"You're strong," he traced a gentle line down her back. "It's not your fault if something happens to him, Jay, he's a big boy; he can take care of himself."
"But what if this distracted him?" she shook her head, closing her eyes on the thought. "He has to come back so I can finish this."
"What's really bothering you?" he asked, echoing her earlier insistence, leaning forward to place a kiss on the smooth column of her throat. He couldn't resist with her head tilted back at such a submissive, inviting angle. He felt the slight shudder than ran through her frame as his lips touched her skin and nuzzled her neck. "Jay? What's really bugging you?"
She straightened slowly, forcing him back as she lifted her head to look him in the eyes. "This whole situation is insane." She replied honestly. "I mean, who am I kidding?"
His brows drew together. "Jaina, what-?"
She smiled, lifting her hands to frame his face, "I've been forced to do alot of thinking the last two days Kyp. I've come to the conclusion that I have to stay away from you."
His eyes widened and he shook his head. "No! You're mine. -Mine-!" he told her fiercely, "I won't let you do it."
She laughed softly. "Think you could stop me, Master Durron?"
He leaned into her, bending her back over his bed until she lay flat beneath him, trapped. "I think I might have an idea or two."
She sucked in a sharp breath as he grasped her hands, trapping them above her head, revealing the bruise he'd left on her wrist. He clucked his tongue. "Tsk, I marked you more than once." He lifted her marked wrist to his mouth and placed a tender kiss over the bruise, making her whimper softly.
"Kyp..." she squirmed, but didn't really feel like fighting him. "I thought you said we had to talk."
He settled, barely any of his weight on her as he braced himself. "So talk."
She blinked. "Like this?"
"Sure." He smirked. "I could get used to this."
She swallowed. "Alright, let's start with your declaration to my parents."
Kyp hung his head, his bangs brushing her flight suit, "I was hoping you wouldn't start there."
She tugged at her hands, but he didn't release her. "Why not? I think I deserve to know your intentions, don't you?"
He looked up at her through his bangs, "Now, Jay? When you're still reeling with the developments? When you still have yet to finish with Jag?" he tilted his head until he was looking her straight in the eyes. "I love you, it's not fair for me to put that kind of pressure on you when you're still trying to deal with the previous relationship. What kind of man would I be if I pressured you into something when you're not thinking straight?"
"You really mean that?"
He nodded. "Of course I mean that. I don't just sprout off devotions of affection and sacrifice for nothing you know."
She laughed softly. "Thank you, Kyp."
"Don't thank me, it's hard enough keeping my hands to myself when we're with other people," he dropped his head, nuzzling her neck, "but you isolated us in my room. Am I still under orders to behave, your greatness?" his last words were whispered as he placed a kiss where her jaw met her neck.
She closed her eyes. "I... Y-yes."
He sighed, resting his forehead against her neck. "Alright. What else is on your mind."
"Could..." she swallowed hard, trying again as her voice cracked. "Could you get off me?"
Kyp lifted his head, his familiar smirk showing itself. "Having a little trouble thinking?"
She nodded.
Kyp rolled away, unable to resist planting a kiss at the base of her throat before he got to his feet. He pulled her back into a sitting position before settling next to her on his bunk. She was flushed, her heart racing from his nearness, his teasing, and her breath catching in her throat. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the gentle touch he was brushing over the back of her hand. She turned her head. "What were we talking about?"
Kyp began to laugh, "Something about keeping this a secret, I think."
"Oh, right." She shook her head. "I was thinking we shouldn't be alone for awhile, I mean, by ourselves-"
"Too late, Goddess."
"Let me finish! As I was saying, there's alot to work through still, I mean, I have to find a way to convince Jag without it seeming as if I'm ditching him for you-"
"When in fact you are."
"-and then I have to make sure people know we're not a item." She shot him a look. "That'd be very bad for my Goddess cover to be seen going from a pilot to a Jedi Master."
"Oh I don't know," he brushed her hair off her neck, leaning in to kiss the smooth column again, "I'd say you're moving up in the ranks."
"Kyp!" she protested weakly. "I can't think when you... when..."
"Good," he murmured softly. "You think too much."
"You're supposed to behave!" she moaned, unable to help herself from leaning towards him.
"Are you sure you still want me to?" he asked softly. "We're stuck in here for the moment, Jay. Just you and me..."
She turned her head, her brown eyes almost black, "I... we shouldn't."
"We shouldn't do alot of things." He murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear. "That didn't stop us before."
"Kyp..." she protested softly, her eyes drifting shut.
"I'm waiting for your word, Jaina," he murmured, pulling back as she tilted her head to kiss him. "Am I free to misbehave?"
"The hell with discipline." She told him fiercely. "If you don't kiss me I'm going to go insane!"
"We can't have that, can we?" he placed a soft kiss on the edge of her lips, enjoying the way her head moved, her breath caught.
"Kyp. Please..."
"The words, Jay," his lips hovered barely above hers, "I want to hear them."
"Kiss me."
He closed the gap, her mouth opening immediately under his as she melted into his arms. Kyp pulled her onto his lap, his hands sliding up her back before one undid the two buttons at the front of her flight suit where it covered her stomach and slipped inside. She leaned into his touch as his warm hand connected with her skin. She sighed into his mouth as he laid her back, slowly breaking the kiss. The intensity of her response shocked him still.
She protested, her hands sliding into his hair to pull him back, "More," she told him, "I don't want to hide when I'm alone with you, Kyp. Not now, not ever. We might not get another chance to do this; tomorrow may never come. Please?"
His hands stilled. "Jaina, are you sure? You're the one who wanted to wait until everything is fixed."
She shook her head. "I wanted to play it safe. My dad told me, after you left, that if I know my heart I should follow it. It leads to you. Please, Kyp? Make love to me?"
It would have taken a stronger man than he to disappoint her. The General and his orders be damned! Jaina was his, and his alone. Nothing, not even a galaxy width between them, would have stopped him from obliging her at that moment. If it ended up with his banishment from the fleet, so be it.