Strong Enough
Chapter 6
Several hours later, a knock on his door had Kyp sitting bolt upright in bed. Jaina was sleeping, curled close to his side, her hair fanned out on his pillow. The covers were carelessly draped across them, their clothing scattered across his floor. He looked at the door, reaching out with the Force. Kriff! Wedge! Kyp slid from his bed, concentrating. Wedge wasn't angry, just concerned and a little suspicious.
"Durron! You in there?"
Jaina awoke at the sound of Wedge's voice, sucking in a sharp breath of surprise. Her eyes widened as she realized exactly where she was and she scrambled for the sheet. "Kyp!" she hissed.
He waved her down, reaching into Wedge's thoughts and subtly -pushing-... The sound of Wedge's footsteps leading away from his door could be heard and he closed his eyes, letting out the breath he'd been holding. Wedge wouldn't return for the next thirty minutes at least. Enough time for him to put his room to rights, he hoped.
"Kyp."
He turned to face her, sitting on the edge of his bed. She was mused, her hair awry and hanging tangled about her shoulders dressed in only a sheet. He grinned. "You look sexy, Goddess."
She slid towards him, "And you're almost irresistible."
"Almost?" he looked wounded.
She nodded, sliding from his bed and reaching for her clothing. "What'd you do to Wedge?"
"I instilled the idea that he had better check for me in two other places before checking here." Kyp ran a hand through his hair, settling back on his bed as she dressed, watching her slide into her flight suit and quickly fasten it. "I think I like that outfit."
She didn't look up, "Really?"
He nodded, grinning. "It looks good on my floor."
Her head came up and she telekinetically threw her boot at him. "You're incorrigible. I can't lose you to Wedge's ultimatum. Get dressed already, if he comes back we can claim I'm here discussing maneuvers."
Kyp chuckled. "Again, I feel like a teenager sneaking around behind mom and dad's back. What is it about you that makes me feel that way?" he caught her about the waist as she reached for her boot and dragged her back down onto the bed. "Care to explain, Goddess?"
"What, how you can't keep your hands to yourself?" she demanded, grabbing her boot and pushing herself up into a sitting position as she tugged it onto her foot. "I haven't a clue. Kyp, I can't be here when Wedge gets back, it's just too suspicious."
Kyp dragged her back, pinning her close to him. "I know, Jay, but relax would you? He's gone for the moment."
She seemed to tense for a moment more before relaxing against him, her head on his shoulder tilted slightly to the side. "I'm scared."
He ran his hands gently up and down her forearms. "I know," he laid his head along side hers, kissing her cheek softly. "I am too. I don't want to lose you, but maybe we should cool it while Wedge is hot on our heels."
She chuckled. "A little late for that." She bit her lip as he nuzzled her ear. "Kyp, please, I have to go."
He sighed, dropping his chin to her shoulder before releasing her reluctantly. "Alright, but no sneaking into my room after hours, your greatness."
She swatted him before sitting forward and grabbing her other boot. "Like I'd have to." She laced it up and stood, turning to look at him. On impulse she leaned forward, kissing him hard.
Kyp barely had time to react before she was pulling away and shrinking the door. He lunged for the blanket, pulling it across his lap just as she pulled the door free. She didn't look back as she slipped from the room, barely propping the slate back in place. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. Had she even noticed the way her face was flushed or that her hair was awry? Probably not.
He shrugged, leaning back on his bed and tucking his hands behind his head. Wedge would be back in a bit, he should probably get up and do something, like push-ups, but he was too tired. Jaina had worn him down pretty good. He grinning. She'd love hearing that, he was sure. He stared at the ceiling, his smile slowly fading. She was scared of losing him. Now that was something he'd never thought to hear.
Who'd have thought such a small phrase would have run through him like lightning? Scared? Scared of losing her? Scared didn't even begin to cover it. He woke each morning terrified that today she was going to be taken from his life. Despite the changes in their relationship the last few days, that hadn't changed. Today, tonight, the next battle, the next retreat, he could lose her. Be it by his own death or hers, he could be separated from her. And that terrified him.
Did he understand her fear? Oh yes, better than she knew, and better than she'd ever known and ever would. He'd loved her for years, had to live with it each day, watching her slowly make mistakes with her private life. Mistakes he'd known he could have fixed for her, but wouldn't. She'd had to make them to grow. And grown she had. He smiled faintly. What a woman she'd become.
A knock on his door brought his head up. "A bad time, Durron?"
"Wedge."
Wedge Antilles stepped into the room, taking in the clothing strewn about the floor before meeting Kyp's gaze. "Your comm. is off and there's a message from Luke waiting for you. Jedi business from all accounts. When you're through with him, could you give me a hand finding Jaina? I need to talk to her."
Kyp pushed himself up on his elbows, "Sure General. Give me a few minutes and I'll see what I can do."
Wedge nodded and stepped out. Kyp grabbed his pants and slid into them quickly before hastily dressing. A message from Luke? He shook his head. Probably something council related. It figured. He stepped into the 'fresher and double checked there were no outward signs of their earlier activities before heading out. Pushing his door into a semblance of on track, Kyp quickly left his room and headed for the lounge where he could access the communications.
It was late, ship time, and few people were about, thankfully as he slid into the private comm. booth. Keying in his password he quickly called up the message from Luke Skywalker. It was text only.
Kyp.
We're sending Tahiri Velia to you and Jaina. We were intending to send her to Leia, but Tahiri is in a downward darkside slide and I think she'll benefit more from you and Jaina than from anyone else. Give her what guidance you can and see if you can't snap the grief that's causing it.
Luke Skywalker.
Kyp sank back in his chair, closing his eyes. Great, just what he needed; another young Jedi to drive him up the wall. Shaking his head, he saved the message, copied it to a datapad and closed down the terminal. He had to find Wedge and explain the matter. There was a bright side. He and Jaina had been instructed by Luke to help Tahiri, which meant they'd have to work in close quarters with each other and plan. A smile slid across his lips. As much as he didn't need or want another apprentice, Tahiri's presence would serve two purposes. And that was good enough.
He found Wedge waiting for him outside the comm. room. "A change of plans, General Antilles."
"You'll be leaving us?"
Kyp almost laughed at the badly disguised note of hope in Wedge's voice. Kyp shook his head. "Your luck isn't that good. You aren't getting rid of me that easily. Jaina and I have been given a mission by the Jedi Council." He handed over the datapad, taking a perverse kind of pleasure in the way Wedge's brows drew together in irritation.
Wedge looked up. "I can't exactly go against this, but I think it's extremely ill-advised. I was hoping to find Jaina. Come with me, you can help me find her and explain what's going on."
Kyp nodded agreeably, biting his tongue. He had an uneasy feeling that Wedge was spoiling for a fight. One that was either going to cost him and Jaina a lot, or, that was going to bring their new relationship completely out into the open. Either way, he wasn't looking forward to it. As they marched through the halls towards Jaina's room, Kyp felt something sink in the pit of his stomach. Wedge was going to let them have it with both barrels. And he wouldn't like the responding blow.
Jaina answered after Wedge knocked on her door a second time. She was in the process of drying her hair, dressed in a robe that had obviously seen better days. Her eyes widened and Kyp knew immediately she hadn't sensed anything beyond her door first. He'd have to talk to her about that.
"Jaina." Wedge didn't move, keeping his gaze on her face as she wrapped the towel around her neck. "We have to talk to you."
"Sure General. Give me two minutes, I'm not exactly decent."
Wedge turned as she closed the door, missing the wink she shot Kyp. For his part, his kept his face impassive as the General paced back and forth waiting for Jaina to emerge. When she did, she was shrugging into her flight Jacket, her hair carefully arranged around her shoulders, her collar the same high one she'd been sporting the last couple of days. "Shall we, gentlemen?"
"After you Goddess," Kyp told her with an elaborate gesture.
Wedge frowned at them both. "This way."
Jaina walked behind Wedge with Kyp, glancing at him questioningly. He shrugged fractionally. He honestly didn't know what Wedge was on about. Other than maybe reprimanding them at the same time. Wouldn't that be entertaining? Kyp slanted a long look at the young woman walking beside him, trying to picture her reaction to his own news. Would she be happy her dead brother's girlfriend was coming to stay with them? Probably not. She rarely talked about Anakin, which was a shame since Kyp had admired the youngest Solo, respected him even. Anakin's death had been a great loss. Kyp didn't pay much attention to where they were headed and when Wedge led the way into a meeting room, followed without complaint. He could have gotten away, avoided this, but better to has it out now rather than later.
Jaina stopped inside the door, locking it as Wedge rounded on them both, crossing his arms over his chest. "Do both of you know why you're here?"
Kyp settled into one of the many chairs, stretching his legs out in front of him almost insolently. "Just cut to the chase, Wedge, you were never a diplomat."
Wedge looked straight at Jaina. "I've already spoken to both of you regarding your conduct-"
"And issued an ultimatum." Kyp interjected.
"-and from what I can see it's gotten worse. The high collar doesn't fool me, Jaina, and neither do the long sleeves. I'm not blind and the holo-cams on the flight deck are very accurate. I want you both to spell it out for me. Now. What's going on and where does Jag fit into this?"
Jaina swallowed hard, feeling her face becoming a lovely shade of red. "I think you already know, sir."
Wedge arched an eyebrow, obviously only barely holding onto his temper. "Spell it out, Solo. I'm waiting."
She winced. Ouch. Again with the Solo. "Well, you see sir, I was engaged to Jag, but before he left on his latest turn, I'd broken our engagement."
"Because of him?" Wedge looked pointedly at Kyp and both of them could see his hands clenching into fists. This wasn't going so well.
"Well, yes, sir." She admitted. "I came to realize that Jag and I just aren't compatible."
"So you've been what, -toying- with him for the last two years?" Wedge demanded angrily. "Playing with his emotions and feelings to get what you wanted? That's low, Jaina, real low."
"It wasn't like that!" she protested. "There was just something missing between Jag and I, that's all! I swear! I respect Jag-"
"Like hell you do!" Wedge's voice cracked like a whip, "If you respected him you wouldn't have gone directly from his arms to Durron's!"
Jaina came to attention and looked stoically past him as Kyp leapt to his feet. "Now wait a minute, General, you go too far!"
"And you!" Wedge rounded on the Jedi Master. "I thought you had better judgment than to fool around with a woman sixteen years your junior! A woman who was engaged, at the time, to another man! Have you no scruples? No morals?"
Kyp's eyes narrowed. "I have tried for the last two years to keep my hands to myself," Kyp replied evenly. "And I've succeeded. I have done everything in my power to stay away from her, to not interfere. And then, when she finally notices me, you, General Antilles, a hero of the New Republic have a problem with it! I'm sorry I don't meet your code for who can and can't see Jaina. I'm sorry you find me so objectionable, but get this, General. Your opinion means nothing, -nothing- to me. The relationships I choose to form are none of your business."
Wedge glared right back at the Jedi. "When they involve a member of my family, Durron, they become my business. Jag is my nephew, if this hurts him..."
"That's his own fault." Jaina stepped between the two, looking from one to the other. "I explained it, Wedge, very carefully that I'm not in love with him. I admit we haven't spoken at length due to his recent assignment but that will change when he comes back."
"And until you do, Jaina, I was expecting more restraint! Not to see you walking around with a large purple bruise on your neck!"
She paled. "Wedge!"
Kyp grabbed a fist of Wedge's tunic. "Regardless of what you think of me," he said dangerously, "You will treat Jaina with respect. Hate me, loathe me, despise me, but don't take out whatever animosity you feel towards me on her."
"It takes two, Durron," Wedge told him evenly, breaking the hold on his jacket, "She's hardly blameless."
"And neither does she bear the brunt of the responsibility." Kyp gently pushed Jaina behind him, his hold at odds with his harsh words. "If you want to take someone down a few notches, I'm more than willing to play scapegoat."
Wedge's brown eyes blazed with anger. "She's old enough to take responsibility for her actions. You can't keep protecting her Durron. Sooner or later she's going to have to face the music."
Jaina tugged Kyp back before he took a swing at Wedge. "You're right," she admitted, "but my intention isn't to hurt Jag, Wedge! It's just going to happen! I didn't lead him on, or mislead him intentionally, I had every intention of going through with the promise I'd made, but that's not the point! The point is that I found something was missing with Jag. There was no passion, no fire between us. Would you have married without it? Would you?"
Wedge met her gaze and she could tell he was listening to her words, but he was still hurt. Hurting for Jag and the heartache she was going to be putting him through, however unintentionally. "That doesn't give you the right to jump from him to -him-."
She flinched. Wedge was right in that respect. "I didn't plan it that way Wedge, I didn't plan on anything. I'm sorry you're going to have to watch this."
Wedge stepped away from them both, taking a deep breath. "If I had my way, Kyp wouldn't be staying on with the fleet; he'd he leaving in the morning. However, I've been overruled by the Jedi Council. Kyp."
Kyp turned to Jaina. "We've been issued an sort of apprentice between us, Goddess."
She blinked. "We've what? Who else have you told?"
Kyp chuckled. "Nobody. Luke sent me a message this afternoon explaining the arrangement."
"And who is this unfortunate soul?"
"Your fellow Jedi Knight, Tahiri Velia."
Jaina stumbled backwards, careening into a chair and dropping with a shocked exclamation. "Tahiri!" She closed her eyes, fighting against the memories the young girl's name evoked. Tahiri and her brother, Anakin laughing. Tahiri beside Anakin's pale, still form during their escape from Mykrr. Tahiri mourning her brother as if she didn't want to live. She swallowed hard. "Why us?"
Kyp crouched in front of her. "Because she's going through a darkside spiral and both of us know what it's like to be there. She needs our help."
Jaina lifted her head, slowly looking at Kyp and then beyond him to Wedge. "Recall Jag. I have to talk to him before Tahiri gets here."
Wedge's lips thinned. "Recall him?"
Jaina nodded. "This has to come out, Wedge and I'd much rather it did before Tahiri gets here. Jag will probably want to return to Chiss space after this, to heal. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, this just keeps getting tangled more and more."
Wedge nodded sharply. "I'll recall him, but you'd better know what you're doing, Solo."
She watched as he left the room before turning her gaze back to Kyp's concerned face. "I'm alright."
"Are you sure?" he asked, gently brushing her hair off her face.
She smiled faintly. "As good as I can be right now, Kyp." She linked her fingers through his, running her thumb over the back of his fingers. "I'll be alright when she gets here so long as I don't have to deal with her and Jag at the same time."
Kyp helped her to her feet, stroking her hair before smiling. "It's late, you should get some sleep."
Neither of them knew exactly how prophetic her words would be.
Chapter 6
Several hours later, a knock on his door had Kyp sitting bolt upright in bed. Jaina was sleeping, curled close to his side, her hair fanned out on his pillow. The covers were carelessly draped across them, their clothing scattered across his floor. He looked at the door, reaching out with the Force. Kriff! Wedge! Kyp slid from his bed, concentrating. Wedge wasn't angry, just concerned and a little suspicious.
"Durron! You in there?"
Jaina awoke at the sound of Wedge's voice, sucking in a sharp breath of surprise. Her eyes widened as she realized exactly where she was and she scrambled for the sheet. "Kyp!" she hissed.
He waved her down, reaching into Wedge's thoughts and subtly -pushing-... The sound of Wedge's footsteps leading away from his door could be heard and he closed his eyes, letting out the breath he'd been holding. Wedge wouldn't return for the next thirty minutes at least. Enough time for him to put his room to rights, he hoped.
"Kyp."
He turned to face her, sitting on the edge of his bed. She was mused, her hair awry and hanging tangled about her shoulders dressed in only a sheet. He grinned. "You look sexy, Goddess."
She slid towards him, "And you're almost irresistible."
"Almost?" he looked wounded.
She nodded, sliding from his bed and reaching for her clothing. "What'd you do to Wedge?"
"I instilled the idea that he had better check for me in two other places before checking here." Kyp ran a hand through his hair, settling back on his bed as she dressed, watching her slide into her flight suit and quickly fasten it. "I think I like that outfit."
She didn't look up, "Really?"
He nodded, grinning. "It looks good on my floor."
Her head came up and she telekinetically threw her boot at him. "You're incorrigible. I can't lose you to Wedge's ultimatum. Get dressed already, if he comes back we can claim I'm here discussing maneuvers."
Kyp chuckled. "Again, I feel like a teenager sneaking around behind mom and dad's back. What is it about you that makes me feel that way?" he caught her about the waist as she reached for her boot and dragged her back down onto the bed. "Care to explain, Goddess?"
"What, how you can't keep your hands to yourself?" she demanded, grabbing her boot and pushing herself up into a sitting position as she tugged it onto her foot. "I haven't a clue. Kyp, I can't be here when Wedge gets back, it's just too suspicious."
Kyp dragged her back, pinning her close to him. "I know, Jay, but relax would you? He's gone for the moment."
She seemed to tense for a moment more before relaxing against him, her head on his shoulder tilted slightly to the side. "I'm scared."
He ran his hands gently up and down her forearms. "I know," he laid his head along side hers, kissing her cheek softly. "I am too. I don't want to lose you, but maybe we should cool it while Wedge is hot on our heels."
She chuckled. "A little late for that." She bit her lip as he nuzzled her ear. "Kyp, please, I have to go."
He sighed, dropping his chin to her shoulder before releasing her reluctantly. "Alright, but no sneaking into my room after hours, your greatness."
She swatted him before sitting forward and grabbing her other boot. "Like I'd have to." She laced it up and stood, turning to look at him. On impulse she leaned forward, kissing him hard.
Kyp barely had time to react before she was pulling away and shrinking the door. He lunged for the blanket, pulling it across his lap just as she pulled the door free. She didn't look back as she slipped from the room, barely propping the slate back in place. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. Had she even noticed the way her face was flushed or that her hair was awry? Probably not.
He shrugged, leaning back on his bed and tucking his hands behind his head. Wedge would be back in a bit, he should probably get up and do something, like push-ups, but he was too tired. Jaina had worn him down pretty good. He grinning. She'd love hearing that, he was sure. He stared at the ceiling, his smile slowly fading. She was scared of losing him. Now that was something he'd never thought to hear.
Who'd have thought such a small phrase would have run through him like lightning? Scared? Scared of losing her? Scared didn't even begin to cover it. He woke each morning terrified that today she was going to be taken from his life. Despite the changes in their relationship the last few days, that hadn't changed. Today, tonight, the next battle, the next retreat, he could lose her. Be it by his own death or hers, he could be separated from her. And that terrified him.
Did he understand her fear? Oh yes, better than she knew, and better than she'd ever known and ever would. He'd loved her for years, had to live with it each day, watching her slowly make mistakes with her private life. Mistakes he'd known he could have fixed for her, but wouldn't. She'd had to make them to grow. And grown she had. He smiled faintly. What a woman she'd become.
A knock on his door brought his head up. "A bad time, Durron?"
"Wedge."
Wedge Antilles stepped into the room, taking in the clothing strewn about the floor before meeting Kyp's gaze. "Your comm. is off and there's a message from Luke waiting for you. Jedi business from all accounts. When you're through with him, could you give me a hand finding Jaina? I need to talk to her."
Kyp pushed himself up on his elbows, "Sure General. Give me a few minutes and I'll see what I can do."
Wedge nodded and stepped out. Kyp grabbed his pants and slid into them quickly before hastily dressing. A message from Luke? He shook his head. Probably something council related. It figured. He stepped into the 'fresher and double checked there were no outward signs of their earlier activities before heading out. Pushing his door into a semblance of on track, Kyp quickly left his room and headed for the lounge where he could access the communications.
It was late, ship time, and few people were about, thankfully as he slid into the private comm. booth. Keying in his password he quickly called up the message from Luke Skywalker. It was text only.
Kyp.
We're sending Tahiri Velia to you and Jaina. We were intending to send her to Leia, but Tahiri is in a downward darkside slide and I think she'll benefit more from you and Jaina than from anyone else. Give her what guidance you can and see if you can't snap the grief that's causing it.
Luke Skywalker.
Kyp sank back in his chair, closing his eyes. Great, just what he needed; another young Jedi to drive him up the wall. Shaking his head, he saved the message, copied it to a datapad and closed down the terminal. He had to find Wedge and explain the matter. There was a bright side. He and Jaina had been instructed by Luke to help Tahiri, which meant they'd have to work in close quarters with each other and plan. A smile slid across his lips. As much as he didn't need or want another apprentice, Tahiri's presence would serve two purposes. And that was good enough.
He found Wedge waiting for him outside the comm. room. "A change of plans, General Antilles."
"You'll be leaving us?"
Kyp almost laughed at the badly disguised note of hope in Wedge's voice. Kyp shook his head. "Your luck isn't that good. You aren't getting rid of me that easily. Jaina and I have been given a mission by the Jedi Council." He handed over the datapad, taking a perverse kind of pleasure in the way Wedge's brows drew together in irritation.
Wedge looked up. "I can't exactly go against this, but I think it's extremely ill-advised. I was hoping to find Jaina. Come with me, you can help me find her and explain what's going on."
Kyp nodded agreeably, biting his tongue. He had an uneasy feeling that Wedge was spoiling for a fight. One that was either going to cost him and Jaina a lot, or, that was going to bring their new relationship completely out into the open. Either way, he wasn't looking forward to it. As they marched through the halls towards Jaina's room, Kyp felt something sink in the pit of his stomach. Wedge was going to let them have it with both barrels. And he wouldn't like the responding blow.
Jaina answered after Wedge knocked on her door a second time. She was in the process of drying her hair, dressed in a robe that had obviously seen better days. Her eyes widened and Kyp knew immediately she hadn't sensed anything beyond her door first. He'd have to talk to her about that.
"Jaina." Wedge didn't move, keeping his gaze on her face as she wrapped the towel around her neck. "We have to talk to you."
"Sure General. Give me two minutes, I'm not exactly decent."
Wedge turned as she closed the door, missing the wink she shot Kyp. For his part, his kept his face impassive as the General paced back and forth waiting for Jaina to emerge. When she did, she was shrugging into her flight Jacket, her hair carefully arranged around her shoulders, her collar the same high one she'd been sporting the last couple of days. "Shall we, gentlemen?"
"After you Goddess," Kyp told her with an elaborate gesture.
Wedge frowned at them both. "This way."
Jaina walked behind Wedge with Kyp, glancing at him questioningly. He shrugged fractionally. He honestly didn't know what Wedge was on about. Other than maybe reprimanding them at the same time. Wouldn't that be entertaining? Kyp slanted a long look at the young woman walking beside him, trying to picture her reaction to his own news. Would she be happy her dead brother's girlfriend was coming to stay with them? Probably not. She rarely talked about Anakin, which was a shame since Kyp had admired the youngest Solo, respected him even. Anakin's death had been a great loss. Kyp didn't pay much attention to where they were headed and when Wedge led the way into a meeting room, followed without complaint. He could have gotten away, avoided this, but better to has it out now rather than later.
Jaina stopped inside the door, locking it as Wedge rounded on them both, crossing his arms over his chest. "Do both of you know why you're here?"
Kyp settled into one of the many chairs, stretching his legs out in front of him almost insolently. "Just cut to the chase, Wedge, you were never a diplomat."
Wedge looked straight at Jaina. "I've already spoken to both of you regarding your conduct-"
"And issued an ultimatum." Kyp interjected.
"-and from what I can see it's gotten worse. The high collar doesn't fool me, Jaina, and neither do the long sleeves. I'm not blind and the holo-cams on the flight deck are very accurate. I want you both to spell it out for me. Now. What's going on and where does Jag fit into this?"
Jaina swallowed hard, feeling her face becoming a lovely shade of red. "I think you already know, sir."
Wedge arched an eyebrow, obviously only barely holding onto his temper. "Spell it out, Solo. I'm waiting."
She winced. Ouch. Again with the Solo. "Well, you see sir, I was engaged to Jag, but before he left on his latest turn, I'd broken our engagement."
"Because of him?" Wedge looked pointedly at Kyp and both of them could see his hands clenching into fists. This wasn't going so well.
"Well, yes, sir." She admitted. "I came to realize that Jag and I just aren't compatible."
"So you've been what, -toying- with him for the last two years?" Wedge demanded angrily. "Playing with his emotions and feelings to get what you wanted? That's low, Jaina, real low."
"It wasn't like that!" she protested. "There was just something missing between Jag and I, that's all! I swear! I respect Jag-"
"Like hell you do!" Wedge's voice cracked like a whip, "If you respected him you wouldn't have gone directly from his arms to Durron's!"
Jaina came to attention and looked stoically past him as Kyp leapt to his feet. "Now wait a minute, General, you go too far!"
"And you!" Wedge rounded on the Jedi Master. "I thought you had better judgment than to fool around with a woman sixteen years your junior! A woman who was engaged, at the time, to another man! Have you no scruples? No morals?"
Kyp's eyes narrowed. "I have tried for the last two years to keep my hands to myself," Kyp replied evenly. "And I've succeeded. I have done everything in my power to stay away from her, to not interfere. And then, when she finally notices me, you, General Antilles, a hero of the New Republic have a problem with it! I'm sorry I don't meet your code for who can and can't see Jaina. I'm sorry you find me so objectionable, but get this, General. Your opinion means nothing, -nothing- to me. The relationships I choose to form are none of your business."
Wedge glared right back at the Jedi. "When they involve a member of my family, Durron, they become my business. Jag is my nephew, if this hurts him..."
"That's his own fault." Jaina stepped between the two, looking from one to the other. "I explained it, Wedge, very carefully that I'm not in love with him. I admit we haven't spoken at length due to his recent assignment but that will change when he comes back."
"And until you do, Jaina, I was expecting more restraint! Not to see you walking around with a large purple bruise on your neck!"
She paled. "Wedge!"
Kyp grabbed a fist of Wedge's tunic. "Regardless of what you think of me," he said dangerously, "You will treat Jaina with respect. Hate me, loathe me, despise me, but don't take out whatever animosity you feel towards me on her."
"It takes two, Durron," Wedge told him evenly, breaking the hold on his jacket, "She's hardly blameless."
"And neither does she bear the brunt of the responsibility." Kyp gently pushed Jaina behind him, his hold at odds with his harsh words. "If you want to take someone down a few notches, I'm more than willing to play scapegoat."
Wedge's brown eyes blazed with anger. "She's old enough to take responsibility for her actions. You can't keep protecting her Durron. Sooner or later she's going to have to face the music."
Jaina tugged Kyp back before he took a swing at Wedge. "You're right," she admitted, "but my intention isn't to hurt Jag, Wedge! It's just going to happen! I didn't lead him on, or mislead him intentionally, I had every intention of going through with the promise I'd made, but that's not the point! The point is that I found something was missing with Jag. There was no passion, no fire between us. Would you have married without it? Would you?"
Wedge met her gaze and she could tell he was listening to her words, but he was still hurt. Hurting for Jag and the heartache she was going to be putting him through, however unintentionally. "That doesn't give you the right to jump from him to -him-."
She flinched. Wedge was right in that respect. "I didn't plan it that way Wedge, I didn't plan on anything. I'm sorry you're going to have to watch this."
Wedge stepped away from them both, taking a deep breath. "If I had my way, Kyp wouldn't be staying on with the fleet; he'd he leaving in the morning. However, I've been overruled by the Jedi Council. Kyp."
Kyp turned to Jaina. "We've been issued an sort of apprentice between us, Goddess."
She blinked. "We've what? Who else have you told?"
Kyp chuckled. "Nobody. Luke sent me a message this afternoon explaining the arrangement."
"And who is this unfortunate soul?"
"Your fellow Jedi Knight, Tahiri Velia."
Jaina stumbled backwards, careening into a chair and dropping with a shocked exclamation. "Tahiri!" She closed her eyes, fighting against the memories the young girl's name evoked. Tahiri and her brother, Anakin laughing. Tahiri beside Anakin's pale, still form during their escape from Mykrr. Tahiri mourning her brother as if she didn't want to live. She swallowed hard. "Why us?"
Kyp crouched in front of her. "Because she's going through a darkside spiral and both of us know what it's like to be there. She needs our help."
Jaina lifted her head, slowly looking at Kyp and then beyond him to Wedge. "Recall Jag. I have to talk to him before Tahiri gets here."
Wedge's lips thinned. "Recall him?"
Jaina nodded. "This has to come out, Wedge and I'd much rather it did before Tahiri gets here. Jag will probably want to return to Chiss space after this, to heal. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, this just keeps getting tangled more and more."
Wedge nodded sharply. "I'll recall him, but you'd better know what you're doing, Solo."
She watched as he left the room before turning her gaze back to Kyp's concerned face. "I'm alright."
"Are you sure?" he asked, gently brushing her hair off her face.
She smiled faintly. "As good as I can be right now, Kyp." She linked her fingers through his, running her thumb over the back of his fingers. "I'll be alright when she gets here so long as I don't have to deal with her and Jag at the same time."
Kyp helped her to her feet, stroking her hair before smiling. "It's late, you should get some sleep."
Neither of them knew exactly how prophetic her words would be.