Strong Enough
Chapter 13
Kyp stopped by his quarters to collect his shorts before heading for the gym. Jaina was going to come watch. He knew it, she knew it, but she was denying it. He knew she'd come in later, before the fight actually started, or just as they were getting into it. Changing quickly, he slung a towel over his shoulder before leaving his room. Word of the match had spread through the ship and the crowds were growing in the observation decks. Kyp grimaced. This was supposed to be between him and Jag, but somehow it'd turned into an event of some note. The reason for the fight wasn't public knowledge yet, but Kyp wasn't sure how they were going to keep it quiet if Jag started throwing accusations at him.
Entering the gym, he threaded this way towards the mat, focusing himself mentally for what he had to do. Jag was in for a surprise if he thought Kyp would be an easy target. Jag wasn't there yet when he stepped onto the mat, which was fine by him, as he shucked his pants, shirt and towel by the wall near the punching bag. Ignoring the betting going on between the spectators, and the speculation for the reason of the fight, he limbered up.
Stretching and loosening his muscles, he carefully scanned the area for Jag and Jaina. They wouldn't arrive together and he [i]was[/i] early, but he was uptight for this fight. Jag had it coming. A commotion near the door drew his attention and his eyes narrowed as Jag stepped through the crowd towards the mat. He checked the time. Two minutes to 2200. What an awful time for a match. "For a minute there, I thought you weren't going to show," he called to the Chiss pilot.
Jag's posture stiffened. "I wouldn't miss this for anything," he replied stiffly.
Kyp smiled tightly, pushing himself up from the ground. The bruise on his face has mostly healed during the day, he suspected from Jaina's interference, and he felt ready for this. Ready and eager. Even without the Force, he was confidant he could win. He leaned against the nearest wall and crossed his arms over his chest in an indolent pose. "Your terms for this match, rules?"
Jag didn't even look up from his stretches, "No weapons, no Force tricks and no holds barred."
Kyp nodded once in acknowledgement. Jag meant to fight dirty, he could tell by the last of the rules. This wasn't going to be a gentleman's fight, it wasn't going to be an honor duel; it was going to be a slugging match. Kyp hid the almost feral grin, which threatened to slide across his face. Jag was in for a surprise.
Jag finally straightened, turning to face Kyp completely, dressed much the same as Kyp himself. Kyp allowed himself to mentally catalogue Jag's physique. Jag was a specially trained pilot, no doubt as strong as Kyp himself and agile. Unless Jag's thinking process didn't allow him to dodge. "Terms for finishing the match?" he asked at last as Jag stepped towards the center of the mat.
Jag's face was impassive. "Unconsciousness or Concession. Whichever comes first."
Kyp nodded once and pushed away from the wall, walking towards the center of the mat. A sound came from the mat to his left and his eyes darted in that direction. Jaina. And she'd brought Tahiri. Wondering at how wise that move was, he knew he had to trust her judgment in this - he wasn't using the Force. If Tahiri got out of hand, that could quickly change, but not until Jaina needed his help. Focusing back on Jag, his eyes narrowed. He could read a smugness in Jag's eyes and then felt an icy, ghost hand slide down his spine as four people wearing nutrient racks, set up on the corners of the mat. Ysalamiri. Where in the Nine Hells had Jag gotten Ysalamiri?
What did it matter? With a mental shrug he dropped into a crouch, Jag doing the same opposite him, their gazes locked. He wasn't using the Force and Kyp was able to function without it better than most Jedi. Except Luke. Slowly, they began to circle, warily watching the other for signs of movement. Kyp was content to wait and let the younger man come to him. Making no move except to continue circling, Jag seemed to realize that, as the instigator of this, it was his move.
Jag came in with a straight punch, his right diving for Kyp's face. Kyp blocked and ducked blocking the other fist as it came in on a lower trajectory than the first and the fight began. The roar of the crowd was a dull roar in Kyp's head as he blocked one punch after another, spinning out of the way of a blow aimed at his stomach only to walk into another. Jag's left caught him in the chest and Kyp went with the blow.
The hell with the defensive! Dropping to the mat, he rolled, coming up with both feet in a kick that caught the advancing Chiss pilot in the stomach. Jag doubled over as the breath whooshed from his body, Kyp regaining his feet.
One for one.
Circling warily he waited until Jag had straightened before coming in again. They traded blows, Kyp's left connecting with Jag's face as Jag's fist barreled into his stomach. They didn't stop. Another blow to the face, this time Kyp had to turn his head to risk breaking something as his foot came up and knocked Jag to the mat.
Jag rolled into Kyp's legs, dragging him down and they traded blow for blow as they rolled. Jag's nose splattered across the side of his face as Kyp connected with a strong right, and Kyp felt something in his cheek give with one of Jag's punches. Rolling, he put his feet between them and sent Jag flying off him before he pushed to his feet. His chest hurt from the several blows Jag had landed and he suspected cracked ribs. He smiled grimly.
Jag wasn't in any better condition judging from the slow rise to his feet. Jag waded back in, one of his arms tucked close to his body and Kyp suspected he'd broken something. But Jag didn't give up. He walked forward only, swinging, only to have Kyp grab his fist and turn, spinning quickly and dragging the arm up between his shoulder blades.
But Kyp couldn't keep the pressure up as Jag stepped back into him, knocking his ribs, and he dropped the arm only to land a punch on Jag's kidneys. Jag buckled, groaning and Kyp pushed him to the mat. "Conceded!" he snapped, his voice not nearly as strong as he wanted it to be as he found it difficult to breathe.
"Never," Jag spat, his voice not much better as he swung his legs at Kyp's. Kyp jumped, avoiding being swept from his feet as he stepped back, allowing the other man to stand. Jag had guts, he grudgingly admitted to himself. Most men couldn't take this kind of punishment.
Kyp waded closer as Jag regained his feet, swinging at his head, only to have Jag duck with a speed he hadn't thought the younger man capable of in his condition. A fist slammed into his already hurting ribs and another into his abdomen, but the tight muscles of his stomach didn't hurt. All the sit-ups he'd done had been good for something. He bit down on his tongue and lashed out, knocking Jag to the mat with two well placed punches on the back of his head. Standing over the Chiss pilot, who was face down, Kyp nudged him with his foot, rolling him over. Jag was unconscious.
Breathing heavily, Kyp backed away a few paces. "It's finished." And though his words were softly spoken, all heard them. The nutrient racks and their furry companions were removed and the Force came back to him with a vengeance. He staggered as a pair of familiar arms suddenly wrapped around him.
"Jaina." He said softly, one eye beginning to swell shut. His face hurt, his body hurt, but having her hold him was soothing.
She was careful not to hug him too tightly, "You did it." She murmured, placing a kiss on his cheek, aware of the eyes watching them as credits traded hands. "And you didn't kill him."
Kyp smiled, a split lip making itself known, and he ran his tongue over the cut. "Only as a last resort, Goddess."
Medics swarmed Jag, checking his injuries before wheeling him away towards the lab and the bacta tank. Kyp watched them leave, a single medic staying behind. "Master Durron?"
"Yeah?"
"Uh, would you mind coming down to the medical lab to be checked out, sir?"
"Of course he wouldn't."
Kyp's gaze dropped to Jaina, his eyes widening in surprise, one of them beginning to swell shut. "I can make my own decisions," he replied dryly.
"Go with him, Kyp," she told him softly, "spend the hour or so in the bacta tank, and then come back and be all macho."
He rolled his eyes. "I guess not. The Goddess has commanded me to go with you."
The medic looked almost relieved as Kyp acquiesced, waiting until he'd collected his shirt, pants and towel, before escorting him towards the medical lab. Jaina went back to Tahiri and led her out of the gym, the blonde quiet as they walked back towards her quarters. They'd almost reached the door when she turned to Jaina. "Why did Jag and Kyp fight?" she asked softly.
Jaina sighed. "Jag thinks Kyp did something to coerce me to leave him for Kyp. It was a matter of honor."
"Like a Jedi duel?"
"Kind of," Jaina admitted reluctantly.
Tahiri nodded, stepping into her room, and quickly locked the door behind her. Jaina stretched out with the Force, feeling the conflicting emotions, the confusion, whirling through the young Jedi. She sighed. Tahiri was adrift, without much of an anchor, and unwilling to look for a new one. Zekk had served for a while, but she needed to find something inside herself to trust, and not rely on other people for her happiness.
Jaina shook her head. She needed to think, to step back and regroup. Turning away from the door, she headed for the docking bay where the freighters that brought in their cargo were ordered to land. Maybe she could find someone who could use her help unloading or sorting cargo, or maybe one of the techs could put her to work. Reluctant to go about organizing and planning the training of her squadron in her current frame of him, she began walking.
A shadow attached itself to her as she passed the docking bay, falling into step silently as she walked the mostly deserted corridors. The excitement of the fight had worn off and the pilots had retired to either the mess hall or their quarters to sleep. Jaina had felt something rise up inside her when Kyp had been fighting Jag. An almost desperate desire to make them stop, a willingness to do anything to make sure Kyp was safe. And that frightened her. She'd been willing to go back to Jag if it meant keeping him safe and, a part of her knew, that was wrong
Her shadow stayed with her, offering her silent support and comfort just by his presence as they walked through the corridors for the next hour. Finally they stopped beside the main viewports in the pilot's lounge. It was almost midnight and they were in hyperspace, the starlines streaks of light in the dark canopy. She turned to her companion. "I thought you were leaving."
Zekk smiled faintly. "I was waylaid by a couple of techs and then I found out that your parents were here and then..." he trailed off shrugging and smiling sheepishly. "I couldn't leave. Not yet, it doesn't feel like I'm finished here. Almost like I'm supposed to be here."
She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. "I'm glad you didn't leave." She said softly.
He hugged her back, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Me too. I heard Kyp and Jag were going to have some big scuff tonight."
"They did. You didn't come watch?"
He shook his head. "I was occupied showing the twins... er..."
Jaina laughed softly. "Kyp set them on you? Ouch. I'll have to talk to him about that. Kyp won, but he's a little worse for wear. They really let each other have it."
"No low blows?"
She shook her head. "I think they wanted to do as much damage to each other's faces." She sighed. "Why do men think they have to fight to settle their differences?"
He chuckled. "You're asking the wrong guy. I gave up fighting for personal satisfaction along time ago."
She punched him lightly. "Liar. You love a good scrap."
"A verbal one maybe," he admitted, kissing the top of her head before letting her go. "But the physical always seems better if I'm fighting another Jedi and it's a duel. Carefully controlled. Where rage and anger have no place."
She sighed. "You're not going to turn again." Her words were soft, but she knew that was really why he was saying it. "I wouldn't let you. Cyan wouldn't let you and Tahiri wouldn't let you, if she was thinking straight."
Zekk smiled wryly. "I know. That wasn't why I was saying it though, I just don't see the point in fighting unfairly."
"It wasn't unfair."
"Kyp has the Force, Jag doesn't." his statement seemed to say it was the end of the matter.
Jaina chuckled. "Jag evened things up. He somehow found Ysalamiri and made sure Kyp couldn't use the Force." She sighed. "I guess he didn't trust Kyp's word."
"Do you blame him?"
Jaina was silent for long moments before she sighed again. "After everything that's happened I shouldn't be, but I wasn't expecting such a public display of mistrust from him. I can't help but wonder what everyone watching will think of the precaution."
"That he was evening the odds maybe?" Zekk shrugged. "I doubt many of them, if any, know of Kyp's promise. Without knowing about it, I'd have thought it was simply a way to make the playing field even."
"I hadn't thought about that."
"You're too close to the situation," he teased gently, "it takes an outsider's point of view."
She smiled. "Thanks, Zekk. I should get back and check on them, just to make sure they don't come to blows after their first dip in the tanks."
"Mind if I tag along?"
She smiled grasping his hand and squeezing it gratefully. "I'd appreciate it - I might need help holding Kyp back."
Zekk laughed as they headed for the medical labs, wondering if he'd missed a good fight... and how much damage they'd done to each other. Well, one thing was certain. He was about to find out!
Kyp wasn't in the infirmary. Jaina checked on Jag, floating in the bacta tank, before turning to look at Zekk. "I guess Kyp headed back to his quarters."
Zekk's gaze was on the pummel features of one Chiss Colonel. "Wow." He whistled. "Kyp really let him have it."
Jaina chuckled. "If you're staying tonight, Tahiri would like to see you."
Zekk met her gaze before reluctantly shaking his head. "I think I'm going to sleep on my ship tonight and head out tomorrow. If I don't get sidetracked again."
She grinned. "If you don't let yourself get sidetracked, you mean. Alright, alright, go. But come back soon, alright?"
He smiled, hugging her quickly. "Sooner than you think. Sleep well and give Kyp my regards. He did a bang up job."
Jaina groaned. "Terrible joke,"
Zekk grinned, clucked her once under the chin and disappeared. Jaina turned back to where Jag was still floating in the bacta tank. She shook her head. A day in there and he'd be fine. She left quickly, stretching out and looking for Kyp's Force signature. She blinked when she found it. The flight deck? Shaking her head, she headed for it, and him, looking around as she entered the deck.
Kyp's X-Wing was nearby, a very familiar pair of legs sticking out from the open hatch where he was bent double, checking something. She hid a smirk and gave a low whistle.
Kyp straightened as if shot, his gaze going directly to her as she grinned. "Nice tush Durron, giving the security ladies a thrill?" she nodded to the holocam that was trained on that side of his ship.
Kyp grinned. "That wasn't the intention, I forget where those things are sometime."
"Ah." She nodded sagely. "You're going senile in your old age."
Kyp leapt to the deck, "Senile? I'm sound enough to whip a man your age in a fist fight."
She grinned as he approached her, checking him visually for injuries. His time in the tank seemed to have served him well. "You don't look any worse for wear."
He winked at her, "The advantages of being a Jedi." He pulled Jaina into his arms and ducked his head. "I wanted to be able to kiss you tonight."
She tilted her face to his, sighing as she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back. His mouth was hungry on hers, demanding, yet promising at the same time. She felt his mind slowly wrapping around hers, and opened to him. Her mind, her soul, her body was his for the taking. And yet, so was his to her. She reveled in the feeling, the knowledge that she could bring such a powerful man to his knees.
She pulled back, gasping for breath. They were breathing raggedly and simply held each other until they were more in control, Kyp gently stroking Jaina's hair as he pressed her cheek against his chest. His heart was racing under her ear and she smiled contentedly. "Kyp?"
"Yeah?"
She looked up at him, reaching up to tangle her fingers in the hair brushing his collar. "I love you."
He brushed a kiss over her slightly parted lips. "Enough to marry me, Jay?"
She smiled, nodding shyly. "If you'll have me after being such a pain."
"Nothing would make me happier. Should I get down on one knee and do this properly?"
She arched an eyebrow. "Now that has possibilities."
He squeezed her, unable to resist grinning. "Dammit, woman, I'm trying to be serious here. Get your mind out of the marriage bed."
"It was," she smiled innocently.
Kyp shook his head, "What am I going to do with you?"
She melted into him, rising up on tiptoe. "Love me until the end of my days." She told him honestly, her eyes free of guile, the teasing mood having fled completely. She searched his eyes, "Marry me, Kyp, and make me the luckiest, happiest woman in the galaxy and beyond."
"Is that a proposal, Goddess?"
"I guess it is, since you haven't asked me yet. Will you?"
"If you think you're ready, you know I will." He told her softly, his eyes unguarded as he looked at her lovingly. "I love you."
She tugged his head down, sealing her lips to his in a passionate embrace. They were slow to pull apart, but Kyp reluctantly broke the kiss. He whispered to her softly, his breath sliding over her ear. "Jay, I'd love to tear your clothes off right here, but I don't think we want to give the security detail that much to gossip about."
She blushed. "On the flight deck?"
He laughed, winking. "Maybe someday." He swept her into his arms and she tucked her hands around his neck, "But for now I want to keep you to myself, without the prying eyes. Is that alright with you?"
She nodded, hugging him tightly before he let her down at the doors. She claimed his hand, refusing to relinquish as she led him towards her quarters. Kyp tugged her to a stop before they arrived. "I have to get something from my quarters."
She let him go, "Then join me when you're ready." Turning, she continued on her own, leaving the door open as she stepped inside and began to straighten the room. She was turning to straighten the covers on her bunk when a surge through the Force nearly knocked her from her feet. [i]Tahiri[/i]! Without thinking, she ran from her room towards the chambers where they'd let the young Jedi, but even before she got there she knew she was too late. She knew before she saw the blow open door, before she saw the black marks on the walls. She knew before she entered the room. Tahiri was gone.
Chapter 13
Kyp stopped by his quarters to collect his shorts before heading for the gym. Jaina was going to come watch. He knew it, she knew it, but she was denying it. He knew she'd come in later, before the fight actually started, or just as they were getting into it. Changing quickly, he slung a towel over his shoulder before leaving his room. Word of the match had spread through the ship and the crowds were growing in the observation decks. Kyp grimaced. This was supposed to be between him and Jag, but somehow it'd turned into an event of some note. The reason for the fight wasn't public knowledge yet, but Kyp wasn't sure how they were going to keep it quiet if Jag started throwing accusations at him.
Entering the gym, he threaded this way towards the mat, focusing himself mentally for what he had to do. Jag was in for a surprise if he thought Kyp would be an easy target. Jag wasn't there yet when he stepped onto the mat, which was fine by him, as he shucked his pants, shirt and towel by the wall near the punching bag. Ignoring the betting going on between the spectators, and the speculation for the reason of the fight, he limbered up.
Stretching and loosening his muscles, he carefully scanned the area for Jag and Jaina. They wouldn't arrive together and he [i]was[/i] early, but he was uptight for this fight. Jag had it coming. A commotion near the door drew his attention and his eyes narrowed as Jag stepped through the crowd towards the mat. He checked the time. Two minutes to 2200. What an awful time for a match. "For a minute there, I thought you weren't going to show," he called to the Chiss pilot.
Jag's posture stiffened. "I wouldn't miss this for anything," he replied stiffly.
Kyp smiled tightly, pushing himself up from the ground. The bruise on his face has mostly healed during the day, he suspected from Jaina's interference, and he felt ready for this. Ready and eager. Even without the Force, he was confidant he could win. He leaned against the nearest wall and crossed his arms over his chest in an indolent pose. "Your terms for this match, rules?"
Jag didn't even look up from his stretches, "No weapons, no Force tricks and no holds barred."
Kyp nodded once in acknowledgement. Jag meant to fight dirty, he could tell by the last of the rules. This wasn't going to be a gentleman's fight, it wasn't going to be an honor duel; it was going to be a slugging match. Kyp hid the almost feral grin, which threatened to slide across his face. Jag was in for a surprise.
Jag finally straightened, turning to face Kyp completely, dressed much the same as Kyp himself. Kyp allowed himself to mentally catalogue Jag's physique. Jag was a specially trained pilot, no doubt as strong as Kyp himself and agile. Unless Jag's thinking process didn't allow him to dodge. "Terms for finishing the match?" he asked at last as Jag stepped towards the center of the mat.
Jag's face was impassive. "Unconsciousness or Concession. Whichever comes first."
Kyp nodded once and pushed away from the wall, walking towards the center of the mat. A sound came from the mat to his left and his eyes darted in that direction. Jaina. And she'd brought Tahiri. Wondering at how wise that move was, he knew he had to trust her judgment in this - he wasn't using the Force. If Tahiri got out of hand, that could quickly change, but not until Jaina needed his help. Focusing back on Jag, his eyes narrowed. He could read a smugness in Jag's eyes and then felt an icy, ghost hand slide down his spine as four people wearing nutrient racks, set up on the corners of the mat. Ysalamiri. Where in the Nine Hells had Jag gotten Ysalamiri?
What did it matter? With a mental shrug he dropped into a crouch, Jag doing the same opposite him, their gazes locked. He wasn't using the Force and Kyp was able to function without it better than most Jedi. Except Luke. Slowly, they began to circle, warily watching the other for signs of movement. Kyp was content to wait and let the younger man come to him. Making no move except to continue circling, Jag seemed to realize that, as the instigator of this, it was his move.
Jag came in with a straight punch, his right diving for Kyp's face. Kyp blocked and ducked blocking the other fist as it came in on a lower trajectory than the first and the fight began. The roar of the crowd was a dull roar in Kyp's head as he blocked one punch after another, spinning out of the way of a blow aimed at his stomach only to walk into another. Jag's left caught him in the chest and Kyp went with the blow.
The hell with the defensive! Dropping to the mat, he rolled, coming up with both feet in a kick that caught the advancing Chiss pilot in the stomach. Jag doubled over as the breath whooshed from his body, Kyp regaining his feet.
One for one.
Circling warily he waited until Jag had straightened before coming in again. They traded blows, Kyp's left connecting with Jag's face as Jag's fist barreled into his stomach. They didn't stop. Another blow to the face, this time Kyp had to turn his head to risk breaking something as his foot came up and knocked Jag to the mat.
Jag rolled into Kyp's legs, dragging him down and they traded blow for blow as they rolled. Jag's nose splattered across the side of his face as Kyp connected with a strong right, and Kyp felt something in his cheek give with one of Jag's punches. Rolling, he put his feet between them and sent Jag flying off him before he pushed to his feet. His chest hurt from the several blows Jag had landed and he suspected cracked ribs. He smiled grimly.
Jag wasn't in any better condition judging from the slow rise to his feet. Jag waded back in, one of his arms tucked close to his body and Kyp suspected he'd broken something. But Jag didn't give up. He walked forward only, swinging, only to have Kyp grab his fist and turn, spinning quickly and dragging the arm up between his shoulder blades.
But Kyp couldn't keep the pressure up as Jag stepped back into him, knocking his ribs, and he dropped the arm only to land a punch on Jag's kidneys. Jag buckled, groaning and Kyp pushed him to the mat. "Conceded!" he snapped, his voice not nearly as strong as he wanted it to be as he found it difficult to breathe.
"Never," Jag spat, his voice not much better as he swung his legs at Kyp's. Kyp jumped, avoiding being swept from his feet as he stepped back, allowing the other man to stand. Jag had guts, he grudgingly admitted to himself. Most men couldn't take this kind of punishment.
Kyp waded closer as Jag regained his feet, swinging at his head, only to have Jag duck with a speed he hadn't thought the younger man capable of in his condition. A fist slammed into his already hurting ribs and another into his abdomen, but the tight muscles of his stomach didn't hurt. All the sit-ups he'd done had been good for something. He bit down on his tongue and lashed out, knocking Jag to the mat with two well placed punches on the back of his head. Standing over the Chiss pilot, who was face down, Kyp nudged him with his foot, rolling him over. Jag was unconscious.
Breathing heavily, Kyp backed away a few paces. "It's finished." And though his words were softly spoken, all heard them. The nutrient racks and their furry companions were removed and the Force came back to him with a vengeance. He staggered as a pair of familiar arms suddenly wrapped around him.
"Jaina." He said softly, one eye beginning to swell shut. His face hurt, his body hurt, but having her hold him was soothing.
She was careful not to hug him too tightly, "You did it." She murmured, placing a kiss on his cheek, aware of the eyes watching them as credits traded hands. "And you didn't kill him."
Kyp smiled, a split lip making itself known, and he ran his tongue over the cut. "Only as a last resort, Goddess."
Medics swarmed Jag, checking his injuries before wheeling him away towards the lab and the bacta tank. Kyp watched them leave, a single medic staying behind. "Master Durron?"
"Yeah?"
"Uh, would you mind coming down to the medical lab to be checked out, sir?"
"Of course he wouldn't."
Kyp's gaze dropped to Jaina, his eyes widening in surprise, one of them beginning to swell shut. "I can make my own decisions," he replied dryly.
"Go with him, Kyp," she told him softly, "spend the hour or so in the bacta tank, and then come back and be all macho."
He rolled his eyes. "I guess not. The Goddess has commanded me to go with you."
The medic looked almost relieved as Kyp acquiesced, waiting until he'd collected his shirt, pants and towel, before escorting him towards the medical lab. Jaina went back to Tahiri and led her out of the gym, the blonde quiet as they walked back towards her quarters. They'd almost reached the door when she turned to Jaina. "Why did Jag and Kyp fight?" she asked softly.
Jaina sighed. "Jag thinks Kyp did something to coerce me to leave him for Kyp. It was a matter of honor."
"Like a Jedi duel?"
"Kind of," Jaina admitted reluctantly.
Tahiri nodded, stepping into her room, and quickly locked the door behind her. Jaina stretched out with the Force, feeling the conflicting emotions, the confusion, whirling through the young Jedi. She sighed. Tahiri was adrift, without much of an anchor, and unwilling to look for a new one. Zekk had served for a while, but she needed to find something inside herself to trust, and not rely on other people for her happiness.
Jaina shook her head. She needed to think, to step back and regroup. Turning away from the door, she headed for the docking bay where the freighters that brought in their cargo were ordered to land. Maybe she could find someone who could use her help unloading or sorting cargo, or maybe one of the techs could put her to work. Reluctant to go about organizing and planning the training of her squadron in her current frame of him, she began walking.
A shadow attached itself to her as she passed the docking bay, falling into step silently as she walked the mostly deserted corridors. The excitement of the fight had worn off and the pilots had retired to either the mess hall or their quarters to sleep. Jaina had felt something rise up inside her when Kyp had been fighting Jag. An almost desperate desire to make them stop, a willingness to do anything to make sure Kyp was safe. And that frightened her. She'd been willing to go back to Jag if it meant keeping him safe and, a part of her knew, that was wrong
Her shadow stayed with her, offering her silent support and comfort just by his presence as they walked through the corridors for the next hour. Finally they stopped beside the main viewports in the pilot's lounge. It was almost midnight and they were in hyperspace, the starlines streaks of light in the dark canopy. She turned to her companion. "I thought you were leaving."
Zekk smiled faintly. "I was waylaid by a couple of techs and then I found out that your parents were here and then..." he trailed off shrugging and smiling sheepishly. "I couldn't leave. Not yet, it doesn't feel like I'm finished here. Almost like I'm supposed to be here."
She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. "I'm glad you didn't leave." She said softly.
He hugged her back, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Me too. I heard Kyp and Jag were going to have some big scuff tonight."
"They did. You didn't come watch?"
He shook his head. "I was occupied showing the twins... er..."
Jaina laughed softly. "Kyp set them on you? Ouch. I'll have to talk to him about that. Kyp won, but he's a little worse for wear. They really let each other have it."
"No low blows?"
She shook her head. "I think they wanted to do as much damage to each other's faces." She sighed. "Why do men think they have to fight to settle their differences?"
He chuckled. "You're asking the wrong guy. I gave up fighting for personal satisfaction along time ago."
She punched him lightly. "Liar. You love a good scrap."
"A verbal one maybe," he admitted, kissing the top of her head before letting her go. "But the physical always seems better if I'm fighting another Jedi and it's a duel. Carefully controlled. Where rage and anger have no place."
She sighed. "You're not going to turn again." Her words were soft, but she knew that was really why he was saying it. "I wouldn't let you. Cyan wouldn't let you and Tahiri wouldn't let you, if she was thinking straight."
Zekk smiled wryly. "I know. That wasn't why I was saying it though, I just don't see the point in fighting unfairly."
"It wasn't unfair."
"Kyp has the Force, Jag doesn't." his statement seemed to say it was the end of the matter.
Jaina chuckled. "Jag evened things up. He somehow found Ysalamiri and made sure Kyp couldn't use the Force." She sighed. "I guess he didn't trust Kyp's word."
"Do you blame him?"
Jaina was silent for long moments before she sighed again. "After everything that's happened I shouldn't be, but I wasn't expecting such a public display of mistrust from him. I can't help but wonder what everyone watching will think of the precaution."
"That he was evening the odds maybe?" Zekk shrugged. "I doubt many of them, if any, know of Kyp's promise. Without knowing about it, I'd have thought it was simply a way to make the playing field even."
"I hadn't thought about that."
"You're too close to the situation," he teased gently, "it takes an outsider's point of view."
She smiled. "Thanks, Zekk. I should get back and check on them, just to make sure they don't come to blows after their first dip in the tanks."
"Mind if I tag along?"
She smiled grasping his hand and squeezing it gratefully. "I'd appreciate it - I might need help holding Kyp back."
Zekk laughed as they headed for the medical labs, wondering if he'd missed a good fight... and how much damage they'd done to each other. Well, one thing was certain. He was about to find out!
Kyp wasn't in the infirmary. Jaina checked on Jag, floating in the bacta tank, before turning to look at Zekk. "I guess Kyp headed back to his quarters."
Zekk's gaze was on the pummel features of one Chiss Colonel. "Wow." He whistled. "Kyp really let him have it."
Jaina chuckled. "If you're staying tonight, Tahiri would like to see you."
Zekk met her gaze before reluctantly shaking his head. "I think I'm going to sleep on my ship tonight and head out tomorrow. If I don't get sidetracked again."
She grinned. "If you don't let yourself get sidetracked, you mean. Alright, alright, go. But come back soon, alright?"
He smiled, hugging her quickly. "Sooner than you think. Sleep well and give Kyp my regards. He did a bang up job."
Jaina groaned. "Terrible joke,"
Zekk grinned, clucked her once under the chin and disappeared. Jaina turned back to where Jag was still floating in the bacta tank. She shook her head. A day in there and he'd be fine. She left quickly, stretching out and looking for Kyp's Force signature. She blinked when she found it. The flight deck? Shaking her head, she headed for it, and him, looking around as she entered the deck.
Kyp's X-Wing was nearby, a very familiar pair of legs sticking out from the open hatch where he was bent double, checking something. She hid a smirk and gave a low whistle.
Kyp straightened as if shot, his gaze going directly to her as she grinned. "Nice tush Durron, giving the security ladies a thrill?" she nodded to the holocam that was trained on that side of his ship.
Kyp grinned. "That wasn't the intention, I forget where those things are sometime."
"Ah." She nodded sagely. "You're going senile in your old age."
Kyp leapt to the deck, "Senile? I'm sound enough to whip a man your age in a fist fight."
She grinned as he approached her, checking him visually for injuries. His time in the tank seemed to have served him well. "You don't look any worse for wear."
He winked at her, "The advantages of being a Jedi." He pulled Jaina into his arms and ducked his head. "I wanted to be able to kiss you tonight."
She tilted her face to his, sighing as she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back. His mouth was hungry on hers, demanding, yet promising at the same time. She felt his mind slowly wrapping around hers, and opened to him. Her mind, her soul, her body was his for the taking. And yet, so was his to her. She reveled in the feeling, the knowledge that she could bring such a powerful man to his knees.
She pulled back, gasping for breath. They were breathing raggedly and simply held each other until they were more in control, Kyp gently stroking Jaina's hair as he pressed her cheek against his chest. His heart was racing under her ear and she smiled contentedly. "Kyp?"
"Yeah?"
She looked up at him, reaching up to tangle her fingers in the hair brushing his collar. "I love you."
He brushed a kiss over her slightly parted lips. "Enough to marry me, Jay?"
She smiled, nodding shyly. "If you'll have me after being such a pain."
"Nothing would make me happier. Should I get down on one knee and do this properly?"
She arched an eyebrow. "Now that has possibilities."
He squeezed her, unable to resist grinning. "Dammit, woman, I'm trying to be serious here. Get your mind out of the marriage bed."
"It was," she smiled innocently.
Kyp shook his head, "What am I going to do with you?"
She melted into him, rising up on tiptoe. "Love me until the end of my days." She told him honestly, her eyes free of guile, the teasing mood having fled completely. She searched his eyes, "Marry me, Kyp, and make me the luckiest, happiest woman in the galaxy and beyond."
"Is that a proposal, Goddess?"
"I guess it is, since you haven't asked me yet. Will you?"
"If you think you're ready, you know I will." He told her softly, his eyes unguarded as he looked at her lovingly. "I love you."
She tugged his head down, sealing her lips to his in a passionate embrace. They were slow to pull apart, but Kyp reluctantly broke the kiss. He whispered to her softly, his breath sliding over her ear. "Jay, I'd love to tear your clothes off right here, but I don't think we want to give the security detail that much to gossip about."
She blushed. "On the flight deck?"
He laughed, winking. "Maybe someday." He swept her into his arms and she tucked her hands around his neck, "But for now I want to keep you to myself, without the prying eyes. Is that alright with you?"
She nodded, hugging him tightly before he let her down at the doors. She claimed his hand, refusing to relinquish as she led him towards her quarters. Kyp tugged her to a stop before they arrived. "I have to get something from my quarters."
She let him go, "Then join me when you're ready." Turning, she continued on her own, leaving the door open as she stepped inside and began to straighten the room. She was turning to straighten the covers on her bunk when a surge through the Force nearly knocked her from her feet. [i]Tahiri[/i]! Without thinking, she ran from her room towards the chambers where they'd let the young Jedi, but even before she got there she knew she was too late. She knew before she saw the blow open door, before she saw the black marks on the walls. She knew before she entered the room. Tahiri was gone.