AN: The survivors, Vola and Nicha & Flynn are my own creation, everything else belongs to Lucasfilm...
From Scratch
Chapter 20
Flynn rose from his place by the fire, having just finished trapping Nicha to the travois when Jacen had run past him. He looked to the room Tenel Ka had yet to emerge from and then to the pool. He'd heard the splash, could still hear splashing, and decided to check on the other man. He stopped in the doorway and began to laugh. Jacen hadn't paused to shed any of his clothing and was just surfacing, shaking the water from his hair. "Oh man, you look like some kind of a drowned rat! That a new look?"
Jacen was in no mood to deal with the other man, "Get lost, Flynn."
"She turn you down?"
Jacen laughed, shaking his head. "I turned me down. Back off, this isn't your business."
Flynn grinned, holding up his hands. "Sorry man, I just wanted to let you know I've got Nicha strapped to the travois. We're ready to head out for our home whenever you're ready."
Jacen swam to the edge and hauled himself up. The cool water had helped restore some of his inner equilibrium, but not all. He'd be walking on eggshells around Tenel Ka. He grimaced. What must she think of him now? "You want to tell Tenel Ka-" he paused, remembering the way he'd left her and closed his eyes against the thought of going back into that room. Sparks or no sparks, if she hadn't rearranged her armor... he swallowed hard. Control. He had to find some kind of control lest he scare her again. "I'll tell her."
"Sure man, whatever you think is best." Flynn was snickering as he left and Jacen took a step back, jumping back into the cool water. It wasn't quite Ice, but it certainly helped. His lips twisted wryly as he pulled himself back out and got his feet under him. His boots were ruined, his lightsaber was, thankfully, protected against water, and his clothing was soaked. He'd be cold before long and unable to dry off completely but that was alright. At least he'd have something else to concentrate on.
He strode back into the main room and paused. Vola was sitting close to Flynn, her eyes on Nicha, but there was no sign of Tenel Ka. His gaze went to the doorway across the room and he took a deep breath, slicking his hair back. It was now or never. He took a bracing breath before crossing the room, ignoring the looks Vola and Flynn shot him, and stepped into the doorway.
Tenel Ka was seated, her back to the wall, her face buried in her knees. Even in the dim light he could make out the slight, jerky motions of her shoulders. "Tenel Ka?" he asked gently, concern flooding him immediately. Had he made her cry?
She didn't move, though he did see her stiffen. He crossed the room, his boots squishing with every step, and crouched in front of her. "Tenel Ka?"
She slowly lifted her head, her gray eyes completely unshielded from him. Tears glittered on her lashes, the confusion and pain in her eyes breaking his heart. He lifted his hand but she shied away and he let it drop. "I'm sorry." He whispered hoarsely. "I couldn't... I can't..." he stopped himself, marshalling his thoughts before continuing. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Why are you doing this?" she asked, searching his face as she blinked back her tears. "Why are you pulling away? Is this not the natural conclusion of this attraction?"
He smiled faintly. "Normally, yes. But I promised you, Tenel Ka. I promised nothing would happen that you didn't want. I felt your fear and it hurt. I never want you to be afraid of me."
"I am not afraid of you," she replied evenly, holding his gaze, "but you are confusing me. I do not understand where this is going. As soon as I start to think you might show me, you pull back."
This time he did cup her face, gently running his thumb over the soft skin. His body shook, his hands trembling, from the need to continue what they'd started, but the clothing he wore helped keep him focused. It wasn't hard to remain somewhat controlled dressed in soaking wet pants. "Is that really what you want?" he asked softly, "To find out what happens next?"
She heard something in his tone, something different, as if he was asking her something terribly important. Her brows drew together and she nodded slowly. "Yes."
He swallowed hard. "Once we start they'll be no turning back, Tenel Ka. When I finally make love to you, I'll never let you go."
She sank back against the wall. "I do not understand," she whispered.
His hand dropped from her face and he clenched it around the fabric on his knee, squeezing the water from it. "That's why." He pushed himself to his feet, the action costing him more than she'd ever know. "Flynn says we're ready to leave whenever you are. I'll be with them."
"Jacen?"
He paused, his back to her and silently begged her not to use that tone with him. A confused and lost sounding Tenel Ka wasn't something he could resist. "Yes?"
"What will happen tonight?"
He closed his eyes. Tonight. Oh Force -tonight-! He'd have to sleep next to her again. His mouth went dry, his palms beginning to sweat. He'd never make it but somehow he had to. He had to protect her. "I don't know." He replied honestly before stepping away and out of the room.
Tenel Ka watched him go and slowly pushed herself to her feet. She was confused, hurt and ruffled. It felt like he was playing with her, making her feel these incredible sensations and then pulling back when she was on the verge of discovery. She wanted more, wanted it all, but he refused. He was fighting it. Surely whatever came next wasn't so horrible that he had to keep stopping. She sighed, adjusting her armor back into place and tightening it with sharp, vicious tugs. Surely whatever made her shake this badly, -want- this badly that she was having a hard time thinking straight, would be incredible. She would just have to find some way to get him to give in. And, this time, follow through.
They left the area at a quick pace, Jacen and Flynn carrying the travois instead of dragging it. Vola lead the way, Tenel Ka taking up the rear guard behind Jacen. They traveled in silence, Jacen's back taught with strain as he fought against the feel of Tenel Ka's gaze on his back. Oh, it wasn't constant, but every time she glanced at him, he felt it clear to his toes. The first two hours were quiet, uneventful as Vola lead them deeper into the system. The deeper they went, the more cave-like the atmosphere got. Jacen began to feel the weight of the world pressing down on him as they turned a corner into a tiny side tunnel, forcing the four of them, the stretcher separating the two couples as they worked their way down carefully.
This just gets worse and worse, Jacen found himself thinking as Tenel Ka's hand was suddenly planted firmly between his shoulder blades. He flexed, feeling the heat of her hand through the shirt stuck to his back. He continued walking but the dampness in his clothing was opposite to her skin, and the contrast wasn't working so well anymore. In fact, it was starting to hinder rather than help.
She pulled her hand off as they exited into a cavern larger than anything they'd yet seen. Flynn started to put the stretcher down, and Jacen knelt so that Nicha was placed gently on the floor. "We'll break here for a few minutes," Flynn told them, nodding to where Vola was in the process of pulling a few broken pieces into a semi-circle so that they could sit.
Jacen remained where he was as Tenel Ka moved past, her hip brushing against his shoulder. Control, he told himself silently. She's unaware of what she's doing. He slanted a glance at her, narrowing his eyes. Or was she? She could have avoided that touch knowing how precarious his control was. He slowly rose to his feet but didn't move to sit, instead leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. Tenel Ka accepted a strip of some kind of smoked meet from Vola and offered it to him. He was careful not to touch her hands he took it ad tore a bite off with his teeth. "How soon can we start heading back to the surface, Flynn?"
"Well, if the elders are able to meet you right away, tomorrow. If not, I'd say we probably won't be heading back for a day or two. That won't be a problem, will it?"
Looking at Tenel Ka, Jacen wasn't sure. "I don't think so," he said slowly, "that depends on what your community might be expecting from Tenel Ka ad myself in the way of actions."
"Well, we don't get many outsiders, as you may have guessed, so they'll use the same standards for you as I did."
"Meaning we'll be expected to share a bed."
Flynn nodded, a knowing twinkle in his eye. "That's about it. Unless of course you want to break your engagement and let her sleep with Vola in the women's barracks."
"No."
They both looked up at Tenel Ka's sharp word. "Pardon?" Jacen was sure he'd heard her wrong. This was the way out he'd been looking for. They weren't technically engaged anyway, it was just the way to keep the women away from him, and the men away from Tenel Ka.
Tenel Ka shook her head. "No. We will not. There is another way."
He swallowed hard. Sure there was, but not one that involved control. Or clothing. "And what way is that?"
She shrugged. "We marry."
Ok, now he -knew- he was hearing things. "What?" he couldn't help the incredulous tone in his voice, that had been the last thing he'd expected her to say!
"It's a good idea," Vola ventured tentatively. "I mean, surely you want to marry her, so why not here?"
Jacen reached for Tenel Ka, grabbing her by the arm and hauling her to her feet. "If you'll excuse us." He told their guides shortly, dragging her away from the small camp and back into the halls a ways. He stopped, mildly surprised she didn't struggled against the hold he had on her arm. He finally let her go, rounding on her. "Explain yourself, Tenel Ka." He said shortly.
"I thought it was self-explanatory."
"You're serious?"
She nodded. "Your reservations about what will happen between us are due to our lack of vows," she rationalized, "therefore the prudent course of action would be to speak those vows."
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. She hadn't reacted when he'd brought it up beyond to ask if their families and friends would find it objectionable. She'd seemed against it at the time, surely she couldn't have changed her mind so quickly. "Are you sure?"
"You find it displeasing?"
"No, I find it mind-boggling."
She stepped towards him and he moved back, only to hit the wall. She kept coming until her chest brushed against his and she was looking up into his eyes. Their hearts began to race as she didn't move for a long moment. Jacen held his breath, silently pleading with her to back away. His control was again crumbling, the confidence of the clammy pants having long since evaporated.
"I do not see why." She said softly. "I wish to be your wife."
He swallowed hard, fighting against the way his head was slowly inching down towards hers. "You want to be a Solo?" his voice hitched, "It's not all it's cracked up to be."
She tilted her head, her gaze dropping to his mouth. "I wish to be with a certain Solo this night, not need to lay awake wondering what these sensations lead to. Will you marry me, Jacen Solo?"
"Not getting down on your knees?" he winced as he said it. If she -did- get on her knees he was going to fall to his; it would be his undoing, of that he was certain.
Mercifully, she shook her head. "I will not. Your answer?"
"Are you certain, Tenel Ka?" he asked, his hands clenched behind his back, his fingers digging into his hands. He couldn't feel them anymore, but at least they were behaving; for the moment.
"Would I have asked if I was not?" she asked softly, arching an eyebrow. "I love you, Jacen, I wish to have your child, should you ever choose to show me how one is created."
He groaned, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. His throat worked convulsively for a long moment. He looked back at her, seeing the anticipation she couldn't hide. He nodded. "I will, Tenel Ka. But not for your crown or your kingdom. I only want you."
"They are a package." She told him, and that small, rare smile graced her face again as she leaned towards him, "But for you I will simply be me." Her lips brushed his gently before she pulled away.
It wasn't enough. His hands came around and he pulled her back, kissing her longer, though with no less gentleness. Somehow he managed to keep the almost blinding need in check. His passion for her came through in the kiss and she melted against him willingly, sighing softly. Her mouth opened to his, but he didn't deepen the kiss. He knew better than to try, pulling back and breathing heavily as he rested his forehead against hers. "One condition."
She pulled back slightly. "Condition?"
He nodded, smiling faintly. "No more kissing until we take those vows."
She cocked her head at him. "Why?"
He smiled a self-mocking smile. "Unless you want to find out, just trust me. One more kiss and I'll lose it."
She laughed - laughed! - softly at him as she stepped back. "I promise. Come. We must continue if we wish to make their dwelling before this night."
"I'm all for that!" he caught her hand as they walked back towards Flynn and Vola. Her touch still weakened his knees but with a plan, and a destination in sight, control was easier to come by. And by the end of tonight she'd be his wife. He was looking forward to that.
From Scratch
Chapter 20
Flynn rose from his place by the fire, having just finished trapping Nicha to the travois when Jacen had run past him. He looked to the room Tenel Ka had yet to emerge from and then to the pool. He'd heard the splash, could still hear splashing, and decided to check on the other man. He stopped in the doorway and began to laugh. Jacen hadn't paused to shed any of his clothing and was just surfacing, shaking the water from his hair. "Oh man, you look like some kind of a drowned rat! That a new look?"
Jacen was in no mood to deal with the other man, "Get lost, Flynn."
"She turn you down?"
Jacen laughed, shaking his head. "I turned me down. Back off, this isn't your business."
Flynn grinned, holding up his hands. "Sorry man, I just wanted to let you know I've got Nicha strapped to the travois. We're ready to head out for our home whenever you're ready."
Jacen swam to the edge and hauled himself up. The cool water had helped restore some of his inner equilibrium, but not all. He'd be walking on eggshells around Tenel Ka. He grimaced. What must she think of him now? "You want to tell Tenel Ka-" he paused, remembering the way he'd left her and closed his eyes against the thought of going back into that room. Sparks or no sparks, if she hadn't rearranged her armor... he swallowed hard. Control. He had to find some kind of control lest he scare her again. "I'll tell her."
"Sure man, whatever you think is best." Flynn was snickering as he left and Jacen took a step back, jumping back into the cool water. It wasn't quite Ice, but it certainly helped. His lips twisted wryly as he pulled himself back out and got his feet under him. His boots were ruined, his lightsaber was, thankfully, protected against water, and his clothing was soaked. He'd be cold before long and unable to dry off completely but that was alright. At least he'd have something else to concentrate on.
He strode back into the main room and paused. Vola was sitting close to Flynn, her eyes on Nicha, but there was no sign of Tenel Ka. His gaze went to the doorway across the room and he took a deep breath, slicking his hair back. It was now or never. He took a bracing breath before crossing the room, ignoring the looks Vola and Flynn shot him, and stepped into the doorway.
Tenel Ka was seated, her back to the wall, her face buried in her knees. Even in the dim light he could make out the slight, jerky motions of her shoulders. "Tenel Ka?" he asked gently, concern flooding him immediately. Had he made her cry?
She didn't move, though he did see her stiffen. He crossed the room, his boots squishing with every step, and crouched in front of her. "Tenel Ka?"
She slowly lifted her head, her gray eyes completely unshielded from him. Tears glittered on her lashes, the confusion and pain in her eyes breaking his heart. He lifted his hand but she shied away and he let it drop. "I'm sorry." He whispered hoarsely. "I couldn't... I can't..." he stopped himself, marshalling his thoughts before continuing. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Why are you doing this?" she asked, searching his face as she blinked back her tears. "Why are you pulling away? Is this not the natural conclusion of this attraction?"
He smiled faintly. "Normally, yes. But I promised you, Tenel Ka. I promised nothing would happen that you didn't want. I felt your fear and it hurt. I never want you to be afraid of me."
"I am not afraid of you," she replied evenly, holding his gaze, "but you are confusing me. I do not understand where this is going. As soon as I start to think you might show me, you pull back."
This time he did cup her face, gently running his thumb over the soft skin. His body shook, his hands trembling, from the need to continue what they'd started, but the clothing he wore helped keep him focused. It wasn't hard to remain somewhat controlled dressed in soaking wet pants. "Is that really what you want?" he asked softly, "To find out what happens next?"
She heard something in his tone, something different, as if he was asking her something terribly important. Her brows drew together and she nodded slowly. "Yes."
He swallowed hard. "Once we start they'll be no turning back, Tenel Ka. When I finally make love to you, I'll never let you go."
She sank back against the wall. "I do not understand," she whispered.
His hand dropped from her face and he clenched it around the fabric on his knee, squeezing the water from it. "That's why." He pushed himself to his feet, the action costing him more than she'd ever know. "Flynn says we're ready to leave whenever you are. I'll be with them."
"Jacen?"
He paused, his back to her and silently begged her not to use that tone with him. A confused and lost sounding Tenel Ka wasn't something he could resist. "Yes?"
"What will happen tonight?"
He closed his eyes. Tonight. Oh Force -tonight-! He'd have to sleep next to her again. His mouth went dry, his palms beginning to sweat. He'd never make it but somehow he had to. He had to protect her. "I don't know." He replied honestly before stepping away and out of the room.
Tenel Ka watched him go and slowly pushed herself to her feet. She was confused, hurt and ruffled. It felt like he was playing with her, making her feel these incredible sensations and then pulling back when she was on the verge of discovery. She wanted more, wanted it all, but he refused. He was fighting it. Surely whatever came next wasn't so horrible that he had to keep stopping. She sighed, adjusting her armor back into place and tightening it with sharp, vicious tugs. Surely whatever made her shake this badly, -want- this badly that she was having a hard time thinking straight, would be incredible. She would just have to find some way to get him to give in. And, this time, follow through.
They left the area at a quick pace, Jacen and Flynn carrying the travois instead of dragging it. Vola lead the way, Tenel Ka taking up the rear guard behind Jacen. They traveled in silence, Jacen's back taught with strain as he fought against the feel of Tenel Ka's gaze on his back. Oh, it wasn't constant, but every time she glanced at him, he felt it clear to his toes. The first two hours were quiet, uneventful as Vola lead them deeper into the system. The deeper they went, the more cave-like the atmosphere got. Jacen began to feel the weight of the world pressing down on him as they turned a corner into a tiny side tunnel, forcing the four of them, the stretcher separating the two couples as they worked their way down carefully.
This just gets worse and worse, Jacen found himself thinking as Tenel Ka's hand was suddenly planted firmly between his shoulder blades. He flexed, feeling the heat of her hand through the shirt stuck to his back. He continued walking but the dampness in his clothing was opposite to her skin, and the contrast wasn't working so well anymore. In fact, it was starting to hinder rather than help.
She pulled her hand off as they exited into a cavern larger than anything they'd yet seen. Flynn started to put the stretcher down, and Jacen knelt so that Nicha was placed gently on the floor. "We'll break here for a few minutes," Flynn told them, nodding to where Vola was in the process of pulling a few broken pieces into a semi-circle so that they could sit.
Jacen remained where he was as Tenel Ka moved past, her hip brushing against his shoulder. Control, he told himself silently. She's unaware of what she's doing. He slanted a glance at her, narrowing his eyes. Or was she? She could have avoided that touch knowing how precarious his control was. He slowly rose to his feet but didn't move to sit, instead leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. Tenel Ka accepted a strip of some kind of smoked meet from Vola and offered it to him. He was careful not to touch her hands he took it ad tore a bite off with his teeth. "How soon can we start heading back to the surface, Flynn?"
"Well, if the elders are able to meet you right away, tomorrow. If not, I'd say we probably won't be heading back for a day or two. That won't be a problem, will it?"
Looking at Tenel Ka, Jacen wasn't sure. "I don't think so," he said slowly, "that depends on what your community might be expecting from Tenel Ka ad myself in the way of actions."
"Well, we don't get many outsiders, as you may have guessed, so they'll use the same standards for you as I did."
"Meaning we'll be expected to share a bed."
Flynn nodded, a knowing twinkle in his eye. "That's about it. Unless of course you want to break your engagement and let her sleep with Vola in the women's barracks."
"No."
They both looked up at Tenel Ka's sharp word. "Pardon?" Jacen was sure he'd heard her wrong. This was the way out he'd been looking for. They weren't technically engaged anyway, it was just the way to keep the women away from him, and the men away from Tenel Ka.
Tenel Ka shook her head. "No. We will not. There is another way."
He swallowed hard. Sure there was, but not one that involved control. Or clothing. "And what way is that?"
She shrugged. "We marry."
Ok, now he -knew- he was hearing things. "What?" he couldn't help the incredulous tone in his voice, that had been the last thing he'd expected her to say!
"It's a good idea," Vola ventured tentatively. "I mean, surely you want to marry her, so why not here?"
Jacen reached for Tenel Ka, grabbing her by the arm and hauling her to her feet. "If you'll excuse us." He told their guides shortly, dragging her away from the small camp and back into the halls a ways. He stopped, mildly surprised she didn't struggled against the hold he had on her arm. He finally let her go, rounding on her. "Explain yourself, Tenel Ka." He said shortly.
"I thought it was self-explanatory."
"You're serious?"
She nodded. "Your reservations about what will happen between us are due to our lack of vows," she rationalized, "therefore the prudent course of action would be to speak those vows."
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. She hadn't reacted when he'd brought it up beyond to ask if their families and friends would find it objectionable. She'd seemed against it at the time, surely she couldn't have changed her mind so quickly. "Are you sure?"
"You find it displeasing?"
"No, I find it mind-boggling."
She stepped towards him and he moved back, only to hit the wall. She kept coming until her chest brushed against his and she was looking up into his eyes. Their hearts began to race as she didn't move for a long moment. Jacen held his breath, silently pleading with her to back away. His control was again crumbling, the confidence of the clammy pants having long since evaporated.
"I do not see why." She said softly. "I wish to be your wife."
He swallowed hard, fighting against the way his head was slowly inching down towards hers. "You want to be a Solo?" his voice hitched, "It's not all it's cracked up to be."
She tilted her head, her gaze dropping to his mouth. "I wish to be with a certain Solo this night, not need to lay awake wondering what these sensations lead to. Will you marry me, Jacen Solo?"
"Not getting down on your knees?" he winced as he said it. If she -did- get on her knees he was going to fall to his; it would be his undoing, of that he was certain.
Mercifully, she shook her head. "I will not. Your answer?"
"Are you certain, Tenel Ka?" he asked, his hands clenched behind his back, his fingers digging into his hands. He couldn't feel them anymore, but at least they were behaving; for the moment.
"Would I have asked if I was not?" she asked softly, arching an eyebrow. "I love you, Jacen, I wish to have your child, should you ever choose to show me how one is created."
He groaned, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. His throat worked convulsively for a long moment. He looked back at her, seeing the anticipation she couldn't hide. He nodded. "I will, Tenel Ka. But not for your crown or your kingdom. I only want you."
"They are a package." She told him, and that small, rare smile graced her face again as she leaned towards him, "But for you I will simply be me." Her lips brushed his gently before she pulled away.
It wasn't enough. His hands came around and he pulled her back, kissing her longer, though with no less gentleness. Somehow he managed to keep the almost blinding need in check. His passion for her came through in the kiss and she melted against him willingly, sighing softly. Her mouth opened to his, but he didn't deepen the kiss. He knew better than to try, pulling back and breathing heavily as he rested his forehead against hers. "One condition."
She pulled back slightly. "Condition?"
He nodded, smiling faintly. "No more kissing until we take those vows."
She cocked her head at him. "Why?"
He smiled a self-mocking smile. "Unless you want to find out, just trust me. One more kiss and I'll lose it."
She laughed - laughed! - softly at him as she stepped back. "I promise. Come. We must continue if we wish to make their dwelling before this night."
"I'm all for that!" he caught her hand as they walked back towards Flynn and Vola. Her touch still weakened his knees but with a plan, and a destination in sight, control was easier to come by. And by the end of tonight she'd be his wife. He was looking forward to that.