CHAPTER 13 – First Date
Jaina lay on the immense bed in the middle of a large estate room enjoying the feel of the sheets wrapped around her. She was used to sleeping on top of the sheets, dressed only in a tank, ready to jump into her flight suit at the sound of an alarm blaring. After enjoying a hot bath, a luxury unavailable in the pilot's barracks, Jaina had slipped into the satiny sleep gown that lay on the bed when she arrived. The gown was not one of hers so she assumed Syal had supplied it. Then Jaina had fallen into a blissful sleep from which she had just woken.
The chrono on the wall read 1700. This meant Jaina had one hour to get ready for dinner with the Fel family. She slipped out from under the covers and padded across the floor to the control panel and turned up the illumination. At the same time she clicked the controls to open the view window to let in the panorama view of stars accented by the blue and white sphere of Mon Calamari, half obscured by its own shadow.
Jaina walked over to the small recliner and sat next to the large flat box left with her other personal belongings. The note on the box read, "For dinner," in a feminine handwriting. She untied the bow and removed the lid. Jaina's hand went to her mouth as she studied the contents. She lowered her hand and gently caressed the contents before removing it from the box. Unfolding before her was a gown of rich purple Mon Calamari sea cotton, laced with threads of shimmersilk. Jaina held the dress up in front of her as she stood, looking down to examine it as she did.
The gown had a tight bodice with thin bejeweled staps. From the bodice the material flowed out in a slight flare. The simplicity of the design made the dress beautiful to behold. Jaina grinned as she slipped off her nightgown and shimmied the gown up her body. Jaina shuffled to the refresher to examine herself in the mirror. She pivoted back and forth, her eyes never leaving her image in the mirror. The dress was definitely stunning. Jaina pulled her hair up to expose her neckline, bare except the line of the token of Jag's affection. She fingered the charm and smiled. She silently wished her mother were here to help with her hair.
Forty-five minutes later Jaina emerged from the refresher, her face highlighted with a subtle application of makeup and her hair swept up on her head, cascading in curls out of a band of braids wrapped around them. Several loose curls fell from her temple on either side. Jaina was silently thankful she was a Jedi and thus possessed the patience to deal with the demon that could be her hair.
Jaina activated the door as Kyp's presence approached. Kyp entered the room, and the sight of Jaina immediately captured his attention. Jaina spun around for Kyp's benefit as he emitted a low whistle. "Well, if that doesn't melt a Corellian's heart, I don't know what will."
Jaina broadcast a grateful smile back at her friend. "You look dashing as well." She meant it too. Kyp carried his green Jedi robes with a certain flare that demanded attention. His silver flecked hair outlined his edgy face and strong jaw line, highlighted by his green speckled eyes. Kyp held out his arm. "Care to go to dinner?"
Jaina walked over and took her dear friend's arm, beaming up at him, gratitude in her eyes for everything he had and would do for her. "You're a true friend Kyp Durron."
Kyp forced his body to hide a blush that was threatening to show on his face as he guided Jaina out the door and into the corridor. Kyp was not sure why but the sight of Jaina standing there smiling up at him had made his heart pound. He had resolved his feelings for Jaina back on Borleias, satisfied that he did not desire more than friendship. He was happy knowing she was happy; his part in this evening was proof enough of that. Kyp determined the pattering of his heart was due to his own excitement for what the evening had in store for Jaina and nothing more.
Jaina followed his lead through the halls, not sure where it was they were going. She felt an electric edge to her connection with Kyp, but stifled an urge to press him on it. Both walked in a slow comfortable gait, neither wanting to rush.
"So how did you do it," Jaina grilled her escort.
"Do what?"
"Get all this arranged."
"Master's secret," Kyp winked mischievously.
"Okay, then who helped? I know you had help."
"What you think I don't have enough taste to pick out a nice dress."
Jaina looked up at the green-eyed Jedi with doubting eyes.
"Alright. I confess, your mom helped some. Following around a Goddess is a full-time affair you know."
An air of surprise washed over Jaina's face. "My mom, really?"
"Sure, she was so excited you were going to have a day off, she practically jumped at the opportunity to help. I think she called Syal right after I told her of Syal's plans. I believe the dress is your mom's contribution. Plus she also packed all your personal items."
Jaina reflected for a moment on everything that had gone into this escapade and mentally noted everyone she would have to thank personally later. "Yes, well the dress seems like something she would pick. Mom does have good taste."
Kyp stopped before a door and keyed the comm. A few seconds later the door slid open, and the welcoming face of Syal Fel greeted the couple. "Jaina, Kyp, come in."
Kyp released Jaina from his arm and allowed her to enter before him. Jaina surveyed the room and determined it was the Fel residence. Small items scattered throughout the room were evidence of this; a family portrait set on the wall, a pile of school datacards on the end table and an arrangement of flowers on the dining table. Jaina's eyes stopped at the table. Two places were set for dinner, shining in the light falling from candles lit around the centerpiece.
Syal's eyes had followed Jaina's gaze. The younger woman turned back to her hostess. The former actress maintained a serene appearance despite her pleasure. Syal took an arm offered by the Jedi Master. Jaina's face expressed the confusion she was experiencing. Syal smiled politely at Jaina.
"Oh, I guess Kyp failed to mention this Jaina, but Soontir was stuck on the planet and Rane had promised Briaun he would take her to the Ackbar Gardens. I thought it best we delay our family meal until tomorrow morning. We'll have a late breakfast; everyone will be free. I am taking Master Durron here on a tour of the ship and then a nice meal in the officer's galley. I hope it's alright with you, if you and Jag have a nice quiet meal together."
A broad grin crossed Jaina's lips and her eyes lit up. Syal smiled back. "I thought so. Enjoy your dinner. Come on Kyp, we have a lot of ship to cover." Together, the co-conspirators exited the room.
A sound from behind her caught Jaina's attention. She pivoted around and was greeted by the sight of Jag carrying two plates of food. He smirked at her as he proceeded to the table and set the plates down at each table setting in turn. Then he crossed the room, stopping before his date. Jag took her hands in each of his and held her out to arm's length. His eyes passed the length of her, his face reflecting his approval.
"I thought the other night you couldn't look more beautiful; apparently I was wrong."
Jaina curtsied to her host, dipping her head playfully. "Why thank you kind sir."
She stood back up, examining him in turn. Jag wore a formal long sleeved white shirt, pressed to perfection, and black pants, minus the customary blood stripes. Nothing out of the ordinary for Jagged, but Jaina thought he had never looked more handsome.
"So I suppose you are part of this conspiracy, as well" Jaina questioned with a giggle.
Jag shook his head. "I would love to say yes, but this was pretty much all my mother's doing. I think she took something I said a few days ago and fashioned this whole scheme."
"I'm beginning to like your mother a lot."
Jaina stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Jag's waist, laying her head on his chest. Jag put his arms around Jaina and placed his head gently on hers. They enjoyed the feel of each other for a moment, and then Jag placed a kiss on top of Jaina's head.
He pulled away. "Are you ready to eat?"
Jaina grinned evilly. "It depends; did you cook it?"
"No, my mother prepared us a nice Corellian meal," Jag chuckled as he took Jaina by the hand and led her toward the table.
"Ooo, Spiced Endwa - my favorite. It doesn't take a Jedi to know that your mother must have talked to my mother."
"Well, I don't know about that, but it's one of my favorites too."
Jag pulled out a chair and helped Jaina settle, before rounding the table and taking his own seat across from her. Jaina studied the plate as she placed the napkin on her lap. "It smells delicious. You should know you do have something in common with my father then; this is one of his favorite meals as well."
"Maybe we should have invited him."
Jaina shook her head as she laughed silently with her mouth closed around a savory morsel. She put her hand up to cover her lips. After swallowing, she spoke, "No thanks. We are lucky to have survived him last night, let alone the Vong."
Jag playfully donned a disappointed face. "If you insist, but I thought we got along quite well. He hasn't encased me in carbonite yet." His tone became serious again as the memory of the night before brought a concern to his mind. "So did you keep your promise?"
Jaina cocked her head inquisitively and then opened her mouth as the realization hit her. "Oh, yes. I saw Cilghal this morning."
Jag finished a bite. "How was it?"
Jaina spoke as she cut a piece of Endwa meat. "Well, I can't say that she discovered anything significant, but she is monitoring me for more events."
Jaina put down her utensils and used her right hand to pull a tendril of hair away from her temple, as she turned her head to the left. On her temple could be seen a minute monitoring device with a small red light flashing. She released her hair and returned her attention to her dinner partner who had a concerned expression.
"So Master Cilghal can't find a reason for them. Are they related to your crash?"
"I believe so. I have visions of my grandmother that accompany the headaches. They aren't like the vision I had on Naboo though. That time I spoke with my Grandmother. These are more like flashes of her and Grandfather. I can even feel her emotions."
"Kind of like memories."
Jaina paused and thought for a moment. Jag for all his lack of Force sensitivity seemed to possess an insight that never ceased to amaze her. It made loving a Force-blind person to be a possibility, not an improbability. "Exactly, like memories. Cilghal couldn't find anything unusual on any tests, so I will just have to wait for another spell."
"How often do you have them?"
Jaina brushed aside the question, "Not often, they are really hardly a concern. They come and go quickly. That one on the Falcon was the worst. I suppose the stress of everything else at the moment kind of compounded it."
Jag took note of Jaina's nonchalant attitude, but kept a whisper of concern hidden in the back of his mind. Jaina quickly changed the subject. "I had an interesting escort to the medcenter for my appointment."
Jag was concentrating on slicing through a particularly thick piece of meat. "Who would that be?"
"Your father." Jaina studied Jag's face for his reaction and was not disappointed. His look was stunned as he brought his eyes up to meet hers, a reaction that hardly made it past his immeasurable control. Jaina sensed his emotions register something resembling his expression, followed by a sense of dread. "What did he want?"
Jaina flashed Jag a toothy grin. "To apologize."
"He did?"
Jaina nodded since her mouth was busy chewing. She put her hand up to cover her mouth as she swallowed, to avoid an unsightly display as a giggle broke.
"I guess Shawnkyr's talk with him did help."
Now Jaina's face reflected a degree of curiosity, her brows furrowed and lips pursed. "He did mention something to that effect. You spoke with Major Nuruodo?"
"Reluctantly, but it turned out to be insightful. Shawnkyr wanted to speak to you personally and apologize but I informed her it best if I ran interference."
"I don't understand. I can't fault Major Nuruodo for her opinions even if I disagree with them. She is an exceptional squadron commander. Besides she obviously reevaluated her judgments based on what your father said."
Jag twirled his fork on the plate absentmindedly. "It's not that; it's her motives that I thought you might have issues with, especially if you had your lightsaber on your person."
Jaina laughed at the remark. "Come on Jag. You don't think I can control myself. It can't be that bad, can it?"
Jag playfully asked, "Before I tell you, are you armed this evening?"
"Does it look like I have room to hide anything?"
Jag eyed her suspiciously, raising an eyebrow. "I suppose not, but you are a smuggler's daughter. I wouldn't put it past you."
Jaina refused to offer him the benefit of a response while she waited attentively.
"Shawnkyr rendered some harsh opinions of you in her reports because she felt you were a hindrance to my stellar rise to power in the Chiss military. She hoped my father would become so disheartened by my time in Twin Suns that he would recall me."
"I suppose flying with Twin Suns as Three could be considered detrimental to your career. So she was looking out for a friend, I can respect that. I haven't found a reason to skewer her yet."
Jag gulped down a swig of water. "It's just that she, and apparently others did too, saw my rise to power as a parallel to her own."
Jaina tilted her head curiously, trying to discover the hidden meaning to Jag's strange confession. She sensed his consternation.
"What I am trying to say is Shawnkyr believed she and I would have a union."
Jaina dropped her hands on the table, a utensil still clutched in each fist. Her mouth gaped open for a stunned second. "You mean she thought you two would get married?"
Jag's face actually flushed slightly, a reaction only Jaina was capable of producing, for he rarely left his barriers up around her. "Chiss don't perceive marriage like humans do, more like a path to gain power, but yes, that would be correct."
Jaina jumped up, her face deadly serious. "I'll have her head."
Jag stayed in his seat, not the reaction Jaina had hoped for. He laughed a deep belly laugh.
Jaina struggled to remain serious and then collapsed in her seat, laughing equally as hard. "You and Shawnkyr. There's a match."
It took a few minutes for the couple to return to a calm state. From that point, the conversation passed through a myriad of subjects ranging from battle tactics and their respective squadron's status to family issues and childhood memories. Both were amazed at the ease of the conversation, for it was like they had known each other their whole lives. In Jaina's eyes, Jag was still capable of intelligence beyond his years, but comfortable enough now to act his age. Jaina had seen so much in her life that Jag found her able to match his own experience and wisdom while still exhibiting the innocent zest for life found only in youth.
Jag wiped his mouth with his napkin, his plate now empty. Jaina's plate was similarly bare. She leaned back and folded her hands across her stomach. Her expression was sated. Jag grinned back at her. "Full?"
She nodded. "Quite."
"I'll clear the plates." As Jag rose, picking his plate up with his right hand, Jaina shifted in her seat to accompany him. Jag motioned for her to stay with his free hand. "I've got it. You stay right there looking beautiful."
Jaina blushed as Jag took her plate. "Thanks."
Jag disappeared into the kitchen. Jaina went to take a drink of water and realized her glass was empty. Holding the glass in her hand, Jaina pushed herself up from the chair. As the chair slid back and her knees reached full extension, a searing pain ripped down from Jaina's temple, shooting out across her body. Jaina doubled over, the glass exploding in her hand. She caught her collapsing body on the table with her unoccupied hand before slumping down in the chair.
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Padme, lying in the bed next to Anakin, brushed her hand across his cheek softly. In his sleep, Anakin appeared to be a vision of tranquility – no secrets, no sadness, just the innocence of the slave boy from Tatooine. Anakin stirred, sensing Padme's touch. His eyes flickered open, and a smile crept across his weary face. Padme smiled lazily back. "Good morning, my dear husband."
The words rang sweetly in Anakin's ears. "Good morning Mrs. Skywalker."
Padme absorbed the truth that Anakin spoke. Yesterday she had married her dear Anakin in secret. It was a bittersweet truth, for it was one that could not be shared with others, only Dorme knew.
A warm feeling swept through Padme as she recalled the spectacular events they had shared as husband and wife the previous night. Anakin grinned sensing her emotions and pulled Padme to him, folding her in a tight embrace, his body cupping hers from behind. They lay there silently feeling the warmth of skin on skin, a foreign feeling for both, but comforting nonetheless. Padme broke the silence.
"I suppose you need to start getting ready soon."
Anakin was silent for a moment, then sighed. "Yes, I should, but I would rather stay right here with my beautiful bride."
Padme rolled over in Anakin's arms, kissing her husband on the chest. "So would I."
Anakin squeezed her closer with his good arm, careful not to touch her with his metal appendage. "The sooner I return to Coruscant and ensure it is safe for you, the sooner you can return and resume your life. We just can't take any chances with the possibility of the Senate being controlled by a Sith Lord"
"And the sooner I can be with you again." She pecked him on the lips. "How much time until you have to leave?"
"An hour."
"Are you packed?"
Anakin nodded against her.
Padme giggled before rolling on top of her new bed partner. "Just enough time to say goodbye to my handsome hero."
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"Jaina, is everything okay out there?"
Jaina fought through the cloud in her mind. "Yes, stupid me. I just dropped my glass."
Jaina clutched the table with her left hand and pushed herself up. The right hand that had held the glass throbbed. Sensing a gash in her palm, Jaina quashed the flow of blood with her Force control. She could feel Jag approaching and quickly bent down to pick up the glass off the floor. She reached into the Force for strength to calm her fluttering heart. It was then that Jaina felt a tendril of questioning from Kyp. She offered him a reassuring brush before shutting him out.
Jag came through the door with a towel. "What happened?"
Jaina looked up and forced a smile. "I knocked the glass off the table when I went to get up. I'm sorry."
Jag came to her side and took the pieces of glass from her. Then he wiped up the few drops of water that had scattered from the mostly empty glass. "No harm." They rose together. "Sit down. I'll be right back."
Jaina obliged him, relieved to lighten the load on her feet for a moment. Jag came back from the kitchen with a plate in one hand and a new glass of water in the other. Jaina forgot her past discomfort and squealed in delight when she recognized the dessert. "Ryshcate! My favorite."
Jag chuckled, "A true Corellian dessert prepared by my truly Corellian mother." He set the plate and glass down in front of Jaina. He crossed the room to a control panel and touched some keys, soft music could now be heard throughout the room. Jag returned to the table and pulled a chair around so he was diagonal to Jaina across the corner of the table. Their close proximity caused his leg to come in contact with hers.
Jag took a knife and sliced a piece of the delicacy so it fell from the main body. Switching to a fork, he further dissected the slice so there was a bite size morsel. He speared it with the utensil. Jaina watched in eager anticipation before going for her own fork. Jag halted her with a touch. She turned back and watched as he brought the fork to her mouth. He paused there.
Jaina smiled knowingly. Together they spoke the traditional words, "To the celebration of life."
She took the morsel and slid it off the fork, savoring the taste. Jag took a bite of his own before offering Jaina another bite. They finished the slice in this fashion.
Jaina was the first to speak and break the magical mood. "That was delicious."
Jag beamed back. "Yes it was."
Jag cocked his head to the sound of the music, a soft romantic piece he recognized from his mother's collection. His gaze returned to Jaina. Standing, his eyes never left her. He extended his right hand. "May I have the honor of a shared evasive maneuver?"
Jaina placed her left hand in his proffered hand and allowed Jag to guide her away from the table, recalling the same invitation from a time that seemed so long ago. The sound of the ethereal singer's voice began. Jaina grinned as she recognized the words of the song.
A child and a fool in one, so sure I could need no one,
My heart always on the run to nowhere.
Jag stood before her, his arms beckoning for her to come to him. Jaina had danced at many parties with many different partners. She was confident in the proper etiquette and placement required, but she still hesitated.
Now as you're holding me, my heart is reminding me,
That now I could never live without you.
Once Jaina settled in his arms, Jag started to lead her in the dance. Jaina focused straight ahead at his chest, concentrating on his movements, not sure of his skill or the particular dance he would choose.
But how can our love succeed, a miracle is what we need
And so I appeal to you, to keep me suspended in time with you
Don't let this moment die
Jaina recognized the steps as a particularly intricate Corellian slow swing step, one her mother had forced her to learn as a child. She silently thanked her mother for that. Jaina began to appreciate the skill with which Jag performed the dance, but then realized this should not have surprised her at all. Jag was simply skilled at everything he did.
I get a feeling when I'm with you none of the rules apply
But I know for certain goodbye is a crime
So love if you leave me suspend me in time
Confident in the dance and comfortable with the practiced guidance of her partner, Jaina ventured to peer up at Jag. He was gazing down at her with love shining in his eyes. The corners of his lips were tickled by a smile as her eyes met his. Jaina smiled back.
Wasted the time away, holding our love at bay
Now I can't last a day without you
Jaina knew the words to come and sang along. Her singing voice, although not as pure as the singer's, was pleasing to the ear.
Your smile is a thrill to see, your eyes hold me tenderly
They'll shine in my memory forever
Jag tipped his head down toward her as Jaina sang the meaningful words to him, tantalized by the movement of her lips. As the chorus began again, he claimed her mouth tenderly.
But how can our love succeed, a miracle is what we need
And so I appeal to you, to keep me suspended in time with you
Don't let this moment die
Jaina demanded more from the kiss, pulling him closer with her hand on his shoulder. She opened her mouth but Jag did not acquiesce to her demands, never going beyond the tenderness with which the romantic entanglement began. Jaina sensed his reluctance to heighten passions, almost as if he was maintaining control of the situation. Jaina could almost hear his words from the night before. We don't have to rush anything. Jaina understood his reluctance and slowly eased her demands.
I get a feeling when I'm with you none of the rules apply
But I know for certain goodbye is a crime
So love if you leave me suspend me in time.
Jaina allowed both of her arms to find their way to wrap around Jag's waist. Jag folded his arms around Jaina and leaned his head on hers. They remained in this position until the song ended.
Jag was the first to make a move. He stepped back and took Jaina's hands from behind his waist, using them to pull her along as he backed toward the couch. He settled against the right arm of the couch and guided Jaina to sit beside him. As she did so, Jag picked up a controller pad. After pressing a few buttons, the holodisplay came to life.
It took a few seconds for Jaina to recognize what was playing. She reached across with her left hand and grabbed Jag's shirt. "Secret Horizons. I haven't seen that in so long."
"I thought you would enjoy something familiar, and I never pass up a chance to see mother at work. We can't watch these when Father is around; he turns all red when the romantic scenes come up."
Jag eased up his left arm and draped it over Jaina's shoulder as she settled against him. Jaina let her head rest against his left shoulder and her left hand crossed to rest on his chest. As the holodrama started, Jag placed a tender kiss on the top of Jaina's head. The lights dimmed, and the couple became immersed in the drama before them.
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Jag raised the level of illumination in the room before shifting gingerly under Jaina, who was fast asleep. Her chest rose and fell softly. Looking down at Jaina, Jag could not imagine she could ever appear more peaceful. No lines of worry marred her usually serious expression. Her left hand still rested softly on his chest curled softly into his shirt. The same hand that could wield a deadly lightsaber appeared delicate and refined.
Her right hand caught his eye. Resting against his leg, it had relaxed open revealing a small laceration across the palm. It looked fresh and Jag pondered where and when Jaina had been inflicted with the wound.
His attention shifted again as Jaina stirred against him, settling deeper against his chest. Jag smiled wistfully before brushing the back of his hand against her cheek. Jaina's eyes fluttered and then closed again. Jag cupped her face with his palm. "Jaina, sweetheart, you need to wake up."
Jaina's eyes opened slowly, and she let a low moan escape her lips. She pushed herself up and used the back of her hands to wipe her eyes. "I'm sorry. I must have fallen asleep. Some date, huh?"
Jag smiled at her as he pushed a tendril of hair back with a finger. "No it's been perfect. I'll take anytime alone with you I can get."
Jaina protested, "I know but…"
Jag's fingers silenced her. "No but's, it was just perfect." Jag stood and offered his hands to his date. "Let's get you back to your room before my whole family gets back, and you're trapped in one of Briaun's never ending question and answer sessions."
Jaina accepted his hands as she scolded him. "Jag, she's your little sister."
Jag pulled her up. "And I love her dearly, but if she gets started, you'll never get any rest. She'll get plenty of chances tomorrow."
He began leading her to the door. Jaina resisted with a pout on her face. Jag came back to her. "Rest is your orders, Lieutenant Colonel Solo, must I pull rank on you?"
Jaina stuck her lower lip out further, but Jag would not be swayed. He continued for the door, once again pulling Jaina with the arm trailing behind him. Jaina reluctantly followed him into the corridor, where Jag maintained his hold on her hand, adjusting his grip slightly, before starting down the corridor.
"Jag, not that I mind, but what if we are seen?"
Jag smirked. "The great thing about the Chiss is that they are highly predictable. If they are not on shift somewhere, they are either simming, training or sleeping. We are right in the middle of a shift so there won't be any Chiss in these halls."
Jaina grinned. "I think I am beginning to really like the Chiss."
They walked together, sharing the closeness of one another without the distraction of words. All too soon, the couple arrived at Jaina's stateroom door. Jaina placed her back to the door and looked up at Jag through her lashes, still holding his hand. It seemed to her that while Jag had enjoyed their walk, he had put some energy into building a wall around his emotions. There were now parts of him that were distant and unreadable.
"Goodnight Jaina." Jag bent to place a kiss on her forehead, but with Jedi quickness she lifted on her toes and intercepted the kiss with her mouth. For a second Jag's barriers dropped and Jaina was overwhelmed by the barrage of emotions. Before she could sift through them: love, desire, impatience, just to name a few, his barriers were erect, and Jag broke the kiss.
The corners of Jaina's mouth curled up wistfully. "Goodnight Jagged. Thank you for the lovely evening." She reached with her hand to the door control panel, watching Jag step away. The door slid open and Jaina backed through. "What time is breakfast?"
"Ten, so you can sleep in." Jag raised his hand in a small wave.
Jaina blew him a kiss as the door closed. She thought she felt a surge of regret from Jag, and then it was gone with him.
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Jaina was lying in the middle of the immense bed comfortably snuggled between the sheets, but sleep eluded her. She pondered the reason for her restlessness. It was not the strangeness of the accommodations; they were far more luxurious than she had seen in a long time. Nor was it the vibration of the engines; Jaina spent much of her life sleeping in all types of space vessels. It was not because she had serious concerns troubling her mind; the events of the day had been everything she could have hoped for, except possibly the end of the war.
Jaina could only come to the conclusion she was so rested from her slumber in Jag's arms that sleep was no longer necessary. She smiled as she recalled the comforting feeling that enveloped her while resting against him. The slow relaxed rise and fall of his breathing next to her had lulled Jaina into a rare moment of complete security, and she had been incapable of fighting back the serene peace that had overtaken her. It was those memories of lying in his arms that haunted her and kept sleep at bay.
Jaina flipped the covers off with a sweeping motion of her left arm and sat up in the bed, swinging her legs over the side. She remained there for a moment, stretching her neck from side to side while contemplating a course of action.
Without a thought Jaina rose and headed for the door of the stateroom. She stopped at the door and glanced down at her attire. Dressed in the same satiny nightgown as earlier and barefooted, she was far from presentable for public eyes. Jaina held out her hand, and her Jedi robe flew to her grasp from the chair she had set it over while unpacking earlier in the day. She swung it on, wrapping it around her body and reveling in the familiar warmth it provided.
With a wave of her hand, Jaina opened the door. Starting down the corridor, she sensed Kyp stirring as the part of his subconscious that he focused on her presence sensed movement. Jaina reached out and found Kyp beginning to awaken. She brushed his consciousness with a reassuring touch, and he fell back into a deep sleep as she passed his room.
Jaina allowed her bare feet to determine their own path, not having a plan of her own. She rounded a corner and saw a sign for the officer's galley. With thoughts of finding some soothing warm drink there, she continued in that direction. A familiar presence, also awake, came to her mind and Jaina's steps faltered until she was stopped in front of a door.
Jaina stood there for a second and then keyed the door comm. She sensed movement, but not immediately in the direction of the door. Several long seconds later, the door slid open to reveal Jag dressed only in the pants he had worn earlier in the evening, the belt not even fastened. He looked surprised to see her.
"Jaina, what are you doing here?" he demanded.
Jaina somewhat incensed by the remark shot him a perturbed glare. She used that emotion to keep her eyes from devouring the sleek fit of his skin over his chest and arm muscles, hardened by years of throwing around a clawcraft. "Couldn't sleep, I just followed my feet. I guess I was heading to the mess."
"I'm sorry. You caught me off guard. I figured you were Rane coming to rouse me for a game of sabacc." He stepped back from the door and hesitantly asked, "Do you want to come in?"
Jaina wavered before stepping into the room. It was a suite, differing from her room in that there was a living area with a bedroom connected. Jag fastened his belt as Jaina passed him. She crossed the room to a desk where Jag had obviously been working. She scanned the datascreen.
"Studying the fight from the other day."
Jag tipped his head as he walked over. "I was unhappy with some of the performances from my squadron."
Jaina studied the flight reports. She knew Vanguard Squadron had lost one pilot in the fight. That would bother any commander, but it always ate away at Jag like a cancer.
"Most commanders would be thrilled with these kinds of numbers. I know you hope to get all your pilots through but without your guidance it could have been much worse. I suppose you aren't like most commanders though, are you?" A small smile crept across her face as she continued gazing at the screen.
Jag cupped Jaina's chin with his fingers, pulling it up so she gazed at him instead. His green eyes searched her brown eyes for a sign. "Jaina, what are you doing?"
She forced her eyes down before they drowned in his. "I told you I couldn't sleep…"
The sudden press of Jag's mouth silenced her as he bent down to her. Jaina opened her mouth in a gasp of surprise. Jag took advantage and slid his tongue between her teeth. Jaina, suddenly overcome with passion, played in his mouth in turn. Jag moaned her name. He grabbed her by the waist and pulled Jaina to him, her hands meeting the bare flesh of his chest. The heat of his body spread down her arms, into her body, awakening a burning desire in the pit of her stomach.
Jaina jumped back from Jag, suddenly overcome by the strength of desire flowing through her and placed the back of her right hand to her lips. She looked past her fingers at Jag who stood motionless like a hunter afraid to scare off his prey.
Before Jaina knew it, she was running past him, heading for the door. In two quick strides Jag had caught her by the wrist. With a firm grasp he swung her around, but the strength of her flight pulled them both to the door. Jaina's back pressed against the cool metal, with Jag clutching both her wrists, pinned to either side of her head.
Jaina tried to look away but was drawn to his mesmerizing gaze. In her eyes, Jag saw the answer he had sought. He had never rushed their relationship, knowing a woman as willful as Jaina would have to come to him on her own terms. Her spirit was not to be tamed or captured. Tonight, after he had struggled against his own burning desires earlier, treating her with the lightest of touches, this was the night she had come to him. This was not like the alcohol-induced passion of the night before. This was all too real.
In her eyes Jag saw her desire, but also her last remnant of fear - fear of surrendering the last bit of herself to him. Just as he harbored fears of his own concerning the last step in their relationship, Jag knew he would have to be strong for both of them. So he followed the look in her eyes until he was a breath away from her.
Jaina had not struggled against his hold but was still. The only motion was the rise and fall of her chest. Jag released his hold and cupped her face gently with his hands. He kissed her forehead, then each eye in turn and her nose. He gently placed his lips on her lips and repeated this over and over, each kiss demanding more than the previous. His hands traveled back to either side of her head to intertwine his fingers through her fingers. She curled her fingers around to accept his touch, her nails digging into the top of his hands.
As the passion of their kisses grew, Jag pressed his bare chest against her body. He felt the sheer touch of her nightgown, where the robe had fallen open. The material allowed him almost the truest sense of her skin beneath him. The heat of her body seared through the material and ignited his skin on fire.
Jag broke their kiss and took stock of her eyes again. The fear was gone, replaced by a need that matched his own and with that came acceptance. He spoke, his voice barely a whisper, "Stay with me tonight."
Jaina's response was a barely perceptible nod as she bit her lower lip, followed by the slow turn up of the corners of her mouth, ending in a smile – a nervous but trusting smile. Jag smiled back – a strong warm smile. His hands pulled away from her, and she rested her hands on his shoulders as Jag bent to scoop Jaina up in his arms...
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End of Chapter 13
TKL/jj
OK credit where credit is due. The lyrics are not my own, they are from the Xanadu soundtrack, the song is Suspended in Time by John Farrar. I heard it one day and I thought of Jaina and Jag in my story.