-Moment-

Jaina is back in their apartment, as Kyp's been called to speak to Luke about something, when the door chime sounds. Reaching out, she senses Tahiri on the other side.

It's been a long time since she's seen her friend. She's still a touch irritated that Tahiri took off for the Unknown Regions without attempting to speak to Jaina about anything.

She opens the door and lets the blonde woman in. Tahiri's dressed in an Imperial uniform, her usually bare feet clad in shiny black knee boots. Her blonde curls are the only unrestrained thing about her, tumbling over her shoulders with abandon.

Silently, Jaina gestures to the sofa.

As they sit, Tahiri says, "So the rumours are true. You and Kyp really are married and..."

Jaina places a hand protectively over her belly. "Yes. It happened a bit suddenly, but we're happy."

"Jag isn't."

"I know. But that's not my fault."

Tahiri says, "I guess not. But he loves you."

"In a way, he does," Jaina tells her quietly, "but not the way I need."

"And Kyp Durron does?" Tahiri demands incredulously. "I thought you guys were acting funny, but when I realised you were sleeping with him..."

"I actually hadn't been," Jaina snapped. "It was so nice of you to make rash judgements and run off to tattle to my ex about my new relationship. If it was any of his business, I would have let him know myself!"

Tahiri's green eyes go wide. Jaina has never, in the years they've been friends, yelled at her before.

They're both quiet for several minutes. Tahiri fidgets; she's never been good at sitting still, and it gets worse when she's agitated. Finally, she says, "I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought..."

"That I left Jag for Kyp?"

"... Yeah. Kinda."

"No. I tried to make it work, but when I realised he was slowly making me give up everything that I am, I had to end it." Jaina sighs. "I'm tired of having to defend my choices."

"Maybe you should stop making bad ones, then."

Jaina narrows her eyes at Tahiri. "Jag was a bad choice. Kyp is not. Kyp..."

"Adores you," Tahiri says softly. "Everyone knows that.

"Yeah."

"Are you happy?"

She nods. "More than I've ever been."

"Okay," Tahiri sighs. "I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted. Just... Stay out of my relationships in the future."

"Will do." The younger woman stretches her legs out before her.

Jaina says, "You're wearing shoes."

"Star Destroyer floors are cold," Tahiri says. "I keep trying to get Jag to install heated floors, but he just gives me that look. I'm sure you know it."

"The 'That's a ridiculous waste of resources and you're an idiot for suggesting it' one?" Jaina asks dryly.

"That's it exactly. It's just easier to put the boots on."

They lapse back into silence. Jaina leans back, feeling for the baby's kicks. But her daughter seems to be napping at the moment.

Tahiri chews on her lip. "Hey, uh... I have a question."

"Shoot."

"Since you're clearly not getting back together with Jag, how do you feel about him dating?"

Jaina lifts a brow. "He's welcome to do whatever he wishes. Why?"

"Just... wondering."

Something in the way Tahiri avoids her gaze clicks in Jaina's brain, and she sits up as much as she's able. The idea is absurd, and yet...

"You love him," she says.

Tahiri is aghast. "What? No!"

"You do," Jaina insists. "You're in love with Jag."

"I-" The blonde stops, looks stricken. "No. I- I love Anakin."

Jaina reaches over, places her hand on Tahiri's arm. "Tahiri. Anakin's been gone almost twenty years. You need to let him go. For your sake."

It's clear that she's tempted to pull away, but Tahiri stays where she is. She finally looks up at Jaina. "You wouldn't be mad?"

Sighing, Jaina shakes her head. "I want Jag to be happy. I want *you* to be happy. It's weird, but if it works, go for it. Just... Go into things knowing that he's an utter control freak and grew up learning twisted mind games from both the Chiss and the Imperials."

"Nothing is more twisted than the Yuuzhan Vong," Tahiri tells her wryly.

"He's critical," Jaina continues. "You screw up even slightly, he lets you know."

Tahiri nods. "I'm his Hand. I'm aware."

"No, I mean..."

Haltingly, Jaina tells her of the breakdown of her first marriage. She keeps some things back, such as Jag's assault on the Ralroost when she was twenty. Tahiri listens in silence, face solemn. Somehow, it's harder to tell Tahiri than it was to tell Kyp.

When she finishes, Tahiri shrugs. "Sounds mild compared to Caedus, but duly noted. I'm sorry you went through that."

"I'm sorry that Jacen-" Jaina stops.

"Yeah. No need. You weren't responsible for him, and as much as I hate to say it, you did everyone a favour. I'm sorry that I helped him."

They both smile weakly.

Tahiri looks to Jaina's stomach. "So what are you having?"

"A girl."

"Do you have a name picked?"

Jaina shakes her head. "Not yet. We have a short list, but nothing definite."

"I'm happy for you. On all counts."

"Thanks."

Then Tahiri stands. "Tell your parents I said hello. And Kyp, I guess."

"I will."

Jaina moves to get up, but Tahiri motions her to stay.

"Stay put. I'll see myself out."

Jaina watches her leave, wondering if it's the last time she'll see her friend. She hopes not. Hopes, too, that Tahiri can find peace. Maybe with Jag, maybe not.

Kyp enters not long after Tahiri's exit. He drops onto the sofa beside his wife. "So. How'd the visit go?"

"Good, overall. Kinda awkward." Jaina reaches for his hand. "She's in love with Jag."

Her husband blinks rapidly for several moments, mouth hanging open. "... What?"

"I don't know how he feels, but Tahiri loves him."

"Uh."

"Yeah."

"She knows he's a steaming pile of poodoo, right?"

She shrugs. "I told her. She said he can't be worse than Caedus."

Kyp shudders. Privately, Jaina agrees. But the choice isn't up to her.

"I think I picked a name off the short list," she tells him.

"Yeah? Which one?"

"Kyrie."

He beams. "That was my favourite, too."

"We think alike so much, it's scary."

He splays his hand over her stomach. As if sensing him there, the baby wakes and kicks.

"Hi, Kyrie," he says. "Mommy and I can't wait to meet you."

Jaina shifts to lean against him, and for a little, despite arguments with exes and awkwardness with old friends, all is right in the world.