Kyp blew out a breath and stood in the middle of the room with his hands on his hips. Jaina was supposed to meet him here, but she had just comm'd to tell him she couldn't make it. He had the afternoon off, since Jade had an empty schedule and had come to the temple to blow off some steam. And frustration.
He had to figure out what was going on with Jade. He hadn't kissed her since that morning in the kitchen. Force knows he had wanted to, but he felt…he couldn't explain how he felt. It felt wrong but at the same time it didn't. He figured it felt wrong because of Bela. Even though her marriage was, for all intents and purposes over, she was still married and still had to keep up appearances. He wasn't even positive he was reading the situation correctly. Both times they had kissed had been in stressful situations. What if it was just the adrenaline rush talking? If the case was over tomorrow, could he walk away and not look back?
"Aggghhh!" He yelled into the room. He couldn't meditate to release his frustrations because his thoughts always came back to the issue. She was always on his mind and he was sure that this whole situation was going to change his life completely, one way or the other.
"And of course, no one is around when I need to spar." He mumbled to the empty room.
"You could always spar with me." Kyp whipped around and raised an eyebrow as Jade walked into the room. The door closed behind her and he fought to gather his composure. Unfortunately, she was the last person he wanted to be around right now.
"Um, have you ever used a light saber before?" He asked cautiously as she removed her jacket and placed it on the bleachers that lined one wall of the room. She had on a tank top and khaki pants again and Kyp had to tear his eyes away from her curves to calm himself. Though looking at her face didn't help much either.
"No, but I don't think I would have that much trouble figuring it out." she told him. "Besides, who says you have to spar using a light saber."
"No offense Jade, but I'm not sure I'd get the workout I'm looking for with you." He realized a second after the words left his mouth that it had been the wrong thing to say. Actually, wrong wasn't a strong enough word.
Jade put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "For your information Master Durron, I'm not as helpless as you so often like to think I am." She ground out as she stalked towards him. Kyp unconsciously backed up a step as she got closer. He made a mental note to not make her mad again. And to also thank the force that Jag had only been instructing her for a few days.
Stopping in front of him, Jade poked her finger into his solar plexus and he flinched. "I did happen to serve for four years in the military. Which not only included flying a fighter, but survival training."
Poke. Flinch.
"I also happened to graduate at the top of my class."
Poke. Flinch.
"Jake happened to also be in his squadron's dueling club and guess who he happened to practice with?"
"A Hutt?" Kyp offered jokingly.
Her eyes narrowed and before he could back away or offer an apology Jade shoved her forearm into his throat. At the same time she shifted to hook her right leg behind his knees and threw him down to the mat. Taking care not to land with all of her weight on his throat, she straddled his right side gently shoving his chin up and keeping his right arm pinned against the mat. Her knee was digging into his stomach and his left arm had become trapped under him as he had tried to catch himself. Kyp found himself almost regretting that he had asked Jag to train her. He suddenly realized she was lying halfway across him and he somehow managed to keep his smiled to himself.
"A Hutt?" She asked angrily.
"It was the first thing I could think of."
Jade raised an eyebrow at his flippant comment and he felt like kicking himself. This was not going well. Shaking her head, Jade moved her arm and sat back on her haunches. "I'm not sure I want to know why." She told him as she stood up, making sure she rested a little of her weight on his stomach as she did so. Kyp lay on the mat for a moment then sat up himself.
"It's not because you look like a Hutt." He told her retreating form. Jade stopped and half turned to look at him with disbelief over her shoulder.
"Cause you don't." He added quickly. "Looking anything like one, that is. In fact the exact opposite." Jade continued to glare at him and Kyp gulped. "I'm not helping myself, am I?"
"No, Master Durron. You're not." Jade resumed walking to the bleachers and picked up her jacket. She heard Kyp come up behind her but didn't turn or acknowledge he was there.
"I'm going home." She told him and walked towards the door, her jacket swinging in her hand. He stood there staring after her until the door closed, then took off at a run to follow.
"Sith." He swore under his breath as he ran to catch up. Way to go there Durron. He told himself. You certainly have a way with the ladies. No wonder you're single.
She was halfway down the hall before he got close to her.
"Jade!" Her footsteps didn't falter, nor did she stop.
"Damn it. Wait." When he got close enough to touch her, he grabbed her shoulder and gently turned her around. Something twisted in his chest when he saw her eyes filled with tears. Mentally kicking himself, he looked around then pulled her into a nearby classroom. The late evening light filtered in between the blinds and he waited until the door was shut before speaking.
"I'm sorry" he told her quietly. "I let my mouth run away with my thoughts." She had turned her back to him when they had entered the room, but he could still feel the hurt emanating off of her.
"I just hate this." She whispered so quietly that he almost didn't hear. "I hate feeling so helpless."
Kyp stood there for a moment, just watching her. Swirls of purple and pink colored her skin and he felt something tighten in a different place than his chest this time. He didn't know how to stop these feelings he was having for her. Wasn't sure if he wanted to truthfully.
Sighing, he walked up and pulled her into his arms, her back to his chest. He rested his head next to hers, placing a kiss on her temple and waited for the storm in her to calm. The silence stretched out for a few minutes, but he didn't find himself rushing to end it. He was quite comfortable where he was. Jade turned her head so she could bury her face in his neck.
"Is this how all Jedi fix things? With a hug." Her mumbled voice came to him. Chuckling, he thought for a moment before he answered.
"Yeah, it's the newest thing. Luke wants us to kill people with kindness." Her laugh lifted the weight from his chest, but only partially. He pulled back to give her a smile.
"I know you hate this whole situation, and I'm sorry I didn't think before I said anything."
"It's not your fault, I'm just tired. I want this to be over." She said, her gaze directed towards the floor. His hands had settled on her upper arms and he suddenly realized that his thumbs were moving of their own accord across her skin. Danger! Danger!
"Let's go home." He told her. So I can pull myself together. He added silently to himself.
/____________________________________\
He reached over to grab the remote from the side table and turned the volume down on the shockball game, careful not to jolt Jaina awake. She had come over for dinner tonight and they had ended up talking about everything they should have five years ago. Five years wasted, because they were too stubborn.
Jaina sighed in her sleep and snuggled closer to his side. He had sworn to himself after her display the other day, that he was not going to lose her this time. For anything. Jag was going to put his stubborness to good use and make sure Jaina was happy every day for the rest of their lives. Even if it killed him.
Leaning back into the couch cushions, he propped his feet up on the table and kissed the top of her head. Then closed his eyes and joined her in the oblivion of sleep.
/____________________________________\
One week later…"Kyp, for the last time go!" She yelled at him from across the living room. It was Kyp's life day and Jade had insisted he go out with his friends. He was being a nerfherder and refusing. Throwing her arms up in frustration, she huffed and walked into the kitchen. Jared had gone to the security office, no doubt watching them as he fell off his chair in laughter. When this was over, she was going to find the worst job she could and give it to him.
She walked around the kitchen a couple of times, her frustration not going away and finally walked back into the living room. He wasn't there, but she knew better than to think he had left, as she suggested. Her steps took her down the hallway to where Jared was and she frowned when she found Kyp there.
"I thought I told you to leave." She said to the master, no anger in her stance, just impatience.
Kyp looked up from where he and Jared were going over something and frowned. "I'm not leaving Jade. End of story."
"No, it's not the end of the story. It's your life day and you don't need to be here watching me. Jared can look over things."
"Um…I wanted to go to the party." Jared piped up, then bit his lip at the look Jade gave him. "Or not." He mumbled.
"I'm not leaving you here unprotected." Kyp reminded her.
"Then send someone else to watch the house!" She yelled. Kyp started to reply then stopped. He got a look in his eyes and Jade wasn't sure if that was good. Smiling at her, he left the room at a near run. Jared looked at her in confusion, but she just shrugged her shoulders and sat down in the nearest chair. She wanted to go too, but she knew it wasn't possible. That would be a security nightmare and she wanted Kyp to enjoy today, not dread it.
An hour later, she found herself sitting in her embassy office, going over some requests when a knock came to her door. Jared had made sure she arrived at the office, then left so it shouldn't be him and Seena was off today. She reached out and felt Kyp's bright presence and the corner of her mouth turned up into a smile.
"Come in." She called out, not stopping her work. Jade did however look up when he came in the room. Her gaze followed Kyp as he claimed one of the seats in front of her desk and leaned back, crossing his arms in front of him. His face showed no emotion and she wondered if they were going to continue their conversation from this morning. She hated arguing with him, but lately he had been overly cautious when it came to her protection. Not that she minded that much because she understood why he did it. She just didn't want to stop living her life because her husband felt the need to off her.
"I took care of the issue." He told her quietly.
Jade looked up again and gave him her full attention. "You did?" He nodded and she smiled fully. "Good. So you're going tonight?"
He nodded again and she went back to her work. When he didn't say anything else, she looked up and found him grinning.
"You're up to something." She told him slowly.
"Why would you say that?"
"Maybe the stupid grin on your face?" She retorted.
"Ouch." Kyp said, then stood up to walk over to the window. She followed his progress and leaned back in her chair to admire the view. Not the one out the window either.
"Have you gotten something to wear to the ball yet?" She asked, knowing he was going to try and weasel his way out as always.
But he surprised her. Turning his head to look at her, he nodded. "Got it earlier. Jared got one too."
"You're both going to make my life miserable, aren't you?" Jade joked, shifting back to her desk. She waited for a comeback, but was surprised when she got none. Letting it go, she tried to get back to her work when she felt his breath on her ear. Jade had leaned forward in the chair when she had turned back around, leaving a nice space between her back and the chair. Kyp had decided it needed to be filled. Leaning over her, he had placed his hands on the desk, closing her in with his body. Then he had gotten as close as he could without touching her. She both hated and loved how he could unnerve her so easily.
Jade didn't have to see his face to know he was smiling and she was finding it difficult to keep one off her own face as well.
"I could be persuaded to be merciful." He whispered in her ear. Jade closed her eyes and fought to bring her pulse under control. Damn Jedi calming techniques weren't working!
Reaching up with one hand, Kyp pushed her hair back over her shoulder and placed the faintest of kisses below her ear. Jade shivered and she heard him chuckle. His next kiss was lower, and she unconsciously tilted her head to give him better access. He planted a few more kisses on the column of her neck, then reached up to turn her head and take possession of her lips.
Jade groaned when they made contact, but the sound was lost as he coaxed his tongue into her mouth. It didn't take much persuasion. Kyp slowly devoured her, knowing it drove her crazy when he went slow. He tried to keep his mind from wandering too far into the realm of thinking about what she would be like if they went further. That was dangerous territory he wasn't sure he was ready for yet. He was content to simply kiss her into oblivion for now.
He ended the kiss and was immensely pleased to see her face flush and her breathing ragged. Her eyes were still closed and he couldn't help but feel his heart tug at the sight of her so worked up by his kiss. Finally she opened her eyes and gave him a small smile. She looked confused, which of course made him feel even better.
"I should let you get back to work." He whispered as he stood up straight and walked over to the chair in front of her desk again. When he had sat down, she hadn't moved and had her eyes closed again. He chuckled and leaned back in the chair.
"You know that shoots my concentration to hell when you do that." She finally said when she found her voice. He just smiled mischievously and she went back to her work. Eventually.
/____________________________________\
Iella stood nervously at the door to Jade's office and wondered for the millionth time how she was going to deliver the news to her friend. She looked up as it swished open and met Kyp's questioning look with a half smile. He stepped back to allow her to enter and she squeezed the disk in her hand, wishing it would disappear.
"Ella!" Jade exclaimed as she looked up from her seat at the conference table by the windows. Iella smiled and walked to the back of the room.
The ambassador stood and gave her friend a hug then motioned her into the chair next to her. Joining them at the table, Kyp sat across from the women. He had a feeling that this wasn't a social visit, and he felt Jade reach the same conclusion. But she met the impending news with determination, like she always did. He marveled at her strength as this case went on. Most people would have given up a long time ago.
"We found something." Iella blurted out. Jade didn't like to beat around the bush so she wasn't going to stretch this out.
"And it's not good." Jade responded to her statement. Iella shook her head and the younger woman extended her hand for the disk she suspected the intelligence woman had brought. She handed it to her and then and Iella chanced a glance at Kyp. He looked worried. That was interesting. She would worry about that later though. As she started to turn her attention back to Jade, she heard her gasp and stiffen next to her.
/____________________________________\
"Jade?" His gaze transferred from Iella to Jade as he felt the turmoil that started to pour off of the younger woman. He looked inquiringly to Iella but she seemed to be having her own issues with whatever information she had just passed on. Surely it couldn't be any worse than it already was.
"Suna stumbled across the information a couple of days ago. I had them make sure it was legitimate before I brought it to you." Iella sighed deeply and started to say something else, but stopped. She placed her hand on Jade's arm and then moved to stand. "I'm sorry honey." Not knowing what else to say, she left.
Kyp stayed seated, his gaze resting on her face which was frozen in shock. Suddenly he felt a ripple of pain wash over her as she set the data pad down and pushed it toward him. Jade stood and walked over towards the window. He watched her journey but didn't reach for the data pad. They sat in silence for a few minutes as he felt her grapple for some semblance of peace in the tempest she had found herself thrown in. Even beneath her calm façade, he always found a little turbulence in her. Now he felt a raging whirlwind enveloping her and he felt her emotions trying to drown her.
Reaching over he picked up the pad and started to scan the contents. It was a relatively short read. Suna and Chaz had tracked a trip Bela had made to a planet. At first they had assumed it was another buying expedition, but it turned out to be more. The senator had stayed a whole week with a woman and her small son. Chaz had come up with the idea of Suna posing as a maid to see if she could hear anything that would be valuable in the investigation. Upon her discovery of a holo of a woman, child and a man that looked suspiciously like the good senator, she had managed to grab a piece of the woman's and the boy's DNA. Bela turned out to be the father. So not only was he buying and selling slaves, he had added cheater to his list of crimes. One could argue the later was not as heinous as the former. His wife might happen to disagree with that conclusion though.
"He told me he couldn't have children."
Kyp's eyes shifted to look at her as her words broke him out of his reverie. He closed his eyes as he heard and felt the sharp stab of pain that came through their tentative bond. Wordlessly, he stood and made his way over to where she was standing. He started to put his hand on her shoulder, when she spun around and launched herself into his arms. Sobs racked her body as he tightened his arms around her and ran his hand down her back.
"I'm so sorry." He murmured quietly into her hair. The master held her for a few wordless moments as her sobs started to lessen. He really hoped he didn't have to see the Senator again before this case was over. He might not be responsible for what he did if that happened. Kyp felt her pull her blanket of calm back over herself and placed a kiss to her head.
"I'm not much better, am I?" She whispered. He pulled back and frowned at her.
"What are you talking about?"
"Us. I've essentially been cheating too." She told him, a pained look on her face.
Kyp waited until she looked at him before he spoke. "It's not the same thing and you know it. Jade, that child is two years old. He did this long before either one of us had even met. So what is happening between us has nothing to do with the fact your husband is scum."
His eyes searched hers and he saw the doubt in them. Instinctively, he knew it was not in him or what was happening between them. She was in territory that was so alien to her she didn't know what to do. Jade had always lived her life by the rules. Always treated others as she wanted to be treated. She had a sense of decency and expected everyone else to also. It amazed him how she still had a touch of innocence after being an ambassador for so long. She hadn't allowed the back stabbing hatred traditionally expressed by those in her position taint her life.
"You have no reason to feel guilty. No reason at all." He told her quietly and she nodded, pulling him back to her and hiding her face in his neck again.
/____________________________________\