Post 21
Two days later…
The next few days passed by quickly. Too quickly for Jade's liking. Kyp was trying to find her somewhere to stay for the first few days after Bela's arrest and they didn't see much of each other. They stole what quick moments they could, but it was nothing like what she wanted. There were no heart-felt talks, or soul scorching kisses.
Iella had offered for Jade to be in on everything up until the arrest, but she found that her usual enthusiasm was lacking, so she declined the offer. She didn't miss Iella's concerned look whenever she saw the older woman, she just chose to ignore it.
Jared came down to sit with her the night before the ball. Kyp was working closely with Iella's team to get the details down with the Prosecuting Attorney to make sure everything was set. There was no room to mess up with this.
He found his friend sitting on the couch, staring at the holonews, not really seeing it. Kyp had become the same way over the last couple of days and Jared had tried to pull him out of it without success. They were shutting down, not dealing with their relationship and it killed him to see his friends like this.
Sitting down next to her, he didn't hesitate to pull her towards him. She came willingly and after a minute, he felt her start to sob. Jared wrapped his other arm around her and held her tighter, resting his head on hers. He closed his eyes and had to fight his own tears. Not even when she had found out about Bela's betrayal had he seen her break down like this.
They sat in silence for a while, until Jade finally calmed. Jade pulled back from him and wiped the tears from her face and sniffed. Turning to face him, she gave him a sad smile.
"Thanks."
"Jade…" he started, then found the words wouldn't come to him and looked away. Taking a deep breath and letting it out audibly he met her gaze again. "I'm sorry." He told her quietly.
"You have nothing to be sorry for." She told him, standing to walk into the kitchen. He followed, still trying to find the right thing to say.
"There's no reason you two can't still see each other after this."
Jade was reaching for a glass from the cabinet and stopped at his words. She didn't move for a heartbeat, then brought her arm down to the countertop.
"We don't run in the same circles Jared." She whispered. He walked over and turned her to look at him, taking her face in his hands to make her look at him.
"If you're going to give up on a future with him, at least make the most of the time you have left. Don't let him leave without telling him how you feel."
/____________________________________\
"Does everyone know what their duties are?" Iella asked the group that had congregated in her office. They all nodded, and she settled her gaze on Kyp. He had become so reserved since the day she had told him about the impending arrest. Guilt tried to creep up on her and she pushed it away. This was not her fight, it was his and Jade's. But from the looks of the jedi master, he had already given up and that surprised her.
"All right. If anyone has any other issues or ideas, you don't have long to tell me. After tomorrow night, we're set in duracrete."
Everyone got up to leave and Iella watched the master with a heavy heart.
/____________________________________\
Jade twirled in front of the mirror and smiled as the frothy material slid back and forth over her legs. The dress she and Iella had picked out for the gala was spectacular. Studying her reflection, she put her hands on her hips and took a deep breath. The lightly boned bodice, swathed in colors of sky blue and lilac, hugged her figure and stopped just below her hips. Ribbons adorned the edge every few centimeters and the wispy blue skirt, colored to mirror the bodice, swirled around her legs ending just above her feet. There were thin shoulder straps that were more decoration than stability, and came to bows on the tops of her shoulders. She felt like a princess in the dress.
Of course, this wasn't her first time dressing up. Over the years she frequently had to go to parties with Bela and had been to this particular ball every year since she had become an ambassador. This one was different, however. She had wanted the perfect outfit and the dress had felt right the moment she had slipped it on.
Sitting down on the bed to slip on her shoes, she finally allowed the thoughts she had been keeping at bay to flow. Normally, she didn't care if anyone liked her outfit or how nice she looked. These parties tended to be a necessary evil that she endured because she was expected to. But tonight, she was actually looking forward to it.
Tonight, she wanted to shine for one man only. She was determined to enjoy every minute she could with him for as long as she could.
/____________________________________\
The ball was being held in the biggest hotel on the planet and he and Jared had agreed that getting a room there for the night was probably the safest route. Though the three of them sharing the same room should be interesting. He dismissed the agent that was keeping watch out side her bedroom and went to knock on the door. Kyp's hand was mere millimeters from the surface of the door when he paused. Taking a deep breath, he pulled at the bottom of his dress jacket for what felt like the millionth time. Jaina had looked him over before he had left her apartment and had announced him ready to make the ladies swoon. Jag hadn't been able to keep his snicker to himself and had earned a force slap, which in turn had made Kyp feel better. Briefly.
He was nervous and he hated it. Being unsure was not his forte so he had meditated for a few hours this afternoon to try and clear his head. It hadn't helped. All he had been able to think about was her. Her smile, her laugh, her voice. Her touch. Sith! He was so screwed. Kyp went to run his hand through his hair in a nervous gesture, then remembered he had tied it back for the night.
These were feelings he hadn't felt in a long time, if at all. Every day he spent with her only intensified them. Her marriage wasn't holding him back. It wasn't even that she was a politician, or close enough to one. He could honestly say that she wasn't like the other back-stabbing, greedy Mynocks that pretended to serve the greater good and only lined their own pockets. Or furthered their own agendas. She reminded him of Leia. She was where she was for the people and she did the right thing even if it was unpopular.
But he had been privilged enough to see a side of her few got to. Underneath her strong exterior, he knew she was more than human. Jade had her flaws just like anyone else, she just didn't let them to be seen. She couldn't afford to. But he knew how much her husband's betrayal had hurt her. She tended to believe everyone was good, but was adept enough at reading people to not get herself set up for disappointment too much.
He also knew she blamed herself for missing Bela's duplicity. Kyp had heard her crying when she thought no one was listening. Felt her composure slip when she thought no one noticed. He had though and it had taken all his will power to not comfort her in the beginning. That wasn't what she had wanted. It was, however, what she would need eventually, and he just hoped she would let him be there for her when that time came.
Taking a deep breath, he knocked.
/____________________________________\
Jade was buckling her shoes when she heard the knock.
"Come in." She called out and looked up when the door swooshed open. Kyp stepped into the room and Jade had to remember how to breathe. Stars he looked handsome! This was the first time she had seen him in casual dress and she wasn't disappointed. The master was dressed in a black suit with a deep blue shirt underneath. Ironic, since they hadn't coordinated their colors.
Jade stood and hid a smirk as she watched his eyes widen at her dress.
"Hi." He finally said when he found his voice. He hadn't seen her all day, having had work to do and letting her get some sleep before tonight. She had recovered from the last attack, except for the need to take a couple of naps now and then.
Kyp hadn't moved from where he had entered the room, so Jade walked over to him. She reached out to adjust his lapels, even though they didn't need it. It was just an excuse to touch him. Her stomach had been in knots all day, but now it felt like a pack of Ewoks celebrating the destruction of the death star had taken up residence there.
He waited a moment for her to look at him and when she didn't he crooked a finger under her chin and forced her to. Kyp searched her eyes, then leaned down to give her a gentle kiss. Once his lips touched hers, however, he realized that was not enough. He ghosted his tongue over her lips and pulled her closer as she opened up to him. The master kissed her soundly, feeling like a man too many days in the desert without water. It had been two days since he had let his guard down around her and he had to remind himself to keep in control right now. Breaking the kiss, he pulled back and stroked her cheek.
"You look stunning." He whispered, every inch of him screaming to lock the door and forget about the stupid ball.
"Thank you." She responded, feeling a blush creep up her face. Jade lowered her eyes and caught a glint of silver showing at his collar. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized it was her gift. She had tried not to be disappointed when he hadn't worn it after she had given it to him. After all, she had told him he didn't have to wear it.
Kyp went to pull her lips back to his when his comm went off. Stepping back from her he took a deep breath and plucked the offending item from his pocket.
"Durron." He said, more calm than he felt.
"Are you two going to make an entrance soon or what?" Jared's voice came through to him.
"Yeah, we'll be down in a minute. Cool your jets there Junior." Chuckling to himself, he looked back at Jade to find she had added a sheer wrap to her dress and was waiting patiently for him.
"Ready?" He asked. Jade nodded and slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and they left the room.
/____________________________________\
He was fidgeting next to her and she tried not to smile at his discomfort. She had a feeling this wasn't in his comfort zone, but he was doing it anyway and she was grateful. He could have made an excuse and gotten out of it, leaving Jared to watch over her. Jade reached over and took his hand in hers, having dropped her arm from his when they entered the lift.
"We don't have to stay long. Just enough for me to fulfill my obligation." She told him quietly, finally smiling when he squeezed her hand.
/____________________________________\
Jared watched the door, anxiously waiting for the pair to walk into the room. Tapping his fingers against his thigh, he looked over the room and spotted the Governor and his wife. Sensing his gaze, the Storm patriarch nodded in acknowledgement, then returned his attention back to his wife.
Jared was getting ready to comm them again when he saw them walk into the room.
"Wow." He heard himself say. If he had harbored any doubt about those two as a couple it was now erased. He felt a huge smile come to his face as they made their way deeper into the room, eventually ending up by him.
"Damn Jay." Jared told her when they had finally arrived at his position. He planted a kiss on her cheek and chuckled when he saw the blush on her face afterwards.
"I swear, I'm going to permanently red by the end of the night." She mumbled. Both men laughed and then Jared saw Kyp change right before his eyes. Gone was the man who had become his friend in the last couple of months and in his place was a Jedi master. He could almost see him shut off the switch to his emotions and start scanning the room.
Before his mouth ran away with him, Jared turned to smile at Jade and bowed dramatically.
"May I have a dance?" Jade smiled and nodded, briefly turning to look at Kyp before Jared pulled her out onto the floor.
/____________________________________\
"Thank you." He heard her say quietly as they danced their way across the floor. Jared looked down at Jade and frowned.
"He turned himself off when we got off the lift." She explained and Jared huffed. "I'm not surprised, I'm actually jealous and wish I could do the same."
"He loves you, you know that right?" Jade nodded at his question but didn't say anything.
"Tomorrow my world is going to change Jared." She whispered and he pulled her closer and kissed her temple.
"You're strong. I know you can get through this."
"I can handle the press and the sludge news. That's nothing new. I'm not sure I can handle him leaving."
/____________________________________\
"Master Durron." Kyp looked up from watching his friends to find Jade's father had moved to stand next to him.
"Governor Storm."
"How is she?" The governor asked and Kyp looked at him, surprised.
"You've talked to her in the last few days, haven't you?"
Michael took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Yes, but she hasn't really told me what I know is bothering her. She's telling me what I want to hear."
"She's fine. Still a little tired from the accident."
"Good. I'll be glad when this is over." He said quietly.
"Me too."
"For very different reasons, of course."
His eyes shot to the governor in shock. Surely he didn't mean what he thought. Kyp groaned silently and rubbed his temples with one of his hands.
"If you stop clenching your teeth your head will stop hurting." Michael told him and chuckled.
The young man was wound a little tight tonight. "I wouldn't worry about something happening here. Too much security and too high profile. They haven't attempted that since the shooting." He added.
The master snorted to himself. He wished that was his problem. What was really bothering him was that someone had just cut in on Jared and was dancing with her.
"That's Senator Iken." Michael offered as if reading his mind. "He's harmless, just a big flirt. Now his son, he's a whole other matter but he's not here."
He remained quiet, not really knowing what to say. His mind was focused on one thing right now, and that was Jade's security. Kyp was sure if he thought about her in any way, other than a job right now, he was going to start throwing some force lightening around and it wouldn't be pretty. Michael rolled his eyes and tried not to laugh at the young man. It was obvious he had feelings for Jade, but was hiding it, for what reason Michael didn't know. He was sure he would find out soon enough. From what Jared had told him, the feeling was mutual with his daughter.
"Are you going to be present for the event?" He asked, still trying to draw the Jedi into conversation.
"Yes. Iella asked me to be there, just in case. Jared is staying with her." He didn't need to specify who her was. They both knew.
Michael nodded, then narrowed his eyes as he saw Jade. She had a fake smile plastered on her face and she looked over at her father pleadingly.
"I believe I will go rescue my daughter, Master Durron. I'm sure we'll talk again."
/____________________________________\
"Senator Iken, I wonder if I might cut in. I haven't gotten to dance with my lovely daughter yet tonight."
The senator smiled, though Michael could tell he wasn't happy about it. "Of course Michael." Turning to Jade, he inclined his head and she did the same. "Thank you for a lovely dance my dear."
As he walked off, Michael chuckled at Jade rolling her eyes. He pulled her into the circle of his arms and started the dance. "Thanks." She murmured, as she laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes.
"You're welcome angel." He responded, placing a kiss on the top of her head. Michael Storm was a huge man, towering over most people. He often joked with his children when they were growing up that he was part Wookie.
Michael led her through the dance steps, making it look effortless for being such a big man.
"Are you tired?" He asked. She had been quiet for longer than normal and still hadn't moved her head from his chest.
"A little. But I'll live. I don't get to dance often so I'm not going to complain." Lifting her head she smiled at her father and he took the opportunity to spin her around, savoring her laughter as he did.
"If I ask you a question, will you be completely honest with me?" He asked, chuckling when her eyes widened.
"Depends on the question." She retorted as the next song started up, but they continued dancing.
"No. No stipulations. You either answer it or don't."
Jade looked away from him for a minute, pondering what in the galaxy he would want to ask her. She had always been honest with her father, to a fault. Probably because they were so similar. Sighing, Jade finally nodded her head.
"Is there something going on between you and Master Durron."
She actually missed a step at his question, surprising him. It answered his question though.
"Dad…"
"Just a yes or no. I don't want details." He interrupted.
Jade's gaze finally met his again and he saw the conflict in them.
"Yes." She whispered. Michael simply nodded, debating on whether to continue his line of questioning.
"I like him." Her father said simply.
"You like him?"
"Yes."
"But dad, I can't like him." She whispered angrily.
Michael smiled, glad to finally get some reaction out of her. "Why not?"
She looked at her father like he was crazy. "Cause I'm married!"
"Yes, you are. Let's look at your 'husband' shall we. He's a slave trader who has no respect for life, he's cheated on you and had a child outside of your marriage. Not to mention that he tried to have you killed." Her father retorted. "It's about time you found someone who treats you right." Michael looked down at her and raised an eyebrow in question. "He is treating you right?
Jade nodded, dumbfounded that they were having this conversation in the middle of a ballroom full of people.
"Why are you looking for excuses?" He asked.
"I'm not." Jade told him defiantly as he spun her again.
"Really? You know honey, you're the smartest out of my kids. And if you ever tell someone I said that I'll deny it. But sometimes, you can be extremely dense." He paused for a minute as the music changed to a more complex song and he had to pay a little more attention. "You always take care of everyone else and make sure their needs are taken care of. How about thinking about your own needs for once?"
Jade didn't say anything. She squeezed her eyes shut and she knew her father was right. This felt right. Her feelings for Kyp were the first thing that had felt right in a long time.
"But I'm scared." She whispered.
She felt her father's chuckle through his chest. "That's the fun part princess." He whispered in her ear. "Don't let this one slip away." He kissed the top of her head.
/____________________________________\
"Please tell me you're at least going to dance with her." Jared said to him as they watched the subject of their conversation on the floor dancing with her father again. They had been here for over an hour and Kyp still hadn't asked her to dance. Jared had danced with her twice and her dance card had been more than full the remaining time.
Kyp took a sip of his drink and tried to ignore his friend. Jared wasn't having it.
"Just one dance Kyp. Surely you can control yourself that long." He joked. Kyp looked over to give him a glare and Jared laughed.
"No. It's not a good idea."
"Kriff Durron!" Jared said a little louder than he intended but he didn't really care right now. He leaned in closer so only Kyp could hear him. The two men were standing back by a wall in a corner of the room, their gazes constantly moving around the room. "This might be your last time to be with her." He reminded him, anger finally surfacing at Kyp's inability to at least enjoy himself tonight.
Kyp said nothing and turned his gaze back to the dancers. He hadn't been placating her earlier. She did look stunning tonight and what he couldn't say out loud to Jared was no, he didn't think he could control himself that long. He knew if he went out there and pulled her into his arms that everyone in that room would see through his ruse and see his true feelings. That put her in even more danger than she was already in and he wouldn't do that.
So he stood on the sidelines and suffered.
/____________________________________\
Jaina closed her eyes and leaned her head against Jag's shoulder. They were walking home from having dinner at a nearby restaurant and she couldn't remember ever feeling this content. The temple entrance loomed in front of them and suddenly Jaina stopped. Jag looked over at her and frowned.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't want the night to end." She told him quietly. Jag looked at her for a moment, then smiled.
"Let's go to the garden."
Her face transformed with a smile and she nodded as he led her up the steps. The garden was actually a meditation garden that was located in the center of the temple. It was one of her favorite places to go. There was no roof over it and she had found herself there many nights, laying in the grass and staring up at the stars.
Jag silently led her through the doorway and over to a bench that was near the middle of the area. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap before she could protest. Tucking her head under his chin, his arms wrapped around her and he felt her relax in his embrace.
"Jag?" She asked, hating to break the comfortable silence but wanting to tell him something.
"Hmmm?"
"Thank you."
She felt his confusion as he looked down and gave her a questioning glance. "For what?"
"Not giving up on me." She whispered, closing her eyes as one of his hands came up to caress her cheek, then felt his thumb brush her lips.
"I couldn't give up on your if I wanted to Jaina." He lowered his lips to hers and lost himself in the taste and feel of her. Jag has hoped, for longer than he could remember, for them to end up at this point. Sometimes he woke up, thinking it had been a dream, to find her snuggled next to him in slumber. He couldn't remember ever being this happy. Reluctantly, he ended the kiss and gazed into her eyes.
"I love you." He whispered for the first time in years. Tears came to her eyes as she fought back a sob. Those were three words she never expected to hear from him again.
"I love you too." She said. "I never stopped."
Jag smiled at her, and slowly moved to reach into his pocket. Jaina didn't notice his movement at first, but when she did, a frown marred her features.
"What…" The glittering object he held between his thumb and finger stole the breathe right out of her. He held a silver ring adorned with a single Corellian diamond and two violet stones on either side. She couldn't find her voice as she looked up into his eyes that had never left her face.
"I know we haven't been back together for very long, but I can't wait anymore." He said, his voice rough with emotion. Jaina swore he had tears in his eyes too as he cleared his throat and smiled softly. "Jaina Solo, will you marry me?"
The world seemed to pause in anticipation of her answer. She knew how big of a risk this was for him. He had been turned down flat last time and it had broken his heart and hers. Luckily for him, she didn't hesitate too long.
"Yes Jagged Fel. I'll marry you." A tear slipped down her cheek as she pressed her lips against his, pouring all of her love into their bond.
/____________________________________\
Two hours later…
The trio was quiet as they walked back up to their room. The suite was more than big enough for all of them. Jade had taken the bedroom, with the boys out in the living room area where there was a couch for each of them.
Kyp could see that Jade was exhausted. She stood to the side of the lift and closed her eyes, her breathing slowing down. He smiled as she swayed a little and he reached over to put his hand on her arm. Her eyes shot open and she smiled at him, then closed her eyes again.
The lift opened and Jared got out before them, scanning the hallway then nodding back at Kyp. He had Jade go before him and walked beside her, his hand on the small of her back. Jared opened the door and let them go in first, then followed. She started down the hall then stopped and turned back to them.
"Thank you for going with me tonight."
"Thanks for not stepping on my toes." Jared threw back and her. Jade laughed, briefly meeting Kyp's eyes, then walked down the hall to the bedroom. The younger man rolled his eyes as he watched Kyp stare after her, then pushed him toward the room.
Kyp turned to glower at him, but Jared waved him in the Jade's direction.
"Last chance Durron." Then he turned to walk into the fresher.
/____________________________________\
She slipped her shoes off, glad to be out of the heels and sighed as she wriggled her toes in the plush carpet. Jade untied the ribbons on her shoulders and was reaching back to unzip her dress when she felt someone grab her hand to stop her. Her breath hitched in her throat as he lowered her hand back down to her side, moving his hands to splay at her hips. She stood there, unable to move as he slowly moved his hands up her sides, stopping just below her ribcage. The breath she had been holding left her finally when his hands left her to slowly pull the zipper down.
Jade felt his breath on her ear, his lips just barely making contact with her skin. Her eyes closed as the zipper reached it's end and she moved her hands unconsciously to keep her bodice from falling down. Kyp moved one of his hands back to her waist and pulled her flush to his chest, the air from his lungs blowing gently over her bare shoulder as he fought to keep his breathing under control.
His lips brushed her shoulder and she jumped slightly from the brief contact, tendrils of fire burning their way down her torso from where he had touched her. She could feel the reverence in the touch of his mouth, as he gradually increased the pressure of his kisses. Leaning back into him, she tilted her head to the side, silently begging him to move his attention upwards.
As he placed more kisses on her neck, one of her hands came up to entangle in his hair. He nipped her neck in response and heard her sigh when his tongue came out to smooth over the spot. Kyp took a deep breath, then moved one hand to her stomach, the other running down the opposite arm. Her eyes were still closed, her breathing becoming ragged when he ran a finger from her neck down her arm, igniting a line of fire along the way.
Turning in his arms she met his eyes and smiled softly. Not trusting her voice, she rose up to claim his lips and wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her to him roughly. His tongue slipped into the cavern of her mouth and he heard her moan as he splayed his hands across her backside, trying to get as close to her as he could.
She heard her breath catch as Kyp moved his lips to her neck and gently suckled the skin in his path, making his way back down to her shoulder. Jade tightened a hand in his hair and pulled his lips back to hers, becoming the aggressor now. The need for air made Kyp pull back from her and he tried to think through the haze in his brain. Resting his lips against her forehead, he took a few deep breaths then spoke.
"If you want me to leave, you have to tell me now Jade." He whispered, desire evident in his voice. Jade lifted her gaze to connect with his and slowly stepped back from him. Kyp felt his heart plummet...until her dress followed the same course.
/____________________________________\