Chapter 2

"I don't think there's any doubt that you care, Terris, or we wouldn't be here," Kyp replied, pleasantly.

"I can't deny that making sure you know that your behavior has been unacceptable these last couple of weeks, is part of my agenda."

"Yikes," Kyp said, clenching his teeth with a look of despair. "That was a mouthful. Are we really going to go backward? I realize you're an educated woman. What Jedi Master isn't? But I prefer to keep things simple."

She smiled. "Let's just say I haven't completely closed the door on you yet, Master Durron"

"Do you trust me?" he asked suddenly.

"Not even a little bit," she said, evenly.

"Really?" he said, folding his hands in front of him.

"Only in that you are a Jedi and that we are bound by the Code."

"Good," he replied, hopefully. "It's a place to start."

"Yeah," she said, noncommittally. "Children must crawl before they walk, much less run."

"You're expecting me to crawl?" Kyp replied, getting an uneasy feeling.

"You mean you're not already?" Terris said. "I thought that's what this was."

"Very funny," Kyp said, leaning back in his chair. "I see you're regaining your confidence."

"Hey, you brought up the subject of trust, which was mighty brave, I might add. I'm just saying that if you expect to gain my trust, it will take some work."

"I guess it's a good thing you've already complimented my work ethic, then."

Terris sighed and reach to place a hand over his. "Listen, Kyp, you're a nice boy and all-"

"NICE BOY?" he exclaimed. "Are you kirffing kidding me? Nice boy. I'm seven years older than you. Where do you get off-"

"Doesn't feel very good does it," she said leaning back and folding her arms across her chest.

Kyp flashed and irritated smile before putting his head in his hands. "Stang!" he growled into them. Lifting his head, he ran his hand through his hair, making sure it was all out of his face, and sighed.

"I'm confused," he said, shaking his head slowly. "This conversation is quickly derailing from my intended destination. No matter how many times I try to steer you toward friendly conversation, you keep falling back in to the little girl who got her feelings hurt."

Her eyes narrowed and her mouth twisted sourly. "Well aren't we a pair, then, Kyp: the man child and hurt little girl. How do we reconcile the two?"

"Well, for starters, I'm sorry. I realize I haven't said that so far and I want to make sure I did. I said some things that I thought we all in good fun…My point is that I recognize that I hurt you. I recognize that it can't be easy being tall, beautiful, and having a damn sexy nose."

"You really are quite the enigma, Kyp." she replied. "Your apology seemed earnest up until the big nose comment."

"I never said 'big'," he responded quickly. "I said sexy. And I mean it. In fact, not only did I not apologize for being rude, but I never answered you question."

"Which one?" she asked, confused, also by her conflicting emotions.

"Your first one; the one suggested by Master Tionne. Do I find you attractive? The answer is most definitely yes. If you ask me, you could be a holo star rather than a Jedi Master. But, then again, you'd be right back where you started: people judging you."

"Will shut up for a minute!" she said, haplessly overwhelmed. "Either you have a lot to say or just love to hear yourself talk. Now, let's back up."

"Okay," he replied, happily. "Though, I'm somewhere in the middle; I like to hear myself talk only when I have good things to say; which is most of the time."

"So, you think I'm attractive?" she said, deciding to let his response go.

"I don't have to think about it. You are."

"I am?"

Kyp rolled his eyes theatrically. "Please don't tell me I'm going to have to embarrass you further by pointing out every glorious physical feature."

"No," she said, some pink appearing at her cheeks. "That won't be necessary. You already mentioned the nose, which is the feature I am most self conscious about."

"Not to mention that fact that you are one of the few women who has ever matched me in verbal battle. That Sith speech you gave Corran earlier…Magnificent."

"Okay. Okay. I accept your apology. What do we do now?"

"I'm thinking a nap would be in order," he starting to laugh. "This has been an exhausting negotiation. But before that, I just want to be sure you still care…about what we do now."

"Well, Master Kyp Durron," she said, leaning forward mischief in her eyes. "I care enough to hear your answer."