Going Down

--Chapter Six--

Jaina made a face at her reflection--more specifically, the large red-purple mark on her neck--then zipped her shirt up the front. The high collar covered the lovebite perfectly. She fluffed her hair, then turned to Kyp. "what do you think?"

"I think I liked you better naked," he said with a grin. "But you look great."

She blushed a little. "Thanks."

They'd spent the last few days stealing moments together; she was growing more comfortable with their relationship, for it was one. Jaina just couldn't bring herself to say the words yet, though a part of her, in the back of her mind, hoped that he could sense how she felt.

He combed his fingers through the dark strands of her hair. "Jaina . . . You know I love you."

"I know," she whispered.

"And I know you don't feel the same for me. And I guess . . . I'm okay with that."

"Kyp, I- I'm not using you. This is weird, but-"

They both sighed as klaxxons sounded somewhere outside.

"Tonight, we're going to talk," she told him.

Kyp took her hand. "C'mon, let's go."

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Jaina paused in the start-up cycle for her fighter and glanced over at Kyp. He was staring at her, his helmet off, a private smile aimed her way.

She smiled back.

Kyp put his helmet on, and they returned their attention to more immediate things.

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Jaina swung down from the cockpit of her X-wing. Kyp was waiting for her; no one else was in the hangar.

"Lando got back from Coruscant alive. So, g Lag Lando, he's throwing a party for family and friends. And friends of friends, and anyone who looks interesting. He says he has pre-invasion brandy. Care to go?"

She hesitated a moment, then looped her arm through his. "Love to."

Then she paused. "Actually, Kyp, I . . . love you."

Kyp stopped so suddenly he almost fell over. "You what?"

"You heard me." She knew her face was bright red.

"Uh . . ." He gave his head a shake. "I heard you, but I'm not sure I heard you correctly. Say it again?"

Jaina let go of his arm and grasped his hand. "I, uh . . . I'm sorry I've put you through all of this. I have been demanding, uncaring, and in general a not-very-nice person. I would completely understand if you wanted to walk away . . . But I hope you won't. Because I can't stand the thought of living without you. I'm not joking. And this is not a trick. I love you."

He stared at her for a handful of very long moments. Then a huge, foolish grin spread across his face. Kyp pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She dropped her helmet on the ground and wrapped her arms around his neck.

When Kyp finally released her, she slowly slid down the length of his body, until her feet touched the floor; Jaina was wearing an identical grin.

"You want to skip the party?" he asked quietly.

Jaina groaned. "I can't. I'll be expected, and people will be suspicious if we don't show up. And for now, I want to keep you to myself."

She laced her fingers through his and gave him a sly look. "But we can leave early . . ."


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