The Dark Academy on Korriban

"How so?" He asked.

"By understanding her motivations I see an opportunity I may be able to grasp. If it plays out, Veers will be no more, your enemy will lose an ally and yours truly will become more powerful."

Sylvain nodded, "Sounds good to me."

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "Don't get yourself killed... or worse... Don't let that bitch take you over... I'm not into you just for your body ya' know."

"No worries, Syl. You couldn't have found a lover with a greater sense of preservation of the self. It's not my body she will find fitting."

She tossed away more of her cloak and leaned into him, the reached for his chin and turned his head in the direction of the Massassi village.

Getting the idea he nodded, "Yeah... she might like that."

"I have a feeling it may happen sooner rather than later. Now that I know it could also settle some of your problems I am more inclined to try it."

She brushed her cheek against his torso, her lekku helping her in gripping his arm.

"Have you learned how imminent the Yubashi attack is about be?"

"Initial scans suggest the Yubashi are massing. Could be tomorrow even."

"Fireworks tomorrow then. I haven't been in a ground battle before. You, Syl?"

There was a hint of worry in her voice. Not for herself.

"I don't think you'll be able to talk them down."

He chuckled, "There are many ways to contribute on a battlefield Moyr. I have training and experience alongside my dad on the strategic side of things. I may not be a duelist with my lightsaber but I am not a novice either. I'll be alright."

"Don't get killed, that's all I ask for."

She posted, looking away.

"Have you sorted out things with your old friend?"

He squeezed her shoulder tightly when she asked him to stay safe.

Then replied to her question, "I've said what I can say. She has to respond at some point... but I'm not going to press her."

"I can grow weary with ambiguity as you well know. I think I've made it abundantly clear, Syl."

She said coyly..

"I'll cut you some slack because of these conditions, but that's about it. Two can be undone by three, and it only takes one shot."

He chuckled, "That's just what I need... all the people I care about deciding I'm not worth the hassle."

He shook his head in self disappointment, "Kris and I are no longer romantically involved. I was honest with her like I was with you... she wasn't as understanding as you. I seem to have hurt her pretty severely. I doubt that she'll ever trust me like she did again... but I don't want to lose her friendship."

He paused, "It's been like 15 years you know... I don't want to throw away a friendship that's been really good for so long..."

He then let out a sigh, "I should have heeded your warning earlier... probably could have avoided a lot more of the hurt if I hadn't have been so stupid."

She stopped, and crossed his way. Standing before him, she transfixed her golden gaze on him. There seemed to be a storm brewing, though its emotional colour was indiscernible at first.

"Syl. Look at me."

And she slapped him on the cheek. And after that she pulled him into a passionate kiss, her lips pressed hard against his. And then she slapped him again. Then kissed again, with even greater feral intensity.

"Syl, self-loathing won't get you my respect." Her fingers caressed his face. "You were so strong when you were taking me, so passionate and certain. I want that man. Right here, not just in sheets. No self-guessing, pulling blame onto yourself. Live how you fuck, handsome. Be strong, for me."

She kissed him once again, gentler this time, longer.

He was surprised by the random slaps that seemed to come from nowhere. Why was everyone he cared for so intent on hitting him?

After hearing her speak the reasons why he smirked and said, "Alright Moyr. No more pity parties."

He wrapped her in his arms tightly. "I'm stronger than this... I know it."

"I know it too, my strong man. I watched closely how you outmanouvred the Gunda. I was so proud of you."

She snuggled into his embrace, her lekku reaching out to him, caressing him with their endings.

He smiled, "I have been quite successful in a lot of ways. Just can't let the setbacks get me down."

He gently scratched her back with his hands, "Thank you Moyr... you've been a big help tonight."

"That's the idea, Syl. It only works when we are like this for each other, without holding back. I've thrown my reluctance to the wind."

She kissed his neck and bit it gently.

He smiled and nodded, "Let me work some of my stuff out. And you take care of that matter with Veers..."

He hugged her once more, "But I think we'll be alright."

"I'll handle her. The hook has got in, now she is too curious not to pull."

A peck.

"Get some rest if you can."

He smiled, "You too."

Then let go of her and began walking back to the camp.

She watched him go in trepidation in her heart. She didn't like the sensation, but couldn't help it. For now, she stemmed doubts about her choice to commit to Syl. But next time he would question his dedication they would be much harder to banish.

/scene