Jek would not remove his arm from around Aeris as they entered the Cantina and found their own spot as far away from everyone else as they could get. He didn't want her to feel even more overwhelmed than he was sure that she already was. He knew that she would be okay, like she always was whenever they were together. Their bond had been stronger, deeper and more unbreakable than any of the others, since that day a calm little boy had eased the fear of a little girl and the rest of their class. He had already been friends with the other two, almost like a brother to An-Lok because they grew up together from infancy. He smiled at the memory flash of hers, kissing her cheek after she had ordered. They would have time, he was sure of it. When they were given their drinks, he took a small sip of his own before Aeris was asking him something he wasn't really prepared for. He had been content with the silence because she was with him.<br/><br/>"Uh, well..." his heart did a flip when she tilted her head, looking at him in the most adorable way. He couldn't resist any longer, he leaned in and kissed her softly, his hand gently cupping her cheek. His kiss was gentle and sweet, savoring the feel of her lips on his own. He pulled away as her food was brought over, and he thanked the server as he ensured it was right in front of her. He knew she was hungry. He always knew what she felt or wanted, the same as she did with him. There was nothing either could hide from the other no matter how hard they tried. He waited for her to start eating before reaching behind him under his robe and placing the book softly onto the table. "We're leaving the Jedi." he told her softly, not wanting to be overheard, but not wishing to use telepathy. "Unofficially." he added, running his finger along the cover of the rare item. He knew he wasn't supposed to tell her, but he would not keep it from her. He remembered the mission from the council, the weight of importance they had put upon it as they stood in the chamber before them. "We're supposed to infiltrate the one of the Sith fleet, and find out why Revan wants Force Sensitives." he told her, broadcasting to her through the bond that he had taken the mission with Jax because it was meant to change his life, dangers or not he still followed the path the Force laid out before him.<br/><br/>"It led me back to you. I don't care what happens, stay or leave, carry out the mission or hide somewhere on the Outer Rim... As long as I'm with you, that's all I care about now." he told her, his arm still around her as they sat there. He knew how to hide from Jedi that set out like he used too, on missions to bring back wayward Jedi, or end them. He knew all the tricks and more. "Whatever you want and the Force decides, I'll do." he told her, kissing her cheek once again. He was the calmest and happiest he had ever been since they were thirteen.<br/><br/>******<br/><br/>An made to step back away from Jax when he had stepped forwards, his deep voice urging her to stay calm. His hands managed to be both rough and soft, like she had remembered. It came from being a Jedi, lightsaber building and an easier living. She flinched when he touched her cheek, but didn't draw away as he began to wipe away her tears, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment to take it all in as she clutched tightly to his robe and the fabric that rested against her chest. Within a few moments, every muscle tensed and she was hit with the very strong urge to run, to get away from him and allow him to better, to be a Jedi. Though she had no clue why it was that he as there to begin with, she wished not to find out. However it seemed as though he had been prepared, wrapping an arm around her firmly as he gazed deeply into her eyes. She still had a firm hold on his clothing as she opened her mouth to tell him to let her go when he had kissed her. He kissed her hard, pouring so much emotion into it. He had even very easily lifted her up off of her feet as she took a moment and then kissed him back just as hard, her hands moving to wrap around the back of his neck to hold on. This is what she had wanted years ago, this would have had her return to the Jedi for punishment after the Mandalorian wars if it meant seeing him.<br/><br/>All too soon her boots were back on the surface of the shuttle and the kiss ended. He was sweet, forehead against hers. She moved her own hand to hold onto his face, hands gently resting on his cheeks. A few more tears escaped her eyes when he begged her not to run, not wanting to lose her again. Her heart felt like it had jumped into her throat. She had to hug him back, clutching at the firm and taller frame of the man. The hiss of the ramp opening behind her caused her to pull away from him, enough to look up at him. Her cool amber eyes full of emotion as she grabbed his face to pulled him into another kiss. Hard and full of want. She pulled away when he heard the soft click of boots start up the ramp, swatting at Jax's shoulder. "Idiot." she called him, though her tone was light. She was still afraid, but he was there with her on the battlecrusier, it was not going to be easy to be rid of him. "It took you long enough." she added, turning in his arms to look at the healer standing at the top of the ramp. Nothing was said, he turned to lead the way back to the infirmary, expecting her to follow. Taking Jax's hand, she pulled him along with her to go to the infirmary. She did technically have a head injury that needed checking on.