Bankor

"Oh." Niall said softly. He fell silent, stunned.

Finally, he gave her a sad smile. "Don't think that I haven't felt the same, from time to time. It wouldn't do any good to deny that I feel drawn to you. That I haven't thought about kissing you, more than once. Back on Nar Shaddaa, when we sat on the bench together. And then, at my family's lake house, that night we watched the stars..." That time had come very close indeed.

Very gently, he shook his head. "But... we are attached. And... I think a friend might be better for you than a lover." He gave her a wan smile. "I hope?"

She nodded with a smile. "I agree... All of that is part of why I wasn't going to say it, but you did ask."

Niall shrugged, smiling. "It's true. I did ask." He pursed his lips. "I don't mind having it out there, really. Although I think we both knew it."

He shrugged again. "If we're ever both unattached, and at peace with ourselves..." He shook his head. "I shouldn't say it, really." His gaze went down to his food.

"I think we did... But it's nice not to have to stick to an educated guess," she replied. A shake of her head with a smile. "It doesn't need to be said all the way. In the mean time... I'm really happy you're my friend, Niall. In a way unrelated to that, I admire you a lot, and you've always been a good one."

"I'm glad." Niall said, smiling again. "And you're a good friend, too."

He chuckled. "If ever there's a friendship that got off to a stranger start than ours, I'd like to hear about it. It's gotta be something."

She laugh. "I hear that... I can think of one, but that's about it."

"You can think of one?" Niall's eyebrows went up. "Well, go on. That sounds like a good excuse for a story."

"I have a friend in the Empire. I was actually under him when I was in deep cover. However, we didn't actually becomes friends until after I left," she replied. "Last few days of Nar Shaddaa. Makes being friends hard, of course. We're not really in contact at this point, but I still consider him a friend."

"Oh." Niall considered that for a few moments, then winced sympathetically. "That sounds difficult. I'm sorry."

After a few moments, he spread his hands. "Things are opening up a bit between us and the Empire. It's not out of the question you'll see him again." He frowned. "Unless... does he think you're dead? That's your current state in the Empire, isn't it?"

"It is, but that's life sometimes," she replied with a shrug. "If it's for a friend, I don't mind a little difficulty. Or even a lot of difficulty."

Niall gave her a smile. "I know. That's one of the things I admire about you."

He frowned gently, his forehead creasing. She hadn't exactly answered his question... well, no matter. "So, do you know what he's up to now?"

"He's a Moff these days," she said. "Got his feet back under him."