The Kiss

by Aria

Chapter 8

Talon Karrde had seen Mara angry plenty of times in the past. Hell, if you hadn't seen Mara Jade angry, he reasoned, then you'd never seen Mara Jade. This time, however, he was taken aback.

In a matter of seconds, her eyes had gone from green to a blazing dark foliage hue that rivaled the forests of Endor, and her face had tripled its blush to a shade of red almost in tandem with her hair. Mara shook where she stood, fists and jaw clenched, and glared at him intently. Her eyes were glazed over so that Talon was certain she was not looking at him but through him. His second-in-command, it was clear, was fighting for restraint with every fiber of her being. Instantly, he turned her away from him and looped his arm around hers to guide her out of the Custom's Center and away from the eye of the public.

"Alright, so it's not true," he said, throwing up his arms once they had reached the safety of her suite. "Mara, you know this city has always been awash in gossip and innuendo. Ignore it, and it will likely die out."

Talon crossed his arms in front of his chest and watched as the most trusted member of his organization furiously pace her common room, head bowed and eyes downcast. She stopped at his words and speared him with a look that would have frozen half a dozen species in place with fear.

"So," he said slowly, "it is true."

Mara swallowed hard and turned on her heel to look out of her floor-length window, not muttering a word. Sweat beaded on her forehead and her hands felt clammy and cold. Talon watched her closely but maintained his silence. It had been his policy throughout the years not to become involved in the private lives of his employees and even though he thought of Mara Jade as a friend, he resolved to keep to his policy - for the time being.

A part of him had been anything but shocked at the reports of Mara and Skywalker's liaison. There had always been a certain something between them - an understanding of one another - that he had never seen between Mara and any other man. Skywalker's placid and calm demeanor was a perfect counterbalance to Mara's volatile and hostile nature.

Mara walked over to her desk, gathered a few disks and unceremoniously handed them to him. "I'll be in contact with the rest of the information soon," she stated, as coolly a she could manage.

Talon regarded her for a few seconds then nodded and let himself out of her suite. If this whole matter had to do with Skywalker, he was afraid the young Jedi was in for some very unpleasant moments. Still, Luke had managed to handle Mara when her most fervent wish was to see him dead. Having survived that, any other encounter with an angry Mara should be as easy as picking off womprats with an ion canon.

***

Mara's eyes stung with the threat of tears and she gritted her teeth in an effort to keep them at bay. She was almost hyperventilating now. Her chest rose and fell faster and faster as her breathing became quicker. Finally, unable to withstand the urge any longer, she let the tears spill from her eyes with a deep sob. They burst forth and she wept openly, burying her face in her hands.

'Skywalker's concubine...' her mind replayed over and over again.

Another phrase interwove itself and kept slipping into her mind at frequent intervals.

'To have you in my bed every night for the rest of my life.'

Fittingly, it was not the populace's assertion that she was sleeping with a man that bothered her. That it had been intimated that she belonged to a man was what felt like an affront to her sense of independence. Her private life, and how many men she chose to share her bed with, were nobody's business. If the whole galaxy was convinced that she seduced a different man every single night, then let them think so. That was a far cry better than to have them believe that she was at the beck and call of one man. And to have that man be Luke Skywalker was simply the load that broke the Tauntaun's back.

Had Luke known about the rumors spilling from the mouths of Coruscant's elite and still continued his nightly visits to her suite? She asked herself, staring out of her window through hazy and unfocused eyes. Had the populace at large whispered conspiratorially as he contrived to parade her through the streets of the city, holding hands? Had they snickered and mocked her as he maneuvered her into dark corners for a surreptitious kiss or two?

'Skywalker's concubine!'

Her tears flowed heavier now, embarrassment merging with her rage.

Forgotten were the nights spent wrapped in his arms as they watched the stars make their way across Coruscant's night sky. So, too, were the stolen moments filled with kisses and whispered confidences they'd exchanged during the past few weeks. She had let her guard down she now realized, as the tears continued to fall down her cheeks in a hot, steady stream, and she was paying the price for her carelessness.

But why? What had caused her to lower her defenses against him, of all people? Her thoughts struggled wildly to wrap themselves around the issue at hand, while at the same time, trying to arrange it so that it all made sense to her. Unfortunately, her spiraling anger acted like a prism under which reason refracted, skewed, and offered little by way of clear insight.

Luke Skywalker had simply taken advantage of her only weakness, she concluded. His overtures had unconsciously appealed to her curiosity and she had given in, seduced by his gentle words and soft caresses.

It could have been anybody else, she now reasoned. It could have been a handful of Governors or Administrators who had taken a liking to her during her service to the Emperor. Most had been kind, if misguided, older men who were as blind to Palpatine's rotting core as she had been.

It could even have been any number of officers in the Imperial Navy, she now recalled. Strong, physically imposing Commanders and Generals who barked out orders with conviction and cut striking poses in their naval 'grays' and knee-high combat boots.

It could have been Talon, before she had come on board as a member of his organization and had simply run a few jobs for him.

Her mind continued to rummage through the list of men she had encountered - men that she had thought of as appealing but had never considered seducing. Men who had propositioned her but that, for one reason or another, she had refused.

It could even have been Gavean Trent, if only he hadn't been continually campaigning for her assistance with…

A sudden glint appeared in her eyes and she wiped the tears from her cheeks with the backs of her hands. If the galaxy was convinced that she was Luke Skywalker's plaything, then there was only one way to stack the cards against that widely held belief. The anger which previously frothed within her, now cooled to a simmer, and her heartbeat slowed considerably. Action had always been Mara's strong suit and now that she had a plan, her mind began its low descent from the peaks of white, hot anger into something a little more manageable, if no less dangerous.

She moved to her communication console and punched in a series of codes.

"Pick me up at 1800 hours for the Trade Conference, Hotshot," she barked into the screen as soon as Gavean's face appeared. Then just as quickly, she signed off and sat back to contemplate the details of her assault.

***

Luke luxuriated in the feel of the hot water running down his body and rolled his head from side to side slowly, trying to ease his tense muscles. No matter how many hot showers he'd had in the course of ten years, he had never gotten tired of the sensation of warm water cascading over his skin.

He was exhausted, hungry, and exasperated from the rigors of mediating for three nights in a row. Mostly though, he missed Mara so much that his body ached. They had communicated via messages left at each other's suites, but had been unable to find five minutes to spend alone together the whole time they had been apart, and tonight, though he'd be resting at home, she'd be off attending the Trade Conference.

He had been surprised to receive her message telling him of her change of heart. He knew how much Mara despised such events and the disingenuous conversation of the people in attendance. However, he also knew that Talon's organization, and her job within that organization, were first and foremost in her mind and so when she let him know of Talon's request that she be present, he decided not to question her on the matter.

Luke Skywalker exited the shower stall and dried himself off quickly, letting out a breath. He then wrapped the towel around his waist and stood in front of the mirror. He finally had an evening to himself and for that, he was immensely grateful. Still, he'd gladly give it up if it meant he could spend just a few minutes with Mara instead.

He glanced at his reflection and smiled, a thought formulating in his head. Even in a conference room full of people, at least he'd be able to see her again, his mind offered teasingly. Maybe, he though excitedly, they might even be able to steal away for a couple of minutes, if only to exchange a private word or two. Maybe even a quick kiss.

In a matter of minutes, Luke's spirits had lifted considerably. He shaved, fought to comb his hair away from his eyes, where it always seemed to end up, and dressed in his best 'blacks.' Mara would definitely not be impressed by his attire, he thought as he stood in front of his bedroom's mirror, but she would certainly be surprised by his unexpected appearance.

He strapped on his belt to his waist, secured his lightsaber sheath strap to his thigh and bolted out of his suite. If he was to catch a moment alone with Mara, the opening cocktail hour would be the best chance of the evening. There was just one stop he needed to make.

***

Leia Organa Solo moved expertly around the room exchanging a word here and a nod there with various traders and world representatives. Although her attendance at the New Republic's Trade Conference was ceremonious at best, her presence always served to add an air of decorum and elegance to an event that was often lacking in both. Mon Mothma watched the Chief of State make her way through the crowd in the meeting chamber's foyer and smiled approvingly. Leia Organa Solo was a small woman, yet she radiated strength and determination, giving pause to almost everyone she met.

As she continued to exchange polite pleasantries, a warm presence caught Leia's attention and briefly brushed her consciousness. Leia turned to see her brother enter the room, blonde hair shimmering under the glittering lights, dressed in his formal black attire, and she immediately locked eyes with him. As she did so, the room's volume of conversation increased to a steady buzz as many of the guests turned to comment to one another and watch the Jedi Knight walk slowly to his sister's side.

Leia smiled brilliantly and accepted Luke's arm, which he offered along with a kiss on the cheek. She would have liked to believe that he had come to keep her company in lieu of Han's absence, but common sense told her that his appearance had a lot more to do with Mara Jade than with her. Still, she was glad for his company and let him know it by squeezing his arm gently in response.

She watched as he slipped a small box into the pocket of his tunic but was interrupted by Talon Karrde's booming voice before she could inquire as to its contents.

"Madam Chief of State," Talon greeted her formally, taking her hand and holding it momentarily between both his palms. "And Master Skywalker," he continued, shaking Luke's hand. "How kind of you to grace us with your presence."

Luke and Leia both smiled at Karrde's highbrowed façade. After years of missions and countless exchanges of information, the three had been on a first name basis for quite some time. However at such an event, where business trade routes were in heavy competition, Karrde made sure to give the impression of just the right amount of detachment from the two best-known members of the New Republic.

"Who are you trying to kid, Talon?" Luke whispered good-naturedly, as he vigorously shook Karrde's hand.

Talon smiled and smoothed his beard, "Best to keep up appearances, wouldn't you say?"

Luke resisted the urge to tease Karrde by casting doubt on his almost assured acquisition of the most coveted routes, choosing instead to focus on the identity of the beings swirling around him.

He was about to forgo his pride and casually inquire as to Mara's whereabouts when a hush fell over the room. So deep was the silence that ensued that all three turned their heads anxiously, looking for the cause of the sudden cease in conversation. Leia spotted her first, and her hand instinctively tightened around her brother's arm.

Mara Jade stood at the entrance of the room in a stunning black low-cut column dress that showed off her delicate skin. Her hair had been swept back away from her face in a cascade of curls that fell down her back.

Luke beamed at the sight of her and his joyous smile seemed to light up the entire room. Just as he stepped forward, he felt the pressure of his sister's grip on his arm increase, jerking him back in place. His brow furrowed and his smile instantly disappeared when Gavean Trent stepped out from behind Mara and wrapped his arm around her waist, leading her into the crowd.

In the next few seconds, every pair of eyes shot from Luke Skywalker to Mara Jade and back again. As the muted sound of voices increased steadily, Mara lifted her gaze and caught sight of Luke's wide-eyed stare. Her step faltered momentarily. She covered up the misstep by slightly picking up the skirt of her dress and continuing to walk, effectively steering Gavean away from the shocked trio before them.

Keeping her forced smile in place, Mara fought to strengthen her mental barriers and stiffen her resolve. Luke wasn't supposed to be in attendance this evening, and she hadn't accounted for his presence in her well thought-out plan. As a matter of fact, she hadn't considered his reaction at all when the inevitable news of her appearance with Gavean spread. Instead, she had simply decided to depart from Coruscant after the conference and leave the whole matter of their relationship behind. In time, she had convinced herself, the experience would gain perspective. Until then, she had a job to do and a life to return to, one without Luke Skywalker and the romantic overtures which had exposed her to ridicule.

Leia glanced at Talon, whose face was still transfixed with shock, then looked up at her brother. Luke blinked in disbelief then held her eyes for a moment, before releasing a breath and nervously surveying the room again. His heart pounded wildly in his chest and he felt the rush of blood go up his neck to color his cheeks. Leia reached out to feel his presence, but he gently rebuffed her attempt. He was desperately trying to maintain his composure and could not afford to divide his efforts by communicating with his sister.

The melodious chimes indicating the end of the reception reverberated throughout the room and Luke began to lead his sister, followed by a confused Talon Karrde, to the meeting chamber. As he did so, he reached out with the Force to look for Mara, only to have her unceremoniously shut him out. Any discussion of the perplexing turn of events would have to be postponed until the first intermission.

***

The multitiered meeting chamber was filled to capacity as the delegates from the many different Core Worlds presented their business needs and then listened as the members of the New Republic's sponsored Trade Federation offered their bids in competition against each other.

Luke and Leia had taken their seats in their assigned semi-circular booth and listened as the negotiations intensified while the more desirable routes were presented. Luke Skywalker had already pinpointed Mara and her guest's location and had repeatedly glanced over to her in an attempt to catch her eye.

For a man who had been rigorously trained not to rely on appearances alone, Luke Skywalker was having an increasingly hard time maintaining his decorum. Mara had communicated her decision to attend the conference, at Karrde's behest, but had not mentioned being escorted by Trent at all. The omission bothered him greatly.

His mind worked furiously for a solution to what he was sure was not what it seemed. Had Karrde instructed her to accompany Trent to the conference? And if so, to what end? Luke had heard enough about Trent's reputation to know that the majority of his business ventures were of the Rim World variety. Was he now a member of Karrde's organization? Had Karrde made a move to expand his business by incorporating Trent's less profitable routes? Try as he might, Luke was unable to see the benefit of that decision.

He glanced in Mara's direction again. She sat stiffly against the cushion of her seat while Gavean's arm rested carelessly over the back of her headrest. It was painfully clear that she was uncomfortable and doing her best to maintain the appearance of friendliness, but why?

And why was she so adamantly blocking him through the Force? Surely she'd know he'd understand any professional reasons she and Karrde might have for them not to appear as a couple at an official function, at least not yet.

Talon sat far below them, alongside the heads of competing trade organizations, listening intently and pouring over the information on his data pad. When it came time for him to speak, Mara and Gavean both edged forward in their seats - Mara in an effort to appear engrossed, and Gavean in order to glean what routes he might be able to talk Karrde into allowing him to service.

Talon's strong and confident voice filled the arena and his handsome and striking figure held the female attendees spellbound while he outlined his organization's structure and purpose. For Luke, however, the words faded into the background as he continued to analyze the situation from every conceivable angle. It was to no avail. Mara must have her reasons for appearing with Gavean Trent, he told himself in an effort to soothe his discomfort. He'd trusted her with his life on more than one occasion. Now it was time, he decided, that he trust her with his heart.

***

As soon as the overhead lights of the arena intensified, signifying the first intermission, Luke and Leia were instantly surrounded by individuals clamoring for a moment of their time. Leia smiled courteously and graciously responded to each greeting while Luke simply stood by her and shook a few hands. Leia could sense her brother's distress but hoped he'd have the patience to wait until the evening had concluded before approaching Mara. Regardless of what transpired between them, she trusted her brother to retain his demeanor. Mara's temper, however, was legendary and it would do neither of them any good to have a public display of anger where all in attendance would witness it.

Mara glanced off into the distance and caught a glimpse of Luke and his sister hopelessly surrounded by dozens of dignitaries, traders, and public officials, and decided to make her move. She slipped past Gavean and exited their booth, pulling him behind her by his shirtsleeve.

"I'd like some fresh air, please," she spat out in what sounded more like a command than a request.

Gavean nodded and began escorting her out of the chamber and toward the closest exit. He would have preferred to be introduced to the Chief of State and her brother, but he was certainly not going to turn down an opportunity for a few moments alone with Mara Jade. Whatever he had said to her at Customs that afternoon had set her off like a proton torpedo, but it had apparently also caused her to reconsider his previous advances.

Whatever the reasons for her change of heart, Gavean intended on taking advantage of the situation.

By the time Luke was able to disentangle himself from the throng of beings blocking him and his sister in place, Mara had exited the building altogether. He lowered his gaze, focused his mind and quickly scanned the room but could not locate her anywhere inside the massive chamber.

Before Leia could dissuade him, Luke made for one of the exits. He hurried past guests and onto the street, barely avoiding a hovercraft or two. Once outdoors, he closed his eyes and reached out to her once again. Instinctively, he opened his eyes and looked up towards the top of the building. He could scarcely catch her dissipating presence but knew she had traveled to the rooftop of the government center.

Luke Skywalker smiled inwardly and re-entered the building, heading for the lifts that would bring him face to face with her.

***

Mara held on to the railing and let the strong wind whip her hair out of the set of clips that had held it in place. She took a deep breath and tried to quiet her mind and body. Everything about being on this rooftop now felt strangely out of place.

It had been on this very spot that Luke Skywalker had given her his father's lightsaber. It was a gift that was to set in motion the beginning of her new life as the former Emperor's Hand. It had also marked the beginning of the long and winding road that she and Luke would travel together. A road that had led to an invaluable friendship - the first in her life - and ultimately, into his arms and into his bed.

She felt the moisture well up in her eyes and turned her face into the wind, eyes wide open, and allowed the tears to be blown back and away from her cheeks.

"Credit for your thoughts, Red," Gavean offered sardonically.

Mara turned to face him and, for the first time, carefully studied his features. Gavean Trent was admittedly a very attractive man. His dark good looks were masculinity personified and he exuded virility and strength, if little else. Whatever Luke Skywalker had made her feel, a man like Gavean could make her feel as well. A kiss, after all, was the same as any other.

Forcing her body to inch forward, she leaned in to him and slowly brought her face toward his own. Gavean did not waste a single moment in reaching out and roughly pulling her into his arms, crushing her mouth under his.

Mara brought her hands against his chest and for a second, recoiled away from the fury of his attack. Hesitantly, she allowed his demanding tongue to enter her mouth and waited for a reaction from her body. It never came. Instead her mind began screaming for her to pull away.

***

Luke Skywalker dodged the crowds that gathered in the lobby and, stepping in sideways, squeezed his body into a lift just as the doors had begun to close.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out the small rectangular box he had concealed there and pried open the top. Grinning, he touched the object gingerly with his fingertip then closed the lid and let his head fall back on the cold metal of the lift's inner wall to begin counting the seconds before the doors would hiss open.

When they finally did, he bounded out and in a couple of steps, rounded the corner. A lightning bolt of shock coursed through his body the instant his eyes focused on the kissing couple. His body screeched to a halt and the box fell out of his hands, hitting the floor with a small crack and splitting open to toss its contents onto the ground.

Luke Skywalker stood, bolted in place, and unable to move. His jaw clenched jaw shut and his hands closed into tight fists.

Mara had felt his presence, but not in time to disentangle herself from Gavean's strong hold. She pushed back from him with both her hands and turned to see Luke standing just a few feet from her, his eyes an icy-blue hue, and his neck and face beginning to flush furiously.

Mara's mouth opened and closed and her breath caught in her throat as she tried to whisper Luke's name. Unshielded, his heartache seared her senses and along with the betrayal he now felt, screamed its distress through the Force for all to hear. The sheer intensity of the pain that emanated from him hit her all at once, causing her to stumble back a step, and she found herself rendered speechless by its raw power and strength.

His eyes bored into hers and held her gaze steadily, begging for an explanation to what he had just witnessed. When none came, disbelief washed over his face and his eyes began to cloud over.

For his part, Gavean Trent stood frozen in place and watched the scene unfolding before him, unable to speak. He would have taken the opportunity to bed Mara Jade had it presented itself, but he wasn't foolish enough to believe the opportunity worthy of risking his life, and the mere sight of the barely contained Jedi standing before him caused his knees to buckle with fear.

Luke Skywalker swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and with a resigned nod of apparent understanding, turned on his heel and disappeared from sight.

Mara Jade felt the impact of his barriers slamming shut against her and against the galaxy at large, and her eyes blinked hard in surprise. She stood in place for another moment and tentatively reached for the presence that had been a constant in her life for the past ten years. In its place, she felt the vast void of the Force swirling around her as if she were the only living being within its confines.

The wind that had whipped around her now seemed to pierce right through her body as the solitude descended upon her mind and spirit. Unconsciously, she reached out with her hand and struggled to reach him, but was greeted only by the sound of the wind whispering ominously.

Suddenly cold, she wrapped her arms around herself and lowered her eyes to the ground before her feet. Taking an unsteady step, she kneeled to retrieve the object Luke had let fall to the ground. She picked up the delicate Cyandria bud in her trembling hand and held it in her palm. The sunset-colored petals ruffled violently under the winds that batted against them. Mara rocked back on her heels and held the bloom to her chest, weeping silently.

***

Luke Skywalker was out of the Government Center and away from the city streets before the chimes echoed through the meeting chamber once again. Leia and Talon both looked at each other across the ocean of seats and exchanged worried looks. Neither Luke, Mara, nor Gavean had reappeared after the short intermission. Leia shrugged her shoulders and offered him a wan smile before taking her seat and redirecting her attention to the negotiations which were about to resume.

Leia could almost hear Han's voice inside her head. 'Luke can take care of himself, sweetheart!' She sighed, smoothed out the wrinkles from the skirt of her gown, and decided to garner whatever bit of comfort she could from her husband's words.

***

Gavean let out the breath he was holding and watched as Mara kneeled on the ground, clutching the small flower to her bosom.

"Well, that was an uncomfortable moment!" he shouted with false bravado into the wind. He readjusted the collar of his tunic and walked a couple of steps to where Mara sat. He reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Shall we continue where we left off, sweetheart?" he offered her.

Mara shrugged off his hand and, in an instant, grabbed him by the front of the shirt and pinned him to the railing behind them.

Gavean reached to his side and held on for dear life, his neck craning to view the heights from which she now threatened to throw him.

"You ever lay a hand on me again, Trent," she spat out, "and there won't be enough of you to scrape clean."

***

Mara leaned against the outer wall of the gymnasium building and slipped off her high-heeled sandals, rubbing her reddened toes and the balls of her feet. In the past hour, she had scoured every place she thought Luke could have possibly sought to seclude himself, while desperately trying to keep despair from overtaking her altogether.

Luke Skywalker had not only been shielding himself, he had seemingly yanked his presence away from her so that not even a trail of him could be felt anywhere. Without the warmth and comfort of his Force print within reach, the void that descended on her heart and soul felt like an endless precipice, a cold chasm through which she continued to fall without ever hitting bottom.

She struggled to focus and in the absence of his Force identity, used reason to discern where he might have gone. She had checked his apartment suite first, then had spoken with Ground Control, expecting to be informed of his sudden departure to Yavin IV, but had been surprised to hear that he had not requested a clearance.

She had been to Coruscant's library and checked the private reading room he had reserved there, only to find it empty and dark. The government center's central courtyard and the gymnasium had been dead ends as well.

Slowly opening her palm, she looked at the tiny flower bud she had carried in her hand.

The greenhouse…

Mara slipped on her shoes and rapidly made her way to the Solo household. When she reached the building's inner lifts, she called the Force around her and willed her mind to remember the set of codes that would give her entry. As each digit was recalled, she punched it into the pad and smiled when the access panel's light flashed green and the lift began to move upward.

The intense humidity of the greenhouse's interior was soothing and she carefully tiptoed around the greenery, holding her breath. Unable to use the Force to detect his presence, Mara had to rely on her vision alone, and the darkness within was almost impenetrable.

As she neared the corner where the Cyandria bulbs were planted, her eyebrows knitted tightly in confusion. Peering closer and straining to focus her eyes in the dark, she noticed that the bulbs' protective covering had been pulled off and that each of the blooms was in varying stages of wilting. Several had already succumbed to the lack of nutrients and additional moisture they required to survive out of their natural habitat and had folded and collapsed.

Mara's face contorted in grief as the symbolic gesture of Luke's actions became clear to her. Her heart tightened painfully in her chest and the despair she had fought so hard to keep at bay burst its barriers and smashed against her consciousness with its full impact.

Mara fell to her knees and contemplated the consequences of what she had done. The only acts of kindness and affection that she had ever experienced had been at the hands of Luke Skywalker. In his arms she had come to know love, security and tenderness. In their friendship she had found a solid foundation with which to build a new life and which had given her the strength to shed her past and forgive herself for the atrocities she had committed on behalf of her emperor.

He had gently courted her, wooed her and allowed her to experience the simple pleasures of life once again. He had accepted her as she was, flawed and misguided, and had given her what no one else had dared to - his unconditional love.

And yet, she had found it necessary to push him away, both physically and emotionally, withholding her growing affection for him in order to protect her stubborn pride. She had returned his devotion by taking all he had bestowed upon her and throwing it back in his face, effectively casting aside the only man who she could ever love.

Luke Skywalker had given her his soul, and she had given him nothing in return, save a broken heart.

And for what purpose? To conserve her reputation as the cold, steel-willed assassin who would never conceive of returning the love of the most deserving of men.

She looked down at the delicate wilting flowers through the flow of tears and thought about the events of the past several weeks. The life she had so convincingly believed she wanted to return to now meant nothing to her without Luke Skywalker to share it with.

'To have you in my bed every night for the rest of my life.'

Taking a ragged breath, she reached over and replaced the protective cover over the plants and wandered out of the greenhouse and into Coruscant's empty streets.

***

Not even the inky darkness of space, with its billion points of bright light, could offer him the solace his heart ached for. Luke Skywalker sat in the cockpit of his old X-Wing fighter, still docked in the landing bay, and stared out at the night sky.

The cockpit of this old, weathered ship, with its cracked leather seat and faded instrument panel, felt like home to him now. He lowered the canopy and stretched his legs before him, taking a deep breath and letting his mind drift back to the places the smell of his ship would take him.

Most young children slept with their arms wrapped around stuffed Ewoks or Banthas. As a toddler, Luke Skywalker had slept with miniature fighter models beneath his pillow. Now, the cockpit of his own beloved ship acted as his security blanket. It enveloped him in a cocoon filled with the smells and sights he loved best. Save one - Mara Jade.

He had promised himself he would not spend a moment's time in examination of the twists and turns of their relationship. He had taken a gamble, he reasoned, and he had lost. Time to fold the Sabbacc cards and go home. Time, too, he told himself, to begin to come to terms with the fact that perhaps he was meant to spend the rest of his days alone.

The odds had been stacked against him from the very beginning. For all of the adulation the galaxy bestowed upon him, he knew who he was. More importantly, he knew what he was. A farmer turned fighter pilot, with a powerful yet frightening birthright. He was Jedi Knight still struggling to understand his role in the universe but who, by all accounts, had little to offer a woman by way of comfort or lifestyle.

Mara Jade had made a new life for herself, denounced her past and had accepted the fact that the Force would forever be her ally - if she chose to perfect the use of it. She was also a stunningly beautiful woman who could command the attention and devotion of just about any man in the galaxy. Apparently, she had done just that.

He tried to keep the vision of her in Trent's arms from overtaking him once again and fiercely squeezed his eyes shut. It didn't help. His insides spun tightly and his stomach lurched forward as a wave of nausea washed over him. The familiar stinging he felt preceded the couple of tears that streaked down his face and he slammed his open palm on the throttle in frustration.

His mind tried desperately to override the pain and anguish he felt in his heart, but it could not do so convincingly. Mara had felt right, his soul wanted to shout out against all logic. She had felt right in his arms, in his bed, and in his life. He didn't care much that he had been her first, but he was heartsick at the notion of not being her last.

Resolutely, he opened the canopy and stepped out onto the ladder, taking each rung one by one. He couldn't remember the last time he had done so, always preferring to fling himself from the cockpit and allow his body to slide down the ladder with only his hands gripping the sides. He turned away from his only possession and began walking back to his apartment.

***

Still shielding himself from everything and everyone, he slipped into his darkened suite to an excited and jubilant Artoo, who issued a series of high-pitched beeps and whistles from his power station in the corner of the common room at the sight of his master.

Luke ignored his astromech's pleas for attention and slipped off his boots while still standing. He then picked them up with one hand and made his way to the floor-length window where he and Mara had spent so many nights in each other's arms.

His whole apartment felt empty and strangely vacant without her. He could still smell the lingering scent of her perfume and feel the swirling remnants of her presence surrounding him. He could almost hear her calling out his name.

He pushed himself away from the window and walked to his bedroom, head lowered and boots still in hand. As he did so, the decorative lights over his bed's headboard sprang to life, bathing the sheets in soft light and illuminating the figure lying beneath them. Luke Skywalker looked up disbelievingly.

Mara Jade lay awake on his bed, her red-gold hair spread out over his pillow.

His heart skipped a beat and his breathing stopped as his eyes poured over her naked body, sensuously outlined by the thin, linen-colored sheets.

Mara too, held her breath. Her red-rimmed eyes scanned his face for any hint of a reaction and her heart felt as if it would leap into her throat at his slightest move. She deserved to be flung out of his apartment, naked as she was, but her heart held out the hope that Luke Skywalker wasn't totally and irrevocably lost to her.

Her fears were temporarily subdued when, in one lightening-quick step, Luke crossed the distance between them and gathered her in his arms, sheets and all, and pressed her to him with all his might. Mara wrapped her arms around him and desperately clung to his body, burying her face in his neck. No longer restrained by her old notions of love and affection, Mara's body shook as her sobs racked through her and tears spilled uncontrollably.

Afraid of his reaction once his initial shock wore off, she resisted his attempts at pulling her face away from the crook of his neck to look into her eyes. Mara continued to cling to him as if her very existence depended on keeping him pressed to her, and her ragged sobs increased in intensity.

No sooner had he seen her lying in his bed, than he had dropped the mental walls he had built during the last couple of hours and allowed her access to the confines of his heart. Still, his unspoken assurances did little to soothe her present state. Instead, they reminded her of all she had almost lost, including the man who was now so readily offering it all to her anew.

"Shhh, my love," Luke whispered into her hair, as he ran his quivering hand down the back of her head, trying to comfort her. "Talk to me, Mara."

Mara shook her head against his shoulder and continued her desperate crying, unleashing years of pent-up emotion and refusing to be pulled away.

Luke tentatively probed her mind and found it open and receptive to his touch. Tortured images and raw feelings wove in and out of each other and swirled in a raging storm of despair. Above it all, Luke Skywalker sensed her paralyzing fear that she had lost him, and for the first time, he understood that for all of her indications to the contrary, Mara Jade loved him deeply.

His heart pounded so hard in his chest that he could hear its deafening rhythm in his head, almost drowning out Mara's sobs. Slowly, he maneuvered to unbuckle his belt and unfasten his holster while still keeping Mara pressed against him. He then slipped out of his tunic, one shoulder at a time and flung it away from the bed. He tenderly began pulling the sheets away from her so that he could join her beneath them and gasped when his skin came into contact with hers. He felt her nipples harden against him and could immediately feel his erection begin to throb with desire. Mara, too, took in a sharp breath then released it as he lay back against the pillows, taking her with him.

Luke alternated kisses and caresses with whispered reassurances, rocking her slightly in his arms. After what seemed like an eternity, Mara's body began to show signs of exhaustion and she fell, depleted, across his chest. Luke gently lifted her face to his own and gazed at it lovingly. Her eyes were all but swollen shut from crying and her face was blotchy and red, but her overwhelming beauty still held him spellbound.

He smiled warmly and lowered his lips to cover her own. Mara drank in his kiss and immediately opened her mouth and allowed his tongue to languidly caress hers. She put her heart and soul into the kiss, trying to transmit what she knew her words could not, and sighed heavily when she felt his acceptance of her anguished apology.

"Oh, Luke," she pleaded, her voice hoarse, "I …"

The words caught in her throat and she struggled to gather a breath. "Make love to…"

Both her request, and the sound of her calling him by his first name, caused his body to react instantaneously. Before she could finish her sentence, he rolled her over onto her back and bestowed dozens of soft, hot kisses on her face and neck, simultaneously brushing aside locks of hair that were plastered to her cheeks.

As he moved down her body, he cupped a bare breast in his hand and brushed the pink, soft nipple with his thumb before wrapping his lips around it, teasing it with his tongue. As it sprang to life, he kneaded her breast eagerly and sucked harder, causing Mara to gasp with pleasure. He repeated his ministrations on her other breast as she threaded her fingers through his silky soft hair and whispered his name repeatedly.

He moved slowly down her body, planting kisses down her stomach, past her bellybutton and to the insides of her thighs. Mara parted her legs, writhing in ecstasy and pressed her fingers into his shoulders. Placing a kiss atop the sprinkling of strawberry blond hair first, Luke parted her swollen labia with one hand and caressed the delicate folds of skin with the tip of his tongue.

Her body shot upward as he continued to tease the crevices of flesh within her and taste the increasing bursts of warm moisture that sprang forth, before moving his lips slightly against the sensitive bud of skin at the center and taking it gently into his mouth.

Mara's body began to convulse and her insides tightened, yearning to feel him inside her. Luke moved up her body to once again suckle on an erect nipple and then slipped two of his fingers within her, moving them in and out of her molten core. Her screams echoed throughout the suite, and her fingers dug deep into the skin of his shoulders as her body spiraled out of control with the force of her orgasm.

Luke's own erection, still constricted within his pants, ached painfully against the fabric as he held Mara against him and felt the waves of pleasure crashing over her. He lifted his head and brought his forehead to rest against hers, holding her head with both of his palms and showering her lips and cheeks with gentle kisses.

"No," he heard her sigh against his cheek, as she wrapped her legs around his torso and sought out his hardened shaft. "Not enough." Her body craved to have him inside her, to become one with him again, and to feel his seed spill out within her.

Before he could respond, she ran her hands down his sides and began unfastening his trousers and pulling them down past his buttocks. His erection throbbed in her grip and a deep groan escaped from his lips as she pumped it with her hand, running her slender fingers along the length and smearing the bead of moisture over the swollen head with her thumb.

Luke's hips thrust against her as his tongue plunged into her mouth and began emulating the same motion and rhythm her hand had initiated. Mara sighed and moved to cup his scrotum in the palm of her hand, squeezing him gently and sending his desire into the stratosphere.

He snaked his hand between them, and holding it over her own, ran his hardened penis along the wet, petal soft skin before plunging into the depths of her with a tortured moan. Mara arched her back, thrusting her hips toward him, and felt her inner muscles clamp down as he began to undulate within her at an increasing pace. She was immediately light-headed and her mind felt devoid of any rational thought as her body relished in the feelings of intense pleasure Luke's lovemaking invoked.

With each new thrust Luke endeavored to bury himself deeper within her, working towards the inevitable climax and spurred on by her moans and lust-filled pleas for him not to stop. As he reached his crescendo, he hooked one arm behind her knee, tilting her hips upward and with one final thrust, sent them both over the edge, spiraling into simultaneous orgasms, sending his seed exploding into her depths.

Gasping for breath, he collapsed in her arms and buried his face in her neck. She quivered beneath him and ran her fingers through his damp hair. Both were covered in a thin sheen of sweat that had immediately begun to cool in the aftermath of their lovemaking. Luke rolled onto his back, gathering her with him, and held her tightly in his embrace as she wrapped her arms and legs around his body and tried to gather oxygen into her lungs.

He heard her whisper-soft voice inside his head and suddenly his heart soared and his soul rejoiced.

'For the rest of my life?' he asked gently through the Force.

Mara smiled and nodded her head against his chest while she caressed his face with her fingertips, tracing the line of his jaw.

'In your bed every night for the rest of your life,' she answered, and reached up to seal the promise with a kiss.

Finis!