Thanks everybody for reading. This was my first and probably my last long fic. I appreciate everybody's feedback.

Once again I want to thank my wonderful beta, JayCee. I couldn't have done it without you girl!

Have a very Merry Christmas everybody!

JL

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Chapter 6—The Auction

They stood awkwardly at Mara's door, like two teens, one whose parents were trying to discreetly watch them through a window and failing miserably.

"Well, um," Luke coughed again, "I guess I'll see you sometime."

"Yeah," Mara said quietly, realizing she didn't want this day to end, ever. "You want to come in for some caf before you go?"

"Sure," Luke replied nervously. Today had been… interesting. Something was stirring in the Force, not to mention other areas, and he was afraid of its pull. He could easily drown himself in the new thoughts that had been filling his mind since he and Mara practically kissed in the speeder.

Another awkward silence threatened the peace between them as she fumbled putting in her security code and they walked into the living room. She gestured for Luke to sit down on the sofa while she made the drinks. He obliged, though completely un-relaxed. He couldn't help but wonder if she was wearing something akin to the black lacy panties he had found earlier while cleaning.

Luke held his head in his hands, wondering what had come over him. Mara was his friend, but in the past few days he had gotten more than one hard-on in her presence. She was attractive, no doubt, but he had never been one to give in to basic lust based on looks or else he would have jumped Mara ages ago.

Mara was in a similar conundrum in the kitchen as she laid her head against the cabinets while the water boiled. Sure, she had told herself she was interested in bringing her friendship with Luke to a new level, but this wasn't happening the way she thought it would. She wasn't supposed to feel this… this tingly in her soul, belly sure, but this…

Mirax had once asked Mara if she would ever settle down with a man, get married, have children. Mara first denied any and all possibility, but Mirax was a stubborn woman, and kept at it. Finally Mara conceded that maybe if the right man, a special man, came along that she'd consider it. Mirax only gave her a knowing smile and walked off. Maybe that man had always been there. What she was starting to feel for Luke was more than just basic lust.

The water boiled and she added the instant caf. Still trying to shake the tingly sensations she poured two mugs and headed back out to the living room. Luke had been holding his head in his hands and instantly snapped up.

"Smells good," he said as a way of small talk.

"Thanks," Mara replied, handing him a mug and sitting down next to him.

Silence enveloped them again as they sipped, though they took comfort in each other's company.

"Hey, look at the time," Luke finally said cheerfully, "it's almost midnight and I won't be your slave anymore."

Sure enough, Mara had three more minutes to get Luke to do anything she asked. "Hmm, I think I'll make sure I'll get my money's worth."

"And what can I do in three minutes?" Luke laughed.

"Kiss me?" Mara tensed at the two words that filled her mind and couldn't stop from tumbling out of her mouth.

Luke swallowed but retained his composure, "I thought you weren't allowed to make me do anything that I felt uncomfortable with?"

Disappointment sweeping her soul, not to mention embarrassment falling over her, she turned away from him. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

"You're right, you shouldn't have," he responded quietly.

A few moments passed and for once in her life Mara was at a complete loss as to what to do. She felt a gentle hand push away her hair and turn her face, she didn't resist.

"It's past midnight now," he said slowly.

"Uh huh," was all she could reply.

"Now I'm free to do as I wish, as I want," his voice was low and husky as his lips descended on hers. It was a gentle touch, softness colliding, but it wasn't enough. Their tongues met by mutual agreement and one of them groaned.

Fire burned inside Mara, the tingly turning into full out heat pooled at her core. She needed this man, needed to be with him in every way, and that scared her. She never needed anything from anyone before…

Even the Jedi Master couldn't have held back, but that person was left at home. The Farmboy felt her warm and willing body against his and pulled it even closer. He slipped his arm around her waist and started to lower her to the sofa, though it didn't register to him that he did it until he was on top of her body, caressing and touching her everywhere.

"Luke?" Mara managed to rasp when she realized that they were now making out on her sofa.

He pulled away just slightly, his weight lifting off her making her feel cold and empty. "Mara?"

"What are we doing?"

"Making out?" he answered, knowing that wasn't what she was getting at.

She stilled her features. "And ten minutes from now?"

His eyes flitted towards the bedroom involuntarily, "Depends on you, I wouldn't do anything you didn't want."

"That's the problem, Luke," he thought she sounded a little scared. "I want this to happen. I… need this… you…"

Luke was shocked. Mara would never admit to needing anything, and yet… she needed him. He couldn't stop from descending on her for another long passionate kiss before whispering against her lips, "Mara, you're not afraid of anything, please don't be afraid of this, I need you too."

She stared up at him, her eyes full of love, though she might not admit it to being that. "I'm not afraid."

His heart leapt into his throat and he crushed his lips against hers, pulling her against him as he stood. With wordless consent since they didn't stop kissing, they made their way into her bedroom.

Mara tugged at his tunic and pulled it off, her hands immediately caressing the strong planes and angles of his toned chest. He groaned and his hands traveled under her tunic to cup her breasts, squeezing gently.

She pulled back just enough to slip her tunic off. Luke's jaw gapped at the sight of her in a black lacy bra. "Are you wearing matching undergarments?"

"Let's find out, shall we?" she gave a wicked grin and slowly, painfully slowly leaned over and slid off her boots and socks. She teased him as she took the clasp of her belt and trousers in her hand. It seemed like eternity before she slid off the offending clothing to reveal a matching pair of black lacy undergarments that did nothing to hide the fact that Mara didn't dye her hair, but was all natural. "Like what you see?"

"You have no idea…" he traced every inch of her beautiful body with his eyes.

Never feeling so lighthearted and excited she dived onto the bed, the water causing pleasant ripples as she body-surfed then turned over. Luke was staring at her in awe. "Too many clothes, Luke."

"I was thinking the same thing," he replied, already working the fastenings of his boots. He slid off his trousers leaving a pair of briefs showing a very impressive bulge. Mara grinned as she lifted one hand and twirled her finger. Complying he turned around to give her a complete view, only fair since he ogled her.

"Farmboy, you do have a butt to die for, you know that?"

"Yes, actually," he grinned and pounced on the bed, both of them riding the ripples of the water beneath.

When they slowed down, Mara looked him in the eyes, "Oh you do? And how would you know you have such a fine rear?"

"I was told so," he simply shrugged in reply.

"By who?" Mara was worried for a moment… if it was a certain body-snatcher…

"Lt. Jordan from Gray Squadron, just before the Battle of Hoth."

"Oh," Mara was relieved. "She had great taste."

"He actually," Luke responded dryly.

Mara thought about that for a second, then busted up laughing, sending them both adrift on the bed. "Oh Luke, you really know how to attract them!"

"It's not my fault!" he did his best Han impression.

Her facial expressions turned serious as she laid a hand on his chest, "There isn't something you want to tell me is there?"

"Mara!" he would have been shocked if they both didn't start laughing. He'd show her just how much he preferred the company of women. Pulling her against him and capturing her lips, they road together on the waves of the bed.

Somehow he shifted and he was now on top of her, the up and down motions of the bed simulating the sexual act they were about to partake in.

"We're really going to do this," Mara whispered.

"You still want to?" Luke said worriedly.

Mara ran her hand down his chest to rub against the front of his briefs, her only worries now being a distinct fear that it was too big to fit. "More then ever."

"Good," he said into her lips, quickly removing her remaining clothing. One hand sliding down her thighs, then up again.

Mara moaned, Luke was sending sensations through her body unlike anything any man had done to her before. And this was just the simple little ordinary things! She watched as he slid off his pants to reveal himself to her. "Stang, why didn't you tell me you were hung like a Rancor?"

Luke blushed, "I thought size wasn't suppose to matter?"

"Oh, it matters when it's that big," Mara mumbled, taking a deep breath. This was going to hurt, but oh was it going to be worth it later.

Feeling her worry he kissed her tenderly, lovingly, as he laid his hard body over her softness.

"Oh, Force," Mara groaned, the pressure sending waves of painful pleasure up her spine.

"You okay?"

"I won't be if you don't get busy!" Mara suddenly found herself impatient.

"As my lady wishes," he grinned as he began to move slowly. Luke dipped his head down and captured Mara's lips with his own and kissed her fiercely. She opened her mouth allowing his tongue to mingle with hers. He then moved his lips from hers and proceeded to kiss a burning trail down her neck and across her collarbone.

"Force, Mara!" Luke gasped, "You are so tight."

Mara smirked at her lover, "No, just full."

Luke grinned and continued ravishing her exquisite body. There rhythmic movements bringing Luke towards that perfect moment easily, but he wanted to slow things down, to make sure her needs were met before he allowed himself to finish. He attempted to use his Jedi meditation techniques to calm his pounding heart and his intense, near uncontrollable, desire for completion.

He was almost successful, but then Mara did something he never experience before while making love… she slightly lowered her mental shields and reached out for him in the Force.

Luke gasped as he felt Mara's strong sexual desire for him surge through his body, hyper sensitizing every nerve ending with a hot, burning need. The incredible Force sensations and images she projected to Luke were so overwhelming in their intensity and eroticism that he lost his rhythm and had to full out stop in order to rein in his raging libido. He was so close but he desperately wanted to make their first time last.

Luke had never made love to another Force user before so he never knew it could be this way. He realized right there and then that he could never go back to the way it was before. His previous dalliances with non-force user women were wonderful, but sex with a Force adept was sublime and boarding on addictive. He was lost in the intoxicating mix of physical sensuality and the intimate mingling of their Force awareness.

Mara, noticing his slight hesitation, locked her legs around his waist and urged him on, begging him to continue. Luke pulled himself out of his Force-induced, erotic haze and quickened the pace. Mara's breathing became ragged and he could feel her tense before she screamed his name, shuddering beneath him.

At that moment Mara's mental shields wavered and then completely fell, bathing Luke in a warm feeling of feminine sexual satisfaction. The combination of Mara's Force signature flowing through him and her warm body beneath his was too much. He called her name with a hoarse shout as he collapsed on to her in exhaustion, gasping for breath. After a few moments he rolled to her side, leaving one arm and leg draped over the beautiful woman.

They lay there silently, allowing their bodies to cool and their breathing to return to normal.

"I have never, ever experienced anything like that Mara," he said in total awe.

Mara turned to him and gave him a slight look of surprise. "You never made love to another Force user before?" she asked softly.

Luke shook his head. "No," he said simply, not wanting to mention Callista's name or any other lover he had. Mara, probably sensing his thoughts, simply smiled smugly and dropped the subject.

"It was absolutely incredible," Luke whispered.

Mara turned to her side to look at the man who had played such important part in her life—first as an enemy, ally, friend and now the most amazing lover she had ever experienced. She lazily reached over and ran her fingers over his hard chest and then past his stomach.

"This certainly was my favorite ride of the day," she said with a smile.

Luke turned toward her and captured her lips with his giving her a soft lingering kiss. As he pulled back Luke chuckled softly.

Mara raised an eyebrow, "What's so funny Farmboy."

Luke fell back on the bed and gave Mara an amused smiled. "I now know why the Jedi of old forbid relationships."

Despite his jovial mood, Mara tensed, not knowing where he was going with this line of thought.

"Because if the Jedi ever realized how absolutely amazing Force-enhanced sex was, they would never leave their beds. They wouldn't get much done." Luke said with a laugh.

Mara grinned at that thought. She knew she was not in any rush to leave her bed.

Luke's laughter subsided and was soon replaced with a concerned look. "So what do we do now?" he asked nervously. This was a major change in their relationship. He knew where he wanted it to go, but he was not sure if Mara had the same idea.

"I am all for doing what we just did again," she said playfully.

Luke smiled and reached over to pull her against him. She could feel his arousal pressing against her belly, but he made no further move to make love to her.

"I am serious Mara. What happens now?" He wasn't afraid to make love to her, to express his love for her, but now that it was out in the open, what would tomorrow bring? Sometimes he wished he wasn't so impulsive.

"I don't know Luke, we wanted to act like normal people. What do normal people do when they are in this situation?"

Luke thought about it for a moment. "Well, usually people start dating, get to know each other better, then progress to having sex. I guess we skipped ahead. I would like to continue this relationship. Date, tell our friends and family about our relationship… and then see where that progresses…"

"Hmmm…" Mara murmured, chewing on her lip thoughtfully. "That sounds good, but..."

Luke felt his heart clench. "But what, Mara?"

Mara sighed, "Luke, have you thought out the repercussions to dating a former Imperial Assassin? They could strip you of your knighthood, take away the academy, and make your life very difficult. Will it really be worth it for you?"

"Who are 'they', Mara?" Luke asked.

"The New Republic Government."

Luke chuckled. "Mara, I started the New Jedi Order, not the New Republic. The government could take back the location of the Academy, but not the personnel. I could just move the school somewhere else. You know I hate to brag, but there are thousands of worlds, many of them outside the NR authority, that would grant the Jedi asylum. They have no jurisdiction to take away anybody's knighthood. The worse they could do is not recognize us as protectors of the Galaxy, but I can't imagine them ever doing that. They want warm Jedi bodies to throw into the fray when new enemies rear their ugly head. Anyway, I really doubt the NR really is concerned about my love life."

"What about your sister?" Mara asked, "I don't think she will approve of this relationship."

"I didn't see my sister asking my permission before she started dating Han. And Han has just as much of a checkered past as you. He was a spice smuggler, for Sithsake. Anyway, I am a big boy, I don't need anybody's permission to start a relationship."

Mara smiled and ran her hand up Luke's leg, "You are a big boy," she said with a smirk. "If you don't have a problem with this, than I guess I don't."

Luke's heart swelled with happiness as he leaned over and kissed Mara again.

"So," Luke said with a smile. "Next year is the bachelorette auction. Do you think you will participate?"

"Oh, I don't know Skywalker. I might be talked into it if a certain Jedi can guarantee to purchase me."

"You mean Kyp?" Luke said with a smirk.

Mara slapped his belly. "No!"

"Vima-Da-Boda?" Luke laughed.

"Ewwww!" Mara said in disgust and gave Luke another slap.

"Oh I know, Streen!"

"Oh yes, I want to be bought by Streen so I can have hot Force Enhanced sex with an aging hermit," she shook her head. "What about you Luke? Are you going to sign up for the bachelor auction the year after that."

Luke smiled and kissed his lover softly. "Mara my love, by that time I am hoping I will no longer be eligible for the auction."

"Not eligible?" she furrowed her brow.

"Well, it is a 'bachelor's' auction," he winked.

"Oh…" she trailed off, scared and thrilled at the same time.

THE END