Dear Readers,
Hi there, SailorLeia with another fanfiction about the greatest bunch in the world! Luke/Mara/Han/Leia!
Standard Disclaimers Apply – I do not own Star Wars, that belongs to George Lucas and company. I'm merely borrowing his characters for my own crazy tales because I'm a fan. I made no money, in fact I lost some posting this! Do you know how much ink is worth? I keep checking to make sure the black ink isn't oil!
Dedicated to the year 2007, for being a good if challenging year! Farwell, and hello, 2008!
"The Secret Romancing of Mara Jade"
Chapter 1 – Keeping Secrets
Luke Skywalker was in trouble… BIG trouble! And he had seen it coming a mile away, but had he listened to himself? No! He just willingly sauntered into this formal gathering, clean, dressed well. Hoping… Praying that his forever prying, intuitive, over-achieving, twin would spare him for one evening. But force help him, he merely lead his crafty twin-sister to believe that he was comfortably obvious to her plans. He should have known by Lando and Han's teasing that it was going to be a long night. But again, he'd ignored the signs, and carried on… as if he'd had a death wish.
Of course this party had a dignified purpose; it had to. Luke was sure he'd been driven to come here for some actual case. But sitting at this table where he was the only male; surrounded by beautiful dignitaries, diplomats and other important title carriers… It was clear to him that the former princess of Alderaan was abusing this party's purpose. Single-handedly turning this party into another 'Who-Get's-To-Date-My-Brother' contest. It was unbelievable how sweet, caring, and wonderful Leia could be one moment. And how quickly all of that could be turned, and used against him.
Luke did have his head on straight enough to realize; that all of this was an attempt to help him. Leia was a great sister, and she would never do anything to hurt him intentionally. She was only going to all of this trouble with his best interests at heart. She had some idea of how these attempts pained him. But she went on, chanting that moto, "It's for his own good."
By the time the fifth over-confident lady slipped her access code into Luke's pocket, not forgetting to pinch his rear… He'd had enough. He empted the last of his champaign in one gulp, and stood to escape. On his way towards the door, however, his sister intercepted him and attempted to throw him back to the wolves. He'd lied and said, "He just needed a breath of fresh air." And that, "He wasn't leaving he was merely stepping out on one of the many balconies for a bit."
With no alternative, Luke force-leapt from the balcony and casually walked into the shadows. He crept around, and used the force to not only cloak his presence but to draw attention away from himself. He was almost home free, he could see his speeder and he was so close to escaping, he felt a small thrill coarse through his body.
When he got closer though he realized that someone was sitting in his speeder's pilot seat. His heart sank right back to his feet (where it had remained most of the evening) when he realized that the person was his brother-in-law.
"Hiya, Kid! Where are ya going?"
"Han, ah-"
"Don't worry, I'm not going to stop you, or throw you back to your sister." Han confessed. Not missing how all of the air in Luke's chest left him in one big puff of relief, at his words. "I was just hoping I could talk to you for a bit. See how your doing?"
"Well sure, ol' buddy, as long as you don't surrender me to your wife." Luke smiled climbing into the co-pilot seat.
"First off, I have to know, when did you get this little beauty?" Han asked patting the interior with appreciation.
"She's brand new; I though tonight would be a good night to give her a go. Does she meet your standards?" Luke asked with a smile.
"Sure, I've never seen a green speeder so unique. You know, it sort of reminds me of Jade's Fire." Han smiled.
"You know, now that you mention it; it does look similar on the outside." Luke admitted, trying to sound cool and casual. Trying not to giveaway that was the exact reason he purchased this particular speeder.
"But the real reason I came out here, was because I wanted to know something." Han went on.
"What?" Luke asked, cool and calmly. Han, he could reason with, Han understood him better sometimes… Leia was a completely different story.
"What is the real reason that you keep telling Leia to 'lay off?' You know she's trying to help you find someone. And she tells me, you keep telling her to stop. I know what her side of the story is, but I've never asked for yours. So could you please tell me what's up with you?" Han asked wisely. He wasn't taking sides, he wasn't accusing, he was simply asking for his side of the story. Making Luke, once again, thankful that Han and Leia had ended up together.
"Well, I know Leia thinks she's helping me, but the truth is… I don't need her help." Luke said resolutely.
"Well that could have two meanings; either you've given up completely. On trying to find someone or you've already found someone. Leia thinks you've given up." Han explained.
"No matter how many times I told her that I've already found someone." Luke admitted to Han's shock. "Hadn't mentioned that, had she?"
"No, she hadn't, you've found someone." Han asked with a smile.
"Yes, I have… But Leia won't believe me, because… I can't tell you who she is." Luke said shyly.
"What do you mean you can't tell-"
"It's not that I don't want to tell you, Han. Believe me; if it were up to me, I would be shouting it from all of the highest rooftops of Coruscant. But… the girl I'm in love with, she isn't accustom to anyone caring about her. She's had a rough life and I'm the first to truly care about her romantically. She's never had anyone genuinely care or love her before, and she's not ready to announce it just yet. She needs more time, so, I keep it to myself for now."
"Luke, are you sure-"
"Yes Han, I've never been more sure of anything before, in my life. I know I've had my foul ups, and I've made a lot of mistakes. But now I know it was her all along… I've already said too much. Han you'd better get back. I don't want to get you in trouble for my crime." Luke said with a smile as he hopped out of the speeder and began walking around.
Han was frozen in place for a moment longer, before waking up and saying, "Sure kid! Listen drive safely and I really hope this girl… whoever she is, is the one." Han smiled as he slipped out of the pilot seat and Luke slipped into it.
"Thanks ol'buddy!" Luke smiled, "And hey, tell Leia; I am sorry!"
"Later kid." Han waved disappearing into the distance.
After leaving the parking complex, Luke hovered his way though the traffic patterns of Coruscant with ease. He was so glad to have escaped, even though he did feel a little guilty about it now. But Leia was really carrying this too far; she couldn't possibly expect him to really meet the right girl, like this! Even if he had been trying, that couldn't happen! If he wasn't careful, he would end up in one of those reality series. Surrounded by some of what the galaxy 'thinks' are the most beautiful women. But all of them self-centered, fake and focused on him like some prize; fighting over him like a piece of meat… though he had to admit, tonight hadn't felt far from that at all.
Luke was amazed that men volunteered for such torment. He knew most did it, to draw attention to themselves. But ten percent were really trying to find their other half. And expected to, which amazed Luke to no end. He shook his head trying to clear it of all his frustrations and tried to think of a better topic. If he let Leia's persistent prying get to him; he would have been darkside long ago.
Instantaneously, his mind drifted to that special someone, his better-half. No matter what the galaxy though about her. Luke knew she was the most beautiful part of his life. She was several light-years away, on a mission of some importance. With any luck, he would at least get to talk to her tonight. But that was unlikely, she was probably undercover, and in a terribly dangerous environment. But she was in places like that every other day.
She was the reason he kept his silence, and she was worth it. No matter what Leia tried, no matter how crazy he ended up sounding! In the end, he did it all for her, giving her time to let herself get used to his love. Knowing no one else ever gave her the attention and affection he was blessed to have grown up with. He hoped giving her the time she needed; only proved he wasn't going anywhere.
Of course, Luke was referring to the ex-Emperor's Hand, ex-assassin, turned smuggler. The rightfully known, beautiful as she is dangerous, Mara Jade. Luke still couldn't believe his luck; he'd always carried a soft spot for Mara. He now realized that she had always had his heart. It only took them so long to realize they were in love; because they were so dear to one another. Both had been too afraid to gamble; too afraid of losing one another.
How he wished she was here now, after the night he'd had. He really wished he could just hold her, and be reminded of what he fought for. Though he knew he would have to settle for a holonet message; which would just have to be enough.
Back at the party…
"Can you believe he actually jumped off of a balcony to get out of here?" Leia asked everyone at her table.
"He'd had enough, Leia!" Han defended.
"I don't see how anyone could have enough. Did you see how all of those women were surrounding him?" Lando asked, Talon Karrde who was seated beside him.
"Luke just isn't like you, Calrissian." Talon reasoned.
"Which is in his favor," Mara said softly so only Han and Leia could hear her.
"How do you know he jumped off of a balcony?" Han asked, still trying his best to cover for his friend.
"Mara saw him," Leia pointed out, clearly still in disbelief.
"I saw him heading that way, and he looked like he didn't feel too good. So I was going to try and see if I could cheer the farmboy up. But, before I could utter a word, he jumped off the balcony and slipped into the shadows. He seemed to have a lot on his mind; maybe he really didn't feel good." Mara tried to cover for her secret boyfriend. Hoping silently, he wasn't mad at her for something. It wasn't like him to not sense her approach. Maybe this party wasn't the only thing he'd wanted to escape.
After all, she had told him she was still on a mission in the outer rim. She'd wanted to surprise him, so she had lied. But he did stuff like that all of the time.
"I don't understand it, how is he going to meet anyone this way?" Leia asked.
"I could ask you the same question." Han finally said.
"What do you mean?"
"Leia, look around you, this place is a mad house. This looks just like one of those reality series on the holovid. Do you really think Luke's going to meet the right girl here? Is this how we found each other?" Han asked her honestly.
"No, this isn't how we met. But I think it's highly uncommon to meet future love interests like we met. Luke's different than we are! I think as long as he meets the right girl, it won't matter how or where. Just that they're together, and my brother can finally have some happiness." Leia explained her reasoning.
"Leia, we all want to see Luke happy. But I don't see this approach being much Luke's style, ya know?" Lando asked. "Now if you wanted me to be happy, this would be a great place to start, but Luke's more old fashioned."
"Thank you Lando, why don't you make the best of this disaster and go around and introduce yourself?" Leia asked, while balancing her chin on her palm, in exhaustion.
"I like the way you think princess; but I won't do that just yet. I would give it all up; if Jade agreed to a night in my company." He said with a persuading smile in Mara's general direction.
"You better get a move on Calrissian or all of the good ones will have gone." Mara advised.
"Loud and clear, Jade; can't blame a man for trying."
"You can't?" Mara asked with a glare at Calrissian's retreating form. "How self-absorbed can one get!?"
"At least he gave up this time, remember the last benefit we attended?" Karrde reminded not missing Mara's shiver of dislike.
"Yes, he simply would not take a hint, we almost lost one of our biggest clients due to it!" Mara complained.
"Why don't you just start dating him again? Obviously he's crazy about you." Leia asked.
"Oh yeah, he's really crazy for me. He shows it so well, as he runs around and introduces himself to every woman in the room." Mara commented with wise grin. "No, we never dated in the first place."
"Mara only pretended to date him for a cover job. Calrissian landed himself into some hot water and asked for our services." Karrde helped explain.
"So… all of those months, and images of you two together. It was all, fake?" Leia asked.
"Yes, and even though Lando has yet to stop flirting with me. I know that I would be no competition for his mirror." Mara confessed, not the least bit sorry.
"Lando's a good friend, but I could have told you that." Han Solo smiled, as something hit him. The whole while Luke had been talking about the girl he was in love with. Han had really hoped to himself, he was talking about Mara. He'd always hoped that those two would end up together. The only problem with that was all of those rumors of Mara being with Lando. Now that he knew that was a lie, to save Lando's sorry caucus. That left Mara once again, in the clear… and Han couldn't help but smile to himself.
"Oh sure, who couldn't?" Mara smiled back.
"Well, Princess-"
"Talon, what did we talk about?"
"Forgive me, old habits and all that… Leia, Han, it's been fun. But we have a very full day ahead of us tomorrow." Karrde smiled towards his second-in-command.
"That we do, but it really was good seeing you both!" Mara smiled and hugged Leia.
"You really must come by and see the kids. They would all be so disappointed if they heard you were here and didn't visit." Leia suggested.
"I couldn't do that, could I? I'll call you and arrange a time to stop by." Mara promised. Then she and Karrde were on their way out.
"You know Jade, I do believe you're a part of that family." Karrde observed out the corner of his mouth.
Mara stiffened, was he on to them? But her voice remained cool and she asked, "what do you mean?"
"The Solo's and Skywalker. I mean you spent the last holiday with Skywalker-"
"For Jedi training, I don't see that as a tender family pass-time."
"Just now all of that talk about their kids, and how they love you. I'm not teasing Mara, I'm not, really! I simply want you to know I think it's great that you've finally got some family." Karrde smiled!
"Well, they're not my family, they're Skywalker's. But I will admit, they're probably the closest I'll ever have." Mara confessed more to herself than Karrde. He just happened to be standing there, smiling brighter as she said it.
Mara's Apartment…
She arrived home tossed her handbag on the table and checked her com-station for any missed messages. As usual, there were no voice-messages; precious few beings were privy to her private line's code. However a few written messages were awaiting her eye. She was about to see what her schedule would hold tomorrow, when… the newest message's sender caught her eye. 'Ben Darklighter,' which was the alias Luke had created for himself. So no one would know they were communicating like this. The reason he chose 'Ben,' was obvious… but Mara wasn't exactly sure why he chose 'Darklighter.' And made a note to herself that she would have to ask him sometime.
With a thrill of excitement, she opened the letter and read quickly:
Dear Miss. Jade,
I know that you're probably far away on a mission of great importance. And that you probably won't even get this right away. But the princess decided that the ball I attended tonight; would be the place I met my soul mate. Knowing you, you'll laugh and say; "How could you pass that up, it's the perfect opportunity." But you know as well as I, that she couldn't be more incorrect. How am I to even look at other women, when you have me so happily hypnotized? The only thing her shenanigans did accomplish… was it made me miss you terribly. I really wish I could see you, somehow, but I'll not ask you to put yourself in danger on my account. I just wrote you because I was lonely and I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you.
Yours truly,
B.D.
After reading this letter, she couldn't take it a moment longer. She was on her feet and heading for the door. He wasn't mad at her; he was simply oblivious to her presence. Well she could fix that; and that's just what she intended to do.
Just outside Luke's Apartment…
Mara cloaked her presence in the force, so Luke would have no idea that she was near. She also manipulated the force so that she wouldn't be noticed by his guards or the surveillance droids. She easily made it to Luke's door and entered his access code, deftly. The door slide aside and Artoo was rolling up to greet her excitedly. Carrying on about how they have to get better guards. Before rolling back to his recharging station, and shutting down for the night. Somehow knowing his master would want to be alone with his secret love.
She didn't even have to be told where he was; she knew. She headed for the large balcony, where she knew he would be hanging on the railing. She leaned on the doorframe and to her delight; that was exactly where he was. Dress shirt all un-tucked, and buttoned loosely, staring dreamily at the sky… and looking very lonely.
"How did I just know this is where I would find you?" Mara asked with a smile when he'd jumped.
"Mara! You're here!" He stated in surprise, relief and disbelief.
"Hey Farmboy." She greeted smiling brightly. Luke rushed towards her, and kissed her deeply.
"How I've missed you." Luke said after they parted, hugging her very tightly.
"Really?" Mara asked, with a twinkle in her eye that confused Luke a little. But he continued without dwelling.
"You have no idea," He smiled, kissing her again. "You look gorgeous tonight; but can I ask, why so fancy? I thought you where working with Karrde tonight."
"I was, but we had to attend the same shindig, that you did. I told you I would be far away; because I wanted to surprise you, for once." Mara confessed.
"You were there? Tonight?" He asked in surprise.
"Yes, I was behind you in fact when you leapt from that balcony. Just before I could let you in on my secret; but given your position… I would have bailed long before you pulled the plug." She smiled.
"I'm so sorry Mara, but honestly, I couldn't take another minute of that torture." Luke had to tell her.
"I know that now, but at first I was afraid you'd spotted me. Or you were mad at me and you jumped to escape me too." Mara confessed.
"No, I'm not mad at you; not even close. But my sister's another story all together."
"You know Leia's only trying to help, though I will admit, tonight was a new low. Calrissian was only right about one thing, tonight was nowhere near your style."
"Did he make the best of the situation?"
"Of course," Mara said as she rolled her eyes, gaining a chuckle from Luke.
"Were you jealous?" Luke asked.
"No, that eye-roll was not out of jealousy, Skywalker. That eye-roll was out of disgust, at how anyone could be that into themselves. Honestly!" Mara made clear.
"Alright, alright, just checking." Luke chucked, before Mara added in the saddest tone. "We must be doing a really good job of hiding our relationship, your sister really thinks you made me up."
"I know, she won't listen to me. How could I make up the way you make me feel?" Luke asked, taking her hand.
"I guess she gives your imagination more credit than I do." Mara assured.
"She simply won't quit till I give her a name." Luke explained, clearly more than a little frustrated.
"That's Leia," Mara smiled sadly.
"Let's not talk about all of that now. You're here, we're alone and I don't want to waist a moment of our time." Luke smiled taking her hand. "How long have we got?"
"Starting now? Hmm, if you don't mind me staying with you, here, tonight… we have around eight hours… I know it's not much, but after I finish work tomorrow. We'll have twenty-four hours, before I have to leave." Mara explained.
"Well, that's not much time; I wish you never had to leave. But I'll take what I can get." Luke smiled before pulling her into a gentle kiss. Luke was always trying to take things gentle with her, so she didn't feel alienated. At first, she would jump nearly out of her skin, whenever Luke was trying to be affectionate. She would even shove him away, or panic, she wasn't accustom to affection.
But just now, she hadn't jumped, gasped, or even attempted to push him away.
She wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him back with all her might. When they parted, to catch their breath; Mara hugged him tightly. She whispered only for him to hear, "I missed you so much." Luke was so encouraged, he kissed her more passionately while lifting her into his arms. She let him carry her back into the apartment, so they could carry on their little reunion in a more private setting.
Now it's you're turn guys; did you Like it, Love it, Hate it, Tolerate it? Let me know, I love hearing from all of you guys and you are my inspiration! Much love!
-SailorLeia!