The Love of an Uncle and Niece: Luke and Jaina one-shots.

.

.

.

A/N 1: These will not be in chronological order. Therefore, a timeframe will be given for each story.

A/N 2: I don't own Star Wars.

.

.

First Glimpse:

9 ABY

Luke Skywalker walked briskly through the entrance to the Imperial Palace, ignoring the many stares he received. He stopped only once to make sure she was indeed home, and then he was off again, silent but determined.

Upon arriving at the Solo residence high up in the towering building, he knocked on the door, waiting with baited breath. It took a good amount of calming exercises to not just barrel through the door, so excited was he to see his family's newest arrivals.

Luke had of course felt Leia's pain during labor, but he'd had to shut her out whilst fighting C'boath with Mara. Now, after what had been the longest journey to Coruscant that he could remember to date, here he was, holding his breath: waiting to see his niece and nephew for the very first time in the flesh.

Finally the door opened, and Han Solo's weary face split into a wide grin when he realized who was on the other side.

"Luke!" Han grabbed his hand and practically yanked him inside, clapping him into an enthusiastic hug.

Luke returned the gesture with equal fervor, holding his brother tight for a long moment. Finally they parted, and Luke glanced about.

"How's Leia doing?" He inquired softly, thinking that she was asleep.

"She's doing great, considering. I'll let her know you're here."

Luke put a restraining hand on his arm. "If she's resting, I can come back."

Han shook his head. "Nah. She's still awake, just feeding the little rascals is all."

Luke nodded to Han's retreating back, and sat on the sofa, holding back his excitement in an effort to remain calm and composed. He felt a subtle caress from his twin sister, and returned it with all his love. Minutes later, Leia and Han emerged, each carrying a small bundle.

Luke stood and grinned, eyes riveted to the tiny babies in their parents' grasp. He regained enough conscious thought to remember that Leia was just as important, and he glanced at her.

"How are you feeling, Sis?" Luke asked softly, trying not to disturb the infant nestled against her side.

She smiled warmly. "Never been better. How are you doing?"

"Great." Luke returned his attention to the baby.

Leia smiled again and lifted the tiny form up and held the baby so he could better see.

"Meet Jaina, and that is Jacen." She nodded to the infant Han carried.

"May I hold her?" Luke asked.

Leia handed Jaina over with gentle care, and Luke followed her instructions to hold her properly, sitting on the couch once more. His entire focus went to his niece, and as he stared at her tiny, yet perfect face, he felt his priorities shift.

Jaina had the sweetest face, with a cute button nose, the softest lips, and long eyelashes.

I wonder what color her eyes will be. Luke thought. She's so beautiful!

Luke felt tears sting his eyes, and, well aware of the eyes on him, he allowed them to fall without reservation. He pulled Jaina to his chest, cradling her to him with tender love.

He gently reached out with the Force, carefully touching her with it, and when she reached back, Luke's breath caught in his throat. The sensation was instinctive, unconscious on Jaina's part, but he had the distinct impression of Jaina wrapping her hand around his pinkie finger.

She was a brightly shining beacon in the Force, and so strong! Luke caressed her with his love, and then withdrew, but not before she reached back yet again, and he felt a bond establish. Unable to help himself, Luke let slip a joyous laugh.

When the infant jumped in his arms, he shushed her quietly, kissing her forehead. When he pulled back, he was surprised to find her eyes open… and staring directly into his own.

"Hello Jaina, it's so nice to finally meet you." Luke said for her ears only. "My beautiful niece!"

Luke held her gaze.

"I promise you I will always be there for you, Jaina. Anything you need, anytime." Luke spoke softly. "I will protect you with my very life, and I will be a listening ear. You can come to me with anything. I love you."

He glanced up upon hearing another whimper, and glanced up to see not only Leia in joyful tears, but Han also swiping away a few sniffles. Luke grinned knowingly at Han, but didn't call him on it.

"She's wonderful, Leia. Congratulations you guys." Luke murmured.

He glanced up at Jacen, then back to Jaina, the little girl who had now snuggled her way permanently into his heart.

The only thing that could make this better was if she were my daughter. Luke thought ruefully, planting another feather-light kiss on Jaina's head.