Luke Skywalker lay awake, staring up at the ceiling. It was well past midnight, and yet sleep seemed to be eluding him. He knew why, of course. It was the same thing that had been keeping him awake every night this week.

     Mara.

     He couldn't take this anymore. He had to do something.

This might come as quite a shock,

That I've given it a lot of thought.

This thing that's come between us can't be ignored.

I've taken all I can.

This is where it's gotta end.

'Cause I can't be your friend anymore.

     He rolled out of be and pulled his clothes on, going to the comm unit. He punched in Mara's frequency and waited for her to answer.

     He didn't have long to wait. Mara answered almost immediately.

     She had been awake, too.

     "We need to talk," Luke said quietly.

     Mara looked down for a moment. "I know."

     "Can you come over?"

     She nodded. "Give me five minutes."

     "Okay." Luke cut the transmission and went over to the couch. He sat down and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.

Then I can't be accused

Of not being there for you.

How many nights have you shown up at my door?

I hope you understand

This wasn't in my plans.

But I can't be your friend anymore.

     He felt Mara coming before she actually knocked on his door. He opened it, stepping aside so she could come through.

     He followed her into the living space, letting the door slide closed. He went over to the couch, but didn't sit down. Instead, he turned to her, running a hand through his hair before finally speaking.

     "We can't go on like this, Mara. I can't sleep at night. I'm too busy thinking about you. I keep turning around, expecting to see you, just wanting to wrap my arms around you and tell you how I feel."

And it's killing me to know you

Without having a chance to hold you

And all I wanna do is show you

How I really feel inside.

Now, you can run to me,

You can laugh at me,

Or you can walk right out that door.

But I can't be your friend anymore.

     Mara stared at him, obviously stunned. "Luke, I…"

     "Mara, I can't settle for this anymore. I can't concentrate on anything; I forget things that I shouldn't." He bit his lip, gazing at her. "Just give me a chance, please," he pleaded.

So, baby now it's up to you.

Do I win or do I lose?

Will my heart fly or lie broken on the floor?

Well, take me as I am.

'Cause I wanna be your man.

But I can't be your friend anymore.

     He inhaled slowly. "I need an answer, Mara." He held his breath, waiting.

     Mara closed her eyes briefly. "Luke, what if it doesn't work?"

     Luke took the few steps that separated him from where she sat. He crouched in front of her, taking her hands in his. "We'll make it work, Mara. I promise you that. I don't care what it takes." He felt a growing desperation in his stomach. He swallowed hard when she didn't answer right away. "Mara, I need an answer," he repeated. "You can say yes, you can say no, or you can just walk out of here and I'll never bring this up again. But I need an answer."

And it's killing me to know you

Without having a chance to hold you

And all I wanna do is show you

How I really feel inside.

Now, you can run to me,

You can laugh at me,

Or you can walk right out that door.

But I can't be your friend anymore.

     Mara took a deep breath. "Yes."

     Luke felt as if his grin stretched from ear to ear. "Thank you, Mara." Judging by the look on her face, she had wanted this as badly as he had.

     He stood, pulling her to her feet. His arms slipped around her waist, and he lowered his head, his mouth covering hers.

We can't be just friends anymore.