Mara lunged at Luke with her arm raised up, prepared to launch a barrage of strikes. Ataru was not well suited against the powerful strokes of Luke's Djem So. She was supposed to hold him at bay with sheer speed. Instead, his overhand power blows had pushed Mara back fiercely, yet she could never catch his green blade overextended. Her own blue blade blocked, launching jabs at Luke's wrist and legs to knock him off balance.
Then for a moment Luke seemed to falter, and Mara gleamed, seeking the opening as Luke wobbled, likely from overextending his blade. Mara feigned to the her left before moving to his right. But Luke had somehow regained his footing, sidestepping as he turned elegantly, his blade easily commuting a sun djem. Mara let out an exasperated sigh as his green blade hovered several centimeters in front of her jaw. But Mara wasn't out of tricks yet.
Pulling her arms in, she pushed upwards, throwing her body backwards as Luke watched amused, cocking his eyebrow. Luke walking slowly forward with his saber by his side. Mara took in a deep breath, recentering herself from Luke's unrelenting barrages. To her surprise, his blade deactivated with a snap hiss, and it was tossed to the side.
"Getting cocky are we now, Jedi?" Mara taunted, narrowing her eyes as she raised her fists in a defensive position. Luke's face broke into a slight grin, as if challenging her to attack. Charging at him, she feigned a right hook, and expected him to duck. Luke did just that, and Mara smiled, readying to slam her elbow down on his back. Unfortunately, Luke had sensed this, deciding to tackle her to the floor by thrusting himself onto Mara's legs.
Luke and Mara slammed into the floor, staring at each other intently as they took in a deep breath. Mara was sweating heavily, but Luke remained largely at rest, only a slightly heavier breath betraying any sign of effort.
Luke suddenly felt his legs intimately entwined with Mara's their faces barely centimeters away from each other. His blue eyes met her green ones, and they both blushed, Luke quickly climbing off Mara before lying down next to her.
"You've gotten better," Luke mused.
"How do you keep on tricking me?" Mara questioned, admitting with a hint of resentment that Luke had surpassed her in hand to hand combat when the contrary had prided herself for many years prior.
"Just practice with a good teacher," Luke said, and Mara flustered, feeling proud of her training with Luke.
"If only my master could get my lightsaber skills up to par," Mara teased as they stared into the stars, laying on the grass of the rooftop gardens within the Imperial Palace.
Mara stiffened instinctively as Luke wrapped his hand around her back, immediately regretting it as he withdrew. "Sorry," he flustered embarrassed.
"Don't worry about it," Mara replied, trying to use a warm tone but ending up monotone like a protocol droid. Mara cursed herself inside as she felt Luke's slight disappointment.
"Luke!" A distant voice shouted, and the duo turned, seeing the short figure of Leia walking towards them.
Nearing them, she appraised Mara disapprovingly before embracing Luke. Mara bottled up her resentment, forcing a smile as Luke broke off his embrace with Leia. Luke asked, "What are you here for?"
Leia put on a distraught face, containing her childish delight as she coldly questioned, "You don't want me here brother?"
Leia added a huff for good measure, and was instantly rewarded by Luke adamant denial. Finally letting her laughter escape, Leia teased, "So gullible, little brother."
"Who says I'm the little one?" Luke retorted, a playful smirk replacing the look of concern. Leia then pressed on with her announcement. "Luke, hear me out on this. Queen Sosha from Naboo wants to see you. She wants you to become her prince."
Luke's smile disappeared instantly, and he grabbed Leia's wrist forcefully, half dragging his sister in a rare bout of anger.
Mara could sense his frustration, but bit back any attempts to intervene. She could only watch as Luke stormed off with Leia, not sparing her a glance. Leia, on the other hand, alternated between pleading looks with Luke and glares towards Mara.
As the door to the Solo apartment whisked open, Luke finally spoke.
"You can't just marry me off like a slave!" Luke shouted at Leia.
"You can't close off yourself to the galaxy! You have an obligation to marry. Besides it'll be good for you," Leia screamed in response, her cheeks a bright shade of red and her eyes narrowed dangerously.
Emerging from the bathroom, Han watched helplessly as the Skywalker twins stared each other down, tempted to slowly back into the bathroom he had just exited before either noticed him.
"You should be finding a wife Luke! Not spending all your time with that Emperor's hand."
"My time is for me to use, Leia. And her name is Mara. She has saved you enough times. At least have the decency to call her by her name."
"What is with you? That Emperor's hand! Her of all people to be friends with?"
"And what if I am? I supported you marrying Han. Why can't you just accept her as my friend?"
"That's different! You know I'm watching out for you. I'll respect your decision but you need to let me help you little brother," Leia retorted, even though she knew that Luke was right. She silently hoped that her joke on him being the younger sibling would end their conversation. Apparently she had angered him more than she guessed, as he was about to retort.
"Damn space wizards," Han muttered, and instantly regretted it as both twins turned and screamed, "Stay out of this!"
Han was about to walk out but Luke beat him to it, storming out the room and hitting the close button with more force than needed. "Luke!" Leia began, but the door slammed shut in her face. Han was about to speak, but the glare on Leia's face made him snap his mouth shut. Leia huffed and walked to the Kitchen. Han would have stopped her, she always started a fire somehow, but her face was enough to tell him it was better than letting Leia blow off steam on him.
"I heard that," Leia said bitterly. Han merely shook his head. Being engaged to a jedi did not mean he had to like every force ability.
It seemed every time Leia tried to bring up the issue of marriage to Luke he would push her away. She knew he was hiding something. Something to do with a very disliked redhead.
Mara did not sleep well. Luke's emotions revealed nothing, and in a rare instance he blocked himself off, meaning Mara was unable to reach him. After hours more of twisting and turning on her bed, the chrono finally read 6.
Just as Mara started her caf machine, the doorbell rang. Mara opened the door, half expecting it to by Luke. Ever since she had come to Coruscant to liaise between the New Republic and the Smuggler's Alliance she felt Luke and Leia's arguments get progressively worse. He never fessed up in spite of her best efforts, but even the skill of a jedi master could not contain all of his and her emotions. Besides, she was the only one he trusted enough to sulk to. As she opened the door, she stared out at an empty corridor, much to her annoyance.
Today was not a good day. The grand premier of the latest opera was today, and Mara Jade, former Emperor's hand and the best operative, well one of the best anyways, was unable to get a ticket. She had come to terms with this a week before, but the day itself, with parades and celebrations plastered across Coruscant, reminded her of the fact. Karrade was already working her to her limit, giving her stacks of paperwork and making her meet stupid clients who always treated her as eye candy. At least he asked, Mara supposed. Still, there wasn't really a choice. It seemed that Mara's life was always dictated by something else. Everyone either hated her or wanted to use her. Often both. "All except one," a voice stated in the back of Mara's mind. As she mumbled some huttese swear words, about to slam the door in anger, she looked down to see a beautiful bouquet of Valenic flowers.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she brought the bouquet her face, taking in the flowery scent and sighing in delight before noticing a small and fancy white card embroidered in gold letters. She hesitated for a moment before closing the door, walking to her bed and plopping down on the soft mattress, she carefully set the flowers to her side, her hands now fidgeting slightly nervously. Mara had a decent idea this had come from one sweet Tatooinian farm boy. No one else knew of her love for the flower. Even if they did she doubted they would bother using the knowledge. But of course Luke would.
As she flipped the card, she saw two tickets fall out, eyes immediately widening in surprise again. There was only one attraction on the planet that used this ticket: The opera house! She felt the hope bubbling up, barely containing childish excitement as she looked through the ticket details. A small part of her hoped that it was to the premiere to the newest and hottest opera "Rise of the galaxy", the newest opera supposedly a love story based on the Galactic Civil War. It was supposedly the latest work of one Master Salieri, the legendary director whose every opera Mara had attended as a child. Surprisingly, her former master Emperor Palpatine had loved the opera. And for what it was worth, he took her often, also building her appreciation for the arts.
She had been trying to get tickets for the past month, even pulling on Karrade's contacts to no avail. The opera was completely sold out for months, and everyone was talking about it, which made it all the more crazy. Allegedly, Leia had to threaten shutting the opera down to get a pair of tickets for her and Han. Moment of truth, she thought as she turned the tickets over. Mara's emerald eyes widened in sheer childlike joy, bouncing up and down excitedly like a child. But in that moment, the former hand couldn't care less how the collected former assassin appeared, checking the chrono quickly and mustering the willpower to read the letter.
Mara,
I know you've been trying to get tickets to the much anticipated "Rise of the Galaxy". You don't need to hide your excitement from me, you know? I think of myself as your best friend, and want to spend more time getting to know you Mara. The real you.
I'm not sure if I got the right tickets, but I'm hoping we could go watch it together? I managed to get opening day, hopefully you find this in time. I didn't know how you would react and let's just say I'm a bit nervous for your reaction. I'm sorry for leaving you so suddenly yesterday, it was some private matter with Leia. Let me make it up to you. I'll pick you up around seven, if you're up for it.
Sorry if I sound a bit pathetic, but if you're willing, I would love to learn more about opera with you. If you have something else to do, I completely understand of course.
Yours,
L
Mara looked at the tickets again, and shrieked in horror at the time. It was already five thirty and Mara was nowhere near well-dressed. She ran towards the freshner, pulling out a small bottle of sweet berry scented shampoo. She knew Skywalker was in love with those berries, all the more reason she had refused to wear it previously whenever around him.
Leaving the freshner, she walked over to her closet, picking out a sparkling green dress matching the colours of her eyes. She smirked thinking about Skywalker's reaction of her not in a flight suit or something combat ready, much less a dress. Not a moment later, her doorbell rang again, and Mara hastily tucked her golden-red hair into a braid, reaching out with the force and feeling his warm presence reaching back. She hurried to the door, opening it and bringing a surprised Luke into an embrace.
Luke's blue eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered and returned the gesture, savoring Mara's out-of-character openness and a scent of his favourite sweet berries. She read his thoughts and quickly quipped, "Don't get used to it Skywalker," and pulled away, instantly feeling a smile creep up her face at his flushed cheeks. For good measure, she added, "Hmm. The great and noble Jedi Master unable to keep his eyes in check?" Mara was rewarded by Luke's nervous gaze and even more flustered cheeks.
She then remembered why he was here, and quickly exclaimed, "Oh Skywalker, how in the force did you manage to get these tickets? I nearly tried stealing the sale records and assassinating someone to get them!"
Feeling Luke's slight uneasiness, she jokingly elbowed him in the ribs, teasingly questioning him, "Oh Skywalker? Did you think that I would really do such a cold-hearted thing?" Mara simultaneously adorned puppy-eyes, pouting as she tried to contain her laughter. Luke noticeably shifted his feet uneasily, unsure at what his best friend was up to this time.
She finally gave up, chuckling to herself before pecking him on the lips, intertwining her hand with Luke's as she asked, "Gonna keep on staring Farmboy? Or are we actually going to the opera?"
He quickly recovered from a gaping expression, calming himself before responding, "Of course Mara. I hope that I got the right tickets?"
Mara considered teasing him again, but reluctantly admitted that if they were to make it on time they had to leave now, They. Now that was something Mara did not think of normally. She and Luke were just friends. Best friends. No harm in that right?
"Mara? Is everything alright?" Snapping out of her trance, she saw Luke's soft blue eyes watching her with concern. Mara felt safe around Luke, and though she hated to admit it, it pained her when she wasn't around him. There was just something him. Something that made her want to pull him into bed and kiss him vigorously forever. Kriff what was she thinking? They were friends and that was all there was to it! She gave him an annoyed look before she realized it, and try to contain it as he may, Mara felt his slight shock and sadness.
Luke walked alongside Mara, stealing glances at the emerald green eyes he had secretly adored from the first time he met her. In spite of her initially trying to kill him, he couldn't get himself to look away from her beautiful freckled face, her silky golden-red hair and those alluring red lips! Force! He quickly checked if his mental shields were still in place. Force knows what Mara would do if she found out.
The couple entered the opera house hand in hand, and of course the reporters immediately noticed them, swarming the couple and snapping photos. Luke could feel Mara blush, and instinctively sheltered her with his embrace. To his surprise, Mara didn't resist, reveling in the warmth of her friend. Mara asked Luke, "Where are our seats?"
She turned towards the ground entrance but immediately stopped when she Luke stood rooted to the spot. She raised an eyebrow questioningly, and he simply responded, "I don't think it's that way. Which way are the Diamond level seats?"
Mara was unable to contain her surprise, mouth dropping agape as she looked at their tickets again in disbelief. The words "class: diamond" met her eyes, and she held back tears of joy, quickly fortifying her mind with more shields before telling Luke as calmly as she could, "That way," leading him up the carpeted floors until they reached their box, facing directly towards the center of the stage, finally free of the curious onlookers and journalists. She couldn't fathom how Luke had managed to get these tickets, making a mental note to question him later. She needed the technique and though she cared for Luke she would cut him limb by limb to get his tactic.
Picking up on her thoughts, Luke chucked quietly, teasingly whispering in her ear, "Sorry Mara, trade secret," immediately receiving a good natured elbow to the ribs and a roll of her beautiful green eyes. Still reveling at the warmth of his breath against her ear, she leaned in closer, sensing Luke's elation.
"Careful farm boy," she purred. "Just because you happened to get some opera tickets doesn't mean I don't bite, " clicking her teeth as Luke resisted bursting out in laughter. Mara leaned her head against his shoulder, and they made their way to the seats, Mara holding Luke closely as the lights dimmed and the opera began.
Within five minutes, the smile on Mara's face disappeared. The opera was nothing short of an embarrassment! The music was bland, barely any rhythm to the damn thing, and god the costumes. She cringed, probably too noticeably as she quickly found Luke's soft blue eyes staring at her worriedly again. Force she felt so weak looking at them. If he only asked she was sure she would have delivered Palpatine's head to appease him. Brushing aside her thoughts, she forced a smile, whispering, "I'm fine Luke. Enjoy the show."
Mara couldn't let herself rely on another person. Wouldn't let herself rely on another person. She knew Luke would never take advantage of her, but the possibility still unnerved her. Perhaps this was why she always rebuffed his advances. "We can be so much more together Mara," Luke had once pleaded.
Mara had brushed him off, and Luke kept his distance, never reaching an answer. She guessed Luke interpreted this as a rejection. Truth be told, Mara didn't know what she was trying to tell him, which only complicated things when she had eagerly blocked off Luke's many suitors.
Luke tried to look calm, nodding his head slowly though inside of him alarm bells were ringing crazily. He cringed at Mara calling him Luke. He had wanted that for so long, yet when she did more often than not it meant something was wrong. And the smile, try as she may argue otherwise, was clearly a cold one, lacking any spirit to it. "Do you want to leave, get some dinner perhaps?" Luke asked. Mara simply shook her head, forcing a smile and lying to his face, "Of course not. The show is great!" She guessed Luke saw right through her lie, but he didn't comment, merely holding her tightly and playing with their entangled fingers.
Sensing he was unconvinced, Mara silently wondered to herself why she kept pushing him away, all thoughts on her friend rather than the pathetic opera. Force knows how much effort Luke had gone through to get this for her. She didn't care if it hurt worse than Palpatine's force lightning she was going to pretend she was enjoying herself. Though she suspected this wouldn't help. Now the dinner didn't seem half bad.
She noticed Luke seemingly distracted, wincing just noticeably for someone as observant and concerned as Mara. She casually glanced over and found his gaze towards a frowning Leia. Mara contained her thoughts. If Luke didn't want to talk about it then she would not press him. "Thanks," Luke murmured, and Mara gave him a playful glare.
"Reading my thoughts again?" Mara questioned, half joking, half serious.
Luke smiled, softly responding, "Of course not Mara. You know I would never."
Mara rolled her eyes dramatically, teasing, "Of course. Noble Skywalker, never one to abuse his powers hmm?"
He have a light chuckle, and held her just slightly closer.
The remainder of the night passed uneventfully, Luke chivalrously escorting her back home before opening his lips to say something. Mara could sense he was going to apologize for her disappointment in spite of how none of this was his fault. Without realizing it, she glared at him warning, and though he might try, she could immediately tell the hurt in his eyes.
Forcing a smile, Luke asked shyly, "Maybe we could grab dinner or spar sometime?"
Any hope was instantly washed away by Mara's instinctive roll of her eyes. Trying to lighten the mood, Mara quickly stated, "You know Skywalker, if you want to see me in a dress all you have to do is ask."
"Mara I would never," Luke began, unable to believe his friend could accuse him of such a thing. "Never mind, see you around I guess."
Luke winced inwardly. Every time he tried to get closer to Mara it always ended in disaster. He knew she was trying not to make him feel bad, but he could sense her overwhelming disappointment and frustration throughout the night. And now she had returned to her normal cold self, again giving him the cold shoulder and wordlessly telling him to leave. It pained him but he composed himself, determined to leave before he further damaged their fragile relationship. It was during moments like this that they always broke out in heated argument, and Luke hated himself for it every time. Mara always pretended to be nonchalant but he could sense that she was often hurt to, making him all the more hurt. Luke looked at Mara one last time, quietly thanking Mara for her time and wishing her a good night before leaving, knowing he was unwelcome.
Mara always told him she would never train to be a Jedi, couldn't allow herself to be controlled by a master. The intensity of those arguments flooded his mind. In a twisted way, those times were better than the present. At least they were honest with each other. Now, they each wore a mask, playing a stranger.
He felt the force tell him to just drop the charade and hug her, kiss her and tell her he loved him. But he knew it would never work. She would push him away and lose even their current friendship. He forced himself to quicken his pace, tightening his mental shield and determined to not hurt Mara anymore. "You don't deserve her,"a voice in Luke's head state. He couldn't help but agree.
Mara stared at Luke's silhouette, wanting to rush after him, to hug him and tell him that the night was not his fault, that she loved him and wanted to spend more time with him. But she reluctantly closed the door, wandering to the bedroom and eyeing the Valenic flowers as tears began to flow uncontrollably down her cheeks. She buried her hands in her face, sobbing as she pondered the only question she had yet to solve: How did she always manage to hurt her Luke? She often wondered why he stayed with her. He could have any woman in the galaxy, and as one suitor put it so eloquently, "Would rather be with the traitor and criminal than me." Luke had always vehemently defended her integrity, and though she hated to admit it, telling him often enough she could defend herself, she felt a safe comfort knowing he defended her so vehemently. She didn't deserve him.
Every time he reached out, she had given him the equivalent of a slap. She felt something different for Luke, a strong friendship and an urge to protect him. Too bad the only thing hurting Luke recently was Leia. And herself.
Mara's gloominess was suddenly replaced with boiling anger. Anger not at Luke. Force anything but her Luke. It was anger against Maestro Salieri. Ruining her perfect chance to finally admit her feelings to Luke. To show him that she could be carefree and fun just like the other girls that always tried to attract his attention. She could have held Luke during the climax, slowly leaning in closer as they moved in for a kiss just as the music faded and the opera house broke out in applause, announcing to the galaxy that Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade were taken, probably breaking the hearts of many men brave or stupid enough to want Mara for her looks, and even more women who wanted Luke. In a cruel twist of the force, it was their hearts that lay shattered.
Mara wondered why Luke even bothered with her. He was a Jedi Master and hero of the rebellion. She was an ex-imperial. The worst of them all, she begrudgingly admitted, serving Palpatine as his personal assassin. Luke always tried to comfort her, telling her it wasn't her fault, defying his sister Leia and forcing the New Republic to drop charges against her. Yet she somehow couldn't accept that. That and his unyielding kindness and care for her. Kriff why was she like this?
She angrily wrote a holo to Maestro Salieri expressing her thoughts, adding in several reporters for good measure, then threw her holopad across the room and fell into an uneasy sleep.
Luke was staring out the window at the Coruscant night, yet in spite of all the praise and adornment from others, he was unable to even get things right with the one person his heart ached for. Of course not, he cared deeply for his sister Leia as well as her husband and his brother in law Han Solo. They had been through so much together ever since he blindly ran into the Death Star declaring he was here to rescue her, the trio of them forming an unshakable bond ever since. He was glad for them, they had finally started exploring a relationship, yielding to his constant prodding. They deserved this after suffering so much, he thought to himself. Leia. Luke knew Leia was trying to find him a girl. She was concerned he wasn't ever going to find love after Callista dumped him just as he began a crippling depression. He smiled sadly at her sister's overprotectiveness. Then he felt Mara's sadness radiating through the force for a brief flicker before she clamped down on it, closing her mind to Luke as she always had. And always will, Luke added. It saddened Luke even more, knowing that he not only saddened himself, but also his best friend.
Suddenly, he heard his holopad chime, immediately rushing to it to check. This chime was exclusively for messages for Mara.
MS,
I can't begin to express my disappointment at you tonight. The opera was a complete disgrace, I have no idea why you could look me in the eye after forcing me to watch that atrocity. I cannot begin to fathom what has happened to you. I hope we don't meet again. You have ruined so much for me. I can't imagine what I will do to you if I ever see you again.
Mara
Luke's worry all seemed to face away that instant, droplets of tears quietly streaming down his face as he grabbed his lightsaber, several tunics and other valuables. Grim determination and an impassive face spread across his face. Leia was right as always. Mara truly didn't want him, no matter how hard he tried. He'd think Mara would at least end their relationship in person. But he wasn't even worth that. Luke thought about calling Leia, but decided against it. His sister would never understand. She barely got along with Mara, often chastising him for not marrying some other "normal" girl as she put it. It didn't help that Mara had added several prominent reporters to the message, clearly intending to mock him. It hurt that they were both right and he was wrong. Like always dreamed that somehow he and Mara could start their own family, with Leia and Han right beside them. Both had told him it would never work. He was truly the naive and optimistic fool. At least no longer.
He quickly activated his comlink. Gradress Nall's hologram appeared promptly, and Luke calmly instructed him, "Prepare my inheritance, an untraceable but advanced ship and some fake papers." Gradress Nall acknowledged quickly. The efficient male secretly in charge of Darth Vader's enormous estate told Luke to meet him in an obscure hangar at his convenience. Nodding in acknowledgement, he holstered his deactivated comlink on his trusty utility belt.
Luke had never actively contacted him before, and the only time they spoke was when Gradress Nall told Luke to contact him to access Lord Vader's estate. He had never needed it, nearly forgotten about it. Part of him was glad he didn't. At least the force was kind enough to allow him this.
Luke was grateful for Nall's silence over the holonet scandal. Everything he worked so hard for seemed to crumble down. Sure, he didn't mind being criticized, but this? He cringed at the media storm surrounding his sister right now.
In the bustling traffic of Coruscant's night sky, a sleek Nubian yacht armed discreetly armed with some of the most advanced weaponry in the galaxy, piloted by its sole occupant, the most powerful jedi in the galaxy, armed with a lightsaber and a credit chip giving him access to more wealth than he could ever use. Who would imagine his father made billions of credits before redeeming himself as Anakin.
Luke sighed, plunging in coordinates to Naboo. His father had a mansion there. He would isolate himself there, away from Mara. At least then he would know he'd never be able to hurt her like last night again. He had seen right through her fake smile, knowing she was disgusted at him inside. He cringed at that night as the viewscreen was covered by streaks of light, signifying the entry into hyperspace.
Mara tossed and turned in her bed. Something was wrong, but she couldn't quite place her finger on it. After a few more painstaking minutes she gave up, stretching her hand and calling her discarded datapad with the force. Straining to no avail, she muttered some obscenities before begrudgingly walking to collect her datapad.
As she brought it up, still on the same screen as yesterday, she thought about her outburst at Maestro Salieri. Was it really that bad, or was it just Luke's self blame that caused it. Mara mentally slapped herself for even thinking of blaming Luke. She surmised he was already carrying the universe's faults on his shoulders, and she certainly didn't help. She felt a shiver from the pang of guilt for pushing his kindness away.
Mara closed her eyes, sitting in a meditation poise attempting to reach Luke. Frowning, she struggled before finding his presence absent from his Coruscanti apartment.
"How odd," she thought. Luke rarely closed his mind to her, and in those rare instances he always told her why. Perhaps he had to leave for some Jedi matter? She pondered the possibility, but her danger sense flared up, undeniably refuting this explanation for something else. But what?
Mara grumbled, giving up on reaching out for Luke for the moment. She had probably hurt him enough. Try as she may, she had this gut feeling he had seen right through her act, and in Luke's fashion gone and blamed himself. She felt so bad for her friend. If only she knew how to help. Then again, how many times had she refused. Never accompanying him on Jedi missions, barely even caring about his thoughts and always mocking him. If anything she was hurting more than helping.
Mara shook her head, deciding if anyone knew where Luke was it was probably Leia. Sitting down at her comm unit, she entered Leia's contact, a tired but beautiful face quickly appearing. Mara felt bad looking at the soft brown eyes of Leia, so different to Luke's twinkling blues yet still so disarming.
"Hi Mara, what can I do for you," Leia asked regally, though Mara knew she was exhausted and annoyed, barely holding back her contempt for Mara.
"Sorry to bother, but do you know where Luke is?" Mara asked. Leia noticeably tensed at the mention of Luke.
"I would think he'd be in his apartment. He finally decided to take several days off, he promised he would stop by for a family dinner with Han and I." She closed her eyes, suddenly more awake as she noticeably strained.
"Mara I don't sense him. I know he would tell me if he had to leave for something. Do you know where he is?" Leia blurted out nervously. Even through the screen the beads of sweat and frown forming on her face was evident.
Mara cursed inwardly, sensing Leia's distress easily and regretting she was tormenting everyone who remotely cared for her. She felt her emotions rippling through the force: Worry for Like, contempt at Mara, confusion at why Luke liked Mara, jealousy at why Luke seemed more interested in Mara than her. Mara grimaced. No wonder Luke had seemed on edge.
"Sorry I don't. Again, really sorry to bother you. I'll let you know if anything comes up," Mara said, suddenly wanting to end the conversation as soon as possible. The lingering discomfort in her senses returned, teasing her and pulling back every time she tried to hone in on it.
Leia still looked worried, but she signed off, presumably getting dressed and going to Luke's apartment if she knew Leia.
"Luke, where are you?" She asked the force, eerie silence staring back at her. I'll try and comm him. He always answers, Mara thought.
Ring after ring passed, each creating a bit more dread within Mara than the previous. She had a feeling that something was wrong. And she somehow knew this was her fault. "Luke!" Mara called out nicely in the force. "Can we talk?"
Halfway between Coruscant and Naboo, Luke heard a faint call. Probably Leia. Shielding himself from the force more carefully, he sighed as he felt the voice fade away, returning to his sleep. The voice was so sweet, so familiar. If only he found the owner in real life. Alas, the great jedi master would have to settle for dreams and hopes, Luke thought to himself.
On Coruscant, Mara was stared outside the balcony at the view of Coruscant's sunrise. It reminded her of Luke's warm smile and those hugs he always offered. She began missing those dearly, wishing again she hadn't been so cold towards him. She wondered what he was doing. Probably on some crazy jedi mission again. Finally got rejected enough times not to offer to take me along, Mara joked to herself, but somehow knew it wasn't this. Why had Maestro Salieri ruined this for her?
She recalled her message, suddenly feeling a pang of guilt for her harsh words. Decided to apologize, she reopened the holopad, clicking on yesterday's message. Hmm, Maestro Salieri and Master Skywalker, what a coincidence two of her favourite people shared the same initials. Suddenly a horrible thought came to mind. Mara shook her head in an attempt to convince herself that was absurd, then eyed the holopad suspiciously, suddenly scared to open the message. Holding her breath, she clicked on it, and eyes wide open, dropped the pad to the floor.
Leia was in her sleep when her comm chimed again. "This better not be Fey'lya again", she muttered, leaving Han's warm embrace and sitting down on the comm. Moments later, Han was woken by a loud scream.
"You told him what?" He heard Leia yell, immediately rushing to her side to check what was happening.
Han saw Mara's downsized face on the hologram, and instantly had a bad feeling.
"What the kriff were you thinking? How dare you talk to my brother like that! Don't ever come again. Luke's too trusting, I knew from the start. You even called the media. All the times I covered for you. All the times Luke defended you. Did that mean nothing?"
Before Mara could muster a response, Leia pressed a button, and the conversation was over. She wanted him here now, to hold her like he did Mykr and Wayland, to soothe her and tell her everything was alright. But she had no one to blame but herself. She had driven him away.
Leia was hysterical, Han holding her as she ranted about Mara abusing Luke. "I should have never trusted that imperial! I knew she was up to something. Oh Han, how will Luke handle this, he must be so broken!" Leia whined, breaking down as she continued, "I can imagine him, telling us how there is no emotion...And...And I'd tell him how I was right and he was too trusting and...Hell I just want him here!"
Han could only hold her, soothing his fiancee's nerve, knowing he would never understand Leia's pain right now. He felt sorry for the kid, knowing full well he was the reason Leia and him were together in their happiness now. He hoped that Luke would find it one day too. He never liked Mara, but hid it as best he could. Normally he would have relished how he was right, yet now he could only feel sympathy for Luke. Luke deserved happiness.